This text has been translated from Norwegian with the assistance of GPT UiO.
– Which teaching program would you like to highlight for your colleagues at the faculty right now?
– I am currently teaching a master's course called "The Politics of Bureaucracy". It explores how politics influences public administration and how, in turn, administration impacts politics. What is unique about this course is that it is offered as a regular module for our master's students, while simultaneously being available as a fully digital module for students at the University of Oslo's partner universities within the Circle U. collaboration. As far as I am aware, this is quite a unique arrangement that allows students from our partner institutions to select a subject not available at their own universities. The best part about the Circle U. collaboration is that it enables me to invite highly skilled colleagues from partner institutions to deliver lectures, either physically in Oslo or as "digital guests". Typically, I lecture during the first half, and my guest takes over in the second half. It works very well!
– Who are you collaborating with?
– In this course, I work alongside Yves Steinebach and Pierre Squevin from the Department of Political Science, who both lecture on topics closely tied to their own research. I've hosted two guests from Aarhus, Heidi Houlberg Salomonsen and Amalie Trangb?k, one guest from King’s College, Francesca Vantaggiato, and one from UCLouvain, Scott Brenton. All are brilliant researchers and lecturers, and I've even learned a lot myself! Beyond my own course, I have a few lectures in a bachelor-level module this semester, which was developed in collaboration with my colleague Jens Jungblut a few years ago.
– In your opinion, what are the three most important factors for achieving good teaching in this field?
– The most important factor is teaching closely aligned with one's research interests. Following this, close collaboration with colleagues contributes significantly to quality teaching. Similar to how collaboration in research in my field has increased compared to a few years ago, I believe we should work together in the planning and implementation of teaching. Lastly, it's vital that students practise writing longer scientific texts and receive feedback on them. This is essential for learning and cannot be replaced by a school examination.
– If you were to give one piece of advice to new teachers at the faculty, what would it be?
– Do not hesitate to reach out to your colleagues in the study administration — they are extremely competent and usually have answers to any questions you might have.