Course Objectives

The course aims to encourage students to become aware of the way gender and ‘masculinity and ‘femininity’ reflect cultural ideas and definitions of equality. What does ‘equality’ mean, and in what ways do we support or refute definitions of equality? How does this affect the way we play the role of man or woman, or express ‘the masculine’ or ‘the feminine’? What are the Norwegian perspectives on these issues?

Course Description

Primary and secondary texts will introduce students to Foucault, Bourdieu, Toril Moi and Jorunn Solheim’s principal ideas on gender and power. These ideas will then be applied to readings and lectures on contemporary Norway, with the principal focus on the workplace. We will examine statistics reflecting gender differences in such areas as health, work, political participation, sport, arts and family life. We will explore questions including “How does legislation affect men’s and women’s experiences of equality?” “How is gender symbolised in the workplace, and why is it symbolised in the workplace?” “How do ideas of femininity and masculinity relate to ideas of strength, health and power?” “Why does the Norwegian workforce continue to reflect traditional gender divisions?”

Learning Methods

2-3 hours per week, 16 weeks pr semester, autumn semester.
Lectures, discussions, group and/or independent projects, field trips. An emphasis will be placed on student participation.

Assessment Methods

Semester project (either independent or group) 50%; oral presentation 25%;
mid-term 25%. All assessed elements of the course must be passed to pass the course.

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