POLITICS, THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIETY – PROGRAMME SUBJECT IN PROGRAMMES FOR SPECIALIZATION IN GENERAL STUDIES (POS1-01)

The main subject area Social science working methods deals with how social science researchers work, and with methodological and ethical questions relating to research. It is also concerned with how methods can be tested through planning, implementation, analysis and interpretation of studies.

The main subject area Phases of life deals with socialization and the growing-up environment during childhood and adolescence, marital and cohabitation issues and the challenges of old age. It is also concerned with how the challenges of the various phases of life are related to personal resources, the circumstances of one’s surroundings and to society at large.

The main subject area Welfare differences involves an analysis of welfare differences in Norway. It deals in particular with the welfare situation of immigrants and the disabled.

The main subject area Social problems is concerned with the causes and effects of social problems. The abuse of children and youngsters, crime and drug abuse are also key subjects.

The main subject area The welfare state and human rights deals with the principles of the Welfare State, legislation and political governance, as well as present and future challenges facing the Welfare State.

The main subject area Sociogeographical tools and methods deals with geographical work methods and levels. It is also concerned with geographical information systems, sociogeographical map analysis and with statistical data.

The main subject area Population and settlement geography deals with demographical conditions and relationships. Settlement patterns and global population development are also included in the main subject area. Also covered are such aspects as population growth, population policies and migration.

The main subject area Economic geography deals with the relationship between resources, finances and social change. It also encompasses recent localization theory and the effect of technology on the global economy, the division of labour and the environment.

The main subject area Change in cities and regions deals with different aspects of regions and how change in cities can affect living conditions among populations. The assessment of local planning projects is included in the main subject area, as is the term location and factors that can affect a location.

The main subject area Development geography is about how development theories account for poverty and elaborate on strategies for development. Furthermore, it includes political geography, environmental challenges and socio-geographical conditions in Norway as compared with those in poor countries.

The main subject area Social science modes of thought deals with modes of thought in sociology and social anthropology, social behaviour and social systems. It is also concerned with how social scientists acquire knowledge about a society.

The main subject area Cultural understanding deals with similarities and differences between cultures. Also dealt with are the following: Stability and change in cultures, family and kinship schemes, the functions of marriage and the significance of religion for the individual and society.

The main subject area Socialization deals with socialization in dissimilar cultures and primary and secondary groups and with the role of the mass media in socialization. It is also concerned with communication between people and with social deviations.

The main subject area Production and labour concerns production in different cultures and eras, as well as the significance of work for the individual and for society. It includes organizational theories, work environment, the Knowledge and Information Society, and the international division of labour.

The main subject area Distribution of goods deals with power and the distribution of power with respect to political ideologies. It also covers layering, class, social inequality and mobility.

The main subject area Political processes and institutions is about political influence and the relationships between values and political actions in Norway. Formal features of political activity and the role of the mass media as a political player are also integral to the main subject area.

The main subject area Democracy and co-citizenship deals with continuity in and breach of democratic traditions and the requisite conditions for citizenship and democratic forms of government. The main subject area is also concerned with the position of indigenous peoples, and national and ethnic minorities within democracy.

The main subject area International political systems and players is concerned with political systems, agreements and important international players. Power and the use of power in intergovernmental relations are also included in the main subject area, and the influence of the media in international politics also plays a key role.

The main subject area International cooperation and conflicts is concerned with forms of collaboration and with regional and global conflicts. It also deals with issues related to peace, security and the environment.

The main subject area Human rights values deals with the development of human rights and the ethical and legal foundation of such rights. Also included in the main subject area are important declarations and conventions in international politics.

The main subject area Human rights in practical politics involves the analysis of what causes violations of human rights. Also dealt with are institutions that promote and enforce human rights, as well as various schemes and initiatives that could prevent the violation of human rights.