STV4158B – Democratic Citizenship
Course description
Course content
The idea of democratic citizenship has a long and multifaceted history. While there is a general consensus that citizenship as a status and as a mode of behavior is desirable and should be fostered as an integral component of democracy, the concept itself remains a complex and often elusive one. This is due among other things to the fact that ideas of democratic citizenship often rest on different theoretical and empirical perspectives. What is democratic citizenship and what characterizes “the good democratic citizen?” These are questions that are central to the course.
Learning outcome
The course is designed to give students insight into some of the major perspectives that have been predominant in debates about democratic citizenship in recent years – in particular the liberal-communitarian debate and the discussion of social capital. The course also examines empirical research results relating to issues of democratic citizenship and “citizen virtues” as these may be defined by different normative perspectives. The course is intended to give participants an opportunity to reflect over the meaning of democratic citizenship, why it is important and what it implies.
Admission
Students admitted to other Master programs may also be qualified to apply for the course. Please contact the Department of Political Science.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or equivalent.
Teaching
This course will be taught at the University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used. Fronter will normally be used.
Lectures will be given in a period of 5 weeks. The course is part of the regular course offerings at the Faculty of Social Science. Teaching is mainly held during the daytime. Detailed course-information is found on the Webpage for the current semester.
Examination
One or more written essay (10-15 pages in length), and a 3-hour written exam.
The number of essays to be handed in varies from semester to semester. The course convenor will inform the class of this in the beginning of the semester.
In order to receive a passing grade on the essay, your topic will have to reflect the course readings and curriculum. All chosen topics should be approved by the course instructor before the deadline. An essay topic not reflecting the curriculum, will receive a failing grade (F).
The final exam counts 60% of the grade, and in order to pass the course, your essay and your written exam must be passed in the same semester as the course is taught. You will receive one overall grade for the course.
The Faculty of Social Science is responsible for the exam(s), and exam(s) are/is normally held at the University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail.
Examination results are available in StudentWeb within three weeks after the examination-date, if no other information is given on the Webpage for the current semester.
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
This course is evaluated half way through every semester and every four year the course undergoes a thorough evaluation.
An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course and he/she makes a written report every year.