Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Recommended previous knowledge

SV-133 Introduction to sociology, SV-135 Sociology of welfare and equality and SV-143 Social institutions.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the students should be able to:

  • consider the meaning and problems of ‘the global’ in sociology
  • examine some urgent global issues of today
  • engage with some key thinkers and texts from outside the global north
  • practice critical thinking
  • hone presentation skills

Contents

Sociology has long suffered from Eurocentricity. The issue is not only that many (if not all) of the social thinkers who appear on university curriculums are situated within (and focused upon) the global north, but that the concepts and categories that they take for granted are underpinned by various exclusions and hierarchies that have remained largely invisible. In this course we will not violently reject dominant social theories, but we will open up sociological thought to the multiple and diverse approaches that exist outside of the established mainstream. With these alternative perspectives we hope to ask new questions, and search for new solutions to the global problems that concern us today.

The aims of the course are:

  1. To introduce students to important sociologists outside ‘the canon’ such as Shmuel Eisenstadt, Gurminder Bhambra, Edward Said, Frantz Fanon and Arturo Escobar.
  2. To discuss key concepts such as ‘multiple modernities’, ‘double absence’, ‘orientalism’ and ‘the racial gaze’.
  3. To expand students’ understanding of sociology and global issues.
  4. To encourage students to reflect on their own learning.
  5. To foster critical and creative thinking.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars will begin with short interactive presentations followed by a variety of teaching/learning methods including class debates and small group discussion. The course is intended for both Norwegian and international students. Estimated workload is approximately 270 hours.

Examinations

Individual portfolio assessment. Graded A-F.

More information will be provided in Canvas as the semester starts.

There will not be an opening for a postponed exam in this course.

Student evaluation

Student evaluation is carried out as a midway evaluation and in accordance with the normal arrangement as described in the quality system, chapter 4.1. If necessary, a possible end of semester evaluation may be implemented.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 1:54:16 PM