Course content

The course on political philosophy discusses key original works by Hobbes, Hegel, John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, Nancy Fraser and Axel Honneth.
Central issues: the relationship between individual and state, the political role of civil society, challenges connected to contemporary multiculturalism in Western societies, the primacy of distributional justice versus the primacy of recognition.

Learning outcome

The course seeks to give the students a comprehensive understanding of the
most influential positions developed within political and social
philosophy in the West from Hobbes to the present.

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.

Only master degree students in philosophy can formally enroll, and take the course for credits. The 30-credits version of the course is available only for students who choose to write a MA-essay, FIL4091, instead of a Master's Thesis, FIL4090, and therefore need further 30 credits.

Prerequisites

Recommended previous knowledge

Overlapping courses

10 credits overlap with FIL4330 – Political Philosophy

Teaching

14 double sessions with seminar.

Compulsory tuition activity:

An oral presentation in class of approximately 15-25 minutes. The presentation must be accepted as satisfactory in order for you to qualify for the final exam.

Examination

A term paper of 25-50 pages à 2300 characters, literature list not included.  The paper is to be submitted in Fronter. The topic must be approved by the teacher.

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

Resit an examination

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Facts about this course

Credits
30
Level
Master
Teaching
Every spring
Examination
Every spring
Teaching language
Norwegian (English on request)