Course Objectives

Students will gain a holistic view about cultural studies, working methods and studying techniques. They will gain insight into the field of cultural policy and the growth of modern cultural policies. They will also acquire an overview of the leading international players in the field. Students will acquire the ability to reflect and analyse how government policies influence the distribution of resources in the cultural field.

Course Description

The course will provide students with an overview of the cultural policy field, with an emphasis on current cultural policy. Through a wide presentation of the arts, voluntary organisations and the cultural industry, one will discuss current cultural policy problems, views, and the ideologies behind them.
The central themes are:
The definition of culture, cultural policy ideologies and goals
The growth of public cultural policy
Leisure, cultural consumption, subcultures
Public cultural organisations, interest groups and cultural policy means
Art in society: institutions, professions, the public and dissemination
Voluntary organisations in the cultural field
Cultural economic subjects
Norwegian cultural debate
International cultural policy (UNESCO, the Council of Europe)

Learning Methods

Lectures, field trips, written and oral assignments in connection to the lectures.
Attendance of the introductory week, including a field trip in the region, is obligatory.
The course includes a one-week internship at a cultural office, at the municipal or county-municipal level, with a concluding report.

Assessment Methods

An obligatory written assignment which counts for 30% of the final grade. 5-hour individual written examination which counts for 70% of the final grade. Graded marks. Students must receive passing marks in both the written assignment and the final examination in order to achieve a passing mark for the course.

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