NORAM1504 – Introduction to Canadian studies
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course gives an introduction to Canada, the second largest country in the world, which shares the world's longest undefended border with the world's remaining superpower, the USA. Though the two nations have their common heritage in pioneering the new world, and share a friendship thicker than water, we can notice very contrasting histories and ideologies in the birth and development of these two nations, with Canada being rooted in both British and French tradition.
The first half of this course gives a comprehensive overview of Canadian life and society, including such areas as geography, history, the political system, and Canada's culture and economy. The course then looks at the challenges facing Canada in the 21st Century with focus on the following: federalism, the Constitutional dilemma, immigration and multiculturalism, the First Nations, gender equality, specific regions in Canada with special emphasis on Québec, and Canada's cultural identity compared to that of the USA. Throughout the course comparisons will be made to the USA and Scandinavia/Europe. The course in its entirety will give the students a firm grasp of Canadian society, its institutions, its relationship with the USA, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Learning outcome
The course attempts to give the students a multi-faceted understanding of Canada's special position on the North American continent, both in a historical and a contemporary perspective.
Admission
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.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The course can be taken as a first course. Admission to the course is required.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English
Teaching
The course is taught throughout the semester with 2 hours per week, 28 hours in all. There is a mid-term break (one week in autumn term, two weeks in spring term) during which the students are expected to prepare obligatory assignments (see below) and otherwise study on their own.
Examination
Four-hour written exam. To be able to sit for the exam an oral presentation has to be approved.
Previous exams: http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ilos/NORAM1504/Eksamensoppgaver/Eksamensoppgaver.xml
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.
Results will be found on the StudentWeb three weeks after the exam is completed.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.