Admittance requirements
General requirements for study competence at university level. Although there are no specific prerequisites, we recommend that you have completed one year of undergraduate studies in your home country, preferably within the field of social sciences.

Location
Bodø Regional University has close to 5000 students and is located in the city of Bodø in the southern part of Northern Norway. Although the city is located north of the Polar Circle, the climate is mild. This part of Norway is known for its exiting nature, offering excellent possibilities for outdoor life and experience.  

What is offered
Bodø Regional University is known for its good learning environment and a variety of student activities. No tuition fees have to be paid, but the students have to pay their own accommodation costs as well as for learning materials. Student accommodation is located close to campus.

Objectives
An introduction for foreign students in basic features of the Scandinavian societies with emphasis on Norwegian societal institutions and their functions, political institutions and the political system as well as historical outlines of the Norwegian society.  The study programme will be of special relevance for students who want to combine a one semester social science programme with a shorter stay in Norway, included in their BA program as electives or as a minor. The programme will also be of relevance for Norwegian students, who want to experience a foreign student environment.  

The programme starts in early September end ends at the turn of November. 

Organisation
The programme is organised into three separate courses, which may be taken separately. Students are expected to write a paper within each of the courses.   

Content
The study programme gives a broad introduction to the Scandinavian societies with a special emphasis on the Norwegian society. .    

Introduction
The first week will be devoted to an introduction of the study program and getting acquainted with Bodø Regional University, Bodø city and the Salten region. Excursions will also take place.

Part 1. Historical Outlines of Modern Norway (6 ECTS credits)
This course will focus on Norway becoming an independent nation, the constitution and Parliament and economic and political development in our century.  The syllabus will consist of about 300 pages.

Part 2. Political Institutions and the Political System (12 ECTS credits)
This course will focus on the development of basic political rights, political participation and political institutions. The Cabinet, the Parliament and parliamentarism as the governing principle as well as the Scandinavian model of government will be highlighted. Parts of the course will be devoted to a comparative perspective on Scandinavian politics with special focus on Norwegian politics. The syllabus will consist of about 700 pages.

Part 3. A Sociological Outlook on the Norwegian Society (12 ECTS credits)
This course will focus on basic social features and institutions, their function and change: The family institution, womens’ rights, religion and secularity, education and culture, class and labour market, social rights and the welfare state. The syllabus will consist of about 700 pages.      

Teaching
All teaching will be in English and in the form of lectures and seminars. The students are supposed to take part in an active manner in discussions at the seminars and use the remaining time for self-study and discussions with their fellow students.

Evaluation
The three papers will constitute the final exam of the courses. Students may work in pairs writing the papers. Each paper is expected to be 5-7 pages. In case not all of the three courses have been taken, documentation and marks will be given for those taken.

Transferable credits
The Norwegian study points are similar to the points in the European Transferable Credit System (ETCS).