Political Science

This course examines the meaning and role of critique in the social sciences. It focuses on various theoretical conceptions of critique and the application of critique in different fields of research across the social sciences. Through a combination of lectures and discussions, the course develops the skill of criticizing social problems or pathologies and uses this skill in research across disciplines in investigations of the social world. 

This course covers the new concept of multiculturalism as it relates to nation, identity, modernism, post-modernism, and political correctness. Emphasis is placed on multiculturalism as it pertains to Mexico and Latin America. The course examines issues of cultural diversity, the construction of cultural plurality, national and international legal frameworks regarding indigenous matters, and the current state of social transformations, conflicts and resolutions.

This course considers how nuclear energy is viewed from a science, political, and public standpoint. It investigates how one of the most sought-after solutions to climate change is also the most decried one. Based on recognized institutions reports and experts interviews, the course turns to history and physics to explain this energy (and its track record) to address politically and culturally the root of the various debates surrounding its use, impact, and potential threats; investigate the potential it represents in addressing the greatest challenges of our generation and the next; and overall, to rebalance the debate on nuclear energy by exploring its advantages as well as disadvantages, as far removed as possible from the passion it sometimes inspires.

This course investigates the institutional, legal, political, and economic aspects of the global city. It explores how a truly multinational but local-based political community could rise where, in a circular way, native roots, universalism, cultural diversity, and international links can coexist and support each other. It considers how cities have been the standpoint from which scholars investigate macro-phenomena and issues affecting society as a whole, and discusses how any change affecting the delicate urban ecosystem will therefore also have wider repercussions on how global governance itself is conceived.

This course offers an introduction to the academic study of international politics. It begins with a basic introduction to international relations theories, in order to provide the theoretical framework for understanding and debating global topics. The course then moves on to discussing main subjects in contemporary international relations by focusing on the interaction between state actors, non-state actors, and international institutions. It looks specifically at the role of small states like Norway in the international system and how they interact with international institutions and major powers. The final section of the course utilizes the empirical and analytical knowledge gathered to analyze important topics on the global agenda, like the future of globalization and geopolitical conflicts. The class encourages lively discussion, a goal easily met by the students' contribution of their opinions based on their diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.

This course focuses on issues, approaches, and analyses of existing research related to globalization in International Political Economy.

This course examines conflict in world politics. Topics include types of conflicts, causes of conflict; actors in conflict; behavior during conflict; consequences of conflict; and moral evaluation of conflict. In each dimension, the course poses questions and examines different and even opposing answers. Answers are examined illustrating them with cases and/or empirical material. Assessment: coursework (50%) and final exam (50%).

This course explores different sub-disciplines in the field of humanities. Its main focus is concerned with the understanding of human beings and being a human through different disciplinary lenses. This course thematically covers different aspects in humanities with a relevant introductory overview.

This course engages critical and creative discussions about the various aspects of Jerusalem as a rallying point for the contesting groups in the Middle East. Topics include competing narratives; the clash of ethos; city boundaries and territory; demographic and social challenges; citizenship rights; the national and religious character of the city; Islam and nationalism in the local, regional, and international realms; the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa controversy and the future of the Old City and the Holy Basin; Arab neighborhoods and the security barrier; and the struggle for sovereignty and negotiating the Jerusalem issue in the peace process. The course provides an opportunity to conduct a simulation of negotiating the future of Jerusalem within the framework of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This course examines the fundamentals of French contemporary civilization. Topics include the functions of French society, such as the state organization, educational system, press and media, and demographics. Students are required to keep a diary in French and complete a 10-page written report on one of the following topics: political and administrative institution, economy, architecture, history, tourism, or gastronomy.