STV4227B - Geopolitics and Governance in the High North
Course description
Course content
This course studies Arctic change from the perspectives of geopolitics and governance. Geopolitics denotes the interplay of natural resources, geographic space and strategic dominance, whereas governance is about creating and operating institutions that structure the interaction of state and non-state actors in pursuance of individual as well as collective interests. Climate change and the retraction of the polar ice are in the process of opening new and shorter sea routes between Asia and Europe or North America and might improve access to natural resources in the High North, like minerals, petroleum and some fish stocks. These and other developments may generate conflict but also strengthen incentives for cooperation. The course examines how Arctic change relates to processes and drivers at the global level, including recent developments in ocean law and politics and the rising prominence of Asian states in the world economy. Among the issue areas studied are sovereignty and military security, energy developments, environmental protection and indigenous peoples.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The student will:
- obtain knowledge about patterns of international conflict and cooperation in the High North
- become familiar with various strands of geopolitical thinking and how they can be applied in empirical analysis
- be acquainted with international as well as transnational institutions that impinge on Arctic developments and understand their respective roles in governing economic activities and mitigating tension among states
- understand the interaction of politics and law in a range of High North issue areas
Skills
The student will:
- learn to compare and contrast different perspectives on High North developments
- be trained in applying analytical tools and models to describe and diagnose Arctic governance challenges
- acquire the capacity to evaluate the adequacy of existing and proposed institutional options for responding to Arctic problems
- be able to assess the plausibility of future trajectories of High North geopolitics
Competences
The student will:
- become conversant with a major field of international politics which is of great importance for Norway
- be able to critically review analyses and policy recommendations others make concerning developments and challenges in the High North
Admission
Students admitted to other Master programmes may be qualified to apply for the course. Please see the webpage on Admission to single master's courses.
For incoming students: All Master's courses in Political Science must be registered manually by the Department, they will not appear in Studentweb. Contact your international coordinator at UiO.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or European Studies.
Teaching
Teaching will combine lectures with seminar-format discussion of questions and exercises. The lectures are held intensively for a period of 5 weeks, with the exam in the sixth week.
This course will be taught at the University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used. Fronter will normally be used.
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.
In addition, students are expected to contribute to one group presentation on a given subject and to participate actively in discussions.
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 written exam counts 51% of the grade and the essay 49%, and in order to pass the course, your essay and your written exam must be passed in the same semester as your 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
It is generally possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
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.
Explanations and appeals
- Explanation of grades - deadline and processing time
- Appeal about grades
- Complaint about formal exam errors
Ask for explanation of your grade in this course
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
If you wish to withdraw from the exam you must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
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.