Course Objectives

The course gives an overview of the development of the views on human life and nature in western thought, from antiquity until the present. Ideas of nature and humanity and their history will be discussed in light of mainstream and critical western thought (cf. overview course). Non-western views on nature and humanity will also be discussed. Part of the course will deal with thoughts on nature and humanity that have been central to Norwegian folk tradition and to the creation of a Norwegian identity. The course may form part of a Bachelor degree in the humanities, but may also be suitable for students studying Environmental, Health Sport and Outdoor Life subjects.

Course Description

Central ideas and themes include: monism and dualism in views on nature and humanity; natural orderliness and justice; the natural and the created; nature as creation, the mechanistic world view; nature in folk tradition; nature and national identity; nature in literature and naturalism and perspectives on humanity.

Students must write a term paper, the topic of which must be approved by the supervisor. Compulsory supervision.

Learning Methods

Lectures and seminars 3 - 4 hours per week.

Assessment Methods

The ongoing assessment includes written tests and/or submission of written work which counts for 40% of the final grade. The final written examination will represent 60% of the final grade. Students must achieve passing grades for both the ongoing assessment and the final examination in order to earn a final passing grade for the course. Graded marks.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean