IDE2014 – The Public Sphere, Freedom of Press and Political Ideas around 1814
Course description
Course content
The Norwegian Constitution of 1814 declared, among other things, that "There shall be freedom of print" and "Everyone shall be free to speak his mind frankly on the administration of the State and on any other subject whatsoever" (Article 100). Ever since, freedom of expression and a public deliberation have been conceived as self-evident features of modern democracy in Norway. But what is a public sphere? How did ideas of freedom of expression develop? Why should jews not be admitted into the country? And what does popular sovereignty mean?
The course investigates main points in the intellectual and institutional background for some of the political ideas expressed in the Norwegian Constitution of 1814. It addresses the emergence of a debating public sphere and modern political ideas both in Europe and in Denmark-Norway prior to 1814. The syllabus provides historical overview and presents various theoretical perspectives in the research on the history of the public sphere and modern political ideas. Primary sources will be part of the syllabus.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- Acquired knowledge about the intellectual and historical background for crucial political ideas in the Norwegian Constitution of 1814
- Learned to identify theoretical developments in the research on the history of the public sphere and the idea of freedom of expression
- Developed your skills in reading and analyzing primary sources from 18th and 19th century intellectual history
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course requires basic knowledge of Scandinavian history and European intellectual history. It assumes a good proficiency in oral and written English.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with IDE4014 – The Public Sphere, Freedom of Press and Political Ideas around 1814.
Teaching
10 double sessions of lectures and 4 double sessions of seminars .
You are expected to participate actively in the seminar discussions. Teaching activity will also take place in Canvas.
Examination
Three-day home examination.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. The exam text will be available in English and Norwegian.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.