Course description for 2026/27
Nordic Politics
SA210S
Course description for 2026/27

Nordic Politics

SA210S
This course presents and compares the political systems of the Nordic countries. It starts out with a presentation of the common liberal democratic foundation the Nordic political systems are built upon, followed up by a brief historical sketch of the political development from the 1800s and up to the present political institutions.
This course presents and compares the political systems of the Nordic countries. It starts out with a presentation of the common liberal democratic foundation the Nordic political systems are built upon, followed up by a brief historical sketch of the political development from the 1800s and up to the present political institutions. It then moves on to The Nordic Model of Government, dealing with central aspects like parliamentarism, consensual democracy, corporatism, welfare state, political party system, regional and local government and international relations concerning both the EU and High North issues. Through the course Norway and its political system is used as the starting point and the main example.
Admission occurs based on general study competence (university entrance) according to current Norwegian regulations.

Knowledge

The student

  • has broad knowledge of important topics, theories, problems, processes, tools and methods in the subject area Nordic Politics
  • is familiar with research and development work in the field Nordic Politics
  • can update his/her knowledge in the subject area Nordic Politics
  • is familiar with the subject area’s history, traditions, distinctive nature and place in society

Skills

The student

  • can apply academic knowledge to practical and theoretical problems and explain his/her choices
  • can reflect on his/her own academic practice and adjust it under supervision
  • can find, assess and refer to information and academic material and relate it to an issue
  • masters relevant academic tools, techniques and styles

General Competence

The student

  • has insight into relevant ethical issues relating to the field/ profession
  • can plan and carry out tasks and projects alone or as part of a group and in accordance with ethical requirements and principles
  • can present important academic material such as theories, problems and solutions, both in writing and orally, as well as using other relevant forms of communication
  • can exchange opinions with others with a background in the field and participate in discussions concerning the development of good practice
  • is familiar with new ideas and innovative processes
No costs except semester registration fee and syllabus literature.
Annual evaluations which are included in the university´s quality assurance system one midterm evaluation and one end of term evaluation.

Compound assessment (SV). Grading A - F:

Course work (AK):

Written assignments (answers to 4 module questions). The written assignments are preliminary examinations.

Grading: approved/not approved.

Oral Exam (MU):

The exam consists of an oral examination.

Grading: A-F.

The oral exam accounts for 100/100 of the final exam grade.

Course work an exam will be conducted in English, and must be answered in English.

Passing both AK and MU is required to successfully complete the course.

All means including course literature, internet, library, etc. but no artificial intelligence.

Generating responses using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT or similar, and submitting them entirely or partially as one's own work is considered cheating.

None

Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:

SA210S-2 - Scandinavian Politics - 10 credits

SA210S-001 - Take-home examination - 6 credits

SA210S-002 - Portfolio assessment - 4 credits

Curriculum literature
Leganto
Course language
English
Credits
10
Responsible faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences

Course coordinator

Employee photo: Annelin Seppola
Associate Professor

Annelin Seppola

annelin.seppola@nord.no