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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

Each year students from some 90 countries travel to Norway to attend the University of Oslo International Summer School—and for good reason. This six-week program is filled with interactive moments, idea exchanges between a vast variety of cultures and backgrounds, and field experiences that allow you to see classroom subjects come to life. Coursework takes a comparative approach to subjects within the social sciences and humanities, with Norway as the basis for discussion. You’ll return with a deep understanding of the history, culture, and beauty of Norway and Scandinavia.

Unique study opportunities

  • Take area studies courses on such topics as architecture and design, gender equality, Scandinavian film, and politics.
  • Go on class field trips throughout Oslo and surrounding areas.
  • Experience a variety of educational activities, including a cultural evening with performances, food, and conversation from all over the world.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Norwegian Language Study: Optional

Norwegian language courses are available at the beginning and intermediate levels. 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take one to two courses for a total of 10 quarter/6.6 semester UC units from one of the following options:
    • One 10 quarter/6.6 semester UC unit Norwegian language course. Levels I and II are graded pass/no pass only; level III may be taken for a letter grade or pass/no pass
    • One 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC unit course taken for a letter grade plus a 2 quarter/1.3 semester UC unit course on Norwegian Life and Society graded pass/no pass only
    • Two 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC unit courses. You may take one course for pass/no pass

Current Program Courses

Course offerings vary each summer and include several courses of varying unit values in the social sciences and humanities to choose from. Other than Norwegian language classes, all courses are upper-division.

You will take one or two courses depending on the unit value per course. You will choose from the following course combination options:

Option 1

One Intensive Norwegian Language course for 10 quarter/6.6 semester UC units:

  • Intensive Elementary Norwegian, Level I (graded pass/no pass only)
  • Intensive Elementary Norwegian, Level II (graded pass/no pass only)
  • Intensive Elementary Norwegian, Level III
Option 2

Required 2 quarter/1.3 semester UC unit course:

  • Norwegian Life and Society (graded pass/no pass only)

One course worth 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC units:

  • Norwegian Architecture, Urban Planning and Design (offered in odd numbered years)
  • Art in Norway​ (offered in even numbered years)
  • Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
  • The Norwegian Welfare State
  • Trends in Scandinavian Film and TV
Option 3

Two courses worth 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units each. You'll choose one course held in the morning and one held in the afternoon:

  • Norwegian History
  • International Politics
  • Norwegian Literature
  • Political Data Science Hackathon

 

Additional or optional coursework, internships, or research outside the program are not possible.

Catalogs and resources

  • UiO Summer Course Catalog: Click on the course title for a full course description. You will choose from the list of bachelor’s courses.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

With its motto “Come to Norway, Experience the World,” the International Summer School commits to offering a truly global experience to every student. From its opening ceremony and reception through its extensive academic and social program with excursions and events, the school lives up to its reputation as an international learning environment. Instructors include faculty from the University of Oslo and from universities outside of Norway.

The method of exams varies per course. Your grade may be based on a group project, mid-term, final, take-home exam, or any combination of these. Retaking exams is not an option.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. 

Grades for this program are typically available in early October.