Program Overview

Introduction to Norway - INTRO175

Course Details

The Introduction to Norway course is designed to help foreign students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology develop knowledge and understanding of different aspects of Norwegian history, politics, culture, and contemporary society at a foundational academic level.

Course Content

The course covers various topics, including:

• Modern political and social history of Norway and the development of the modern welfare state
• Norwegian topography, demography, climate, and natural resources, and how these factors explain social, political, and economic development
• The Norwegian political system, political parties, and important political discussions
• The political economy of contemporary Norway
• Norwegian foreign policy and foreign relations
• Childhood and the educational system in Norway
• Religion in Norway and important Norwegian values
• Languages and literature in Norway
• Ethnic minorities, with a particular emphasis on the Sami population

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The candidate will have knowledge about:

• The modern political and social history of Norway and the development of the modern welfare state
• Norwegian topography, demography, climate, and natural resources, and how these factors explain social, political, and economic development
• The Norwegian political system, political parties, and important political discussions
• The political economy of contemporary Norway
• Norwegian foreign policy and foreign relations
• Childhood and the educational system in Norway
• Religion in Norway and important Norwegian values
• Languages and literature in Norway
• Ethnic minorities, with a particular emphasis on the Sami population

Skills

The candidate will be able to:

• Describe and discuss the knowledge elements presented above at a foundational academic level
• Critically analyze the political and social development of Norway in light of its history, topography, and demography
• Find and discuss digital and analog information about Norway

General Competence

The candidate will:

• Understand various paths of national development
• Have developed their proficiency in oral and written English

Learning Methods and Activities

Teaching is organized in 8-10 teaching sessions, including lectures, discussions, and in-class exercises. The main channel of communication and contact between students and between students and academic staff is Blackboard, a learning management system.

Evaluation

The exam consists of an individual written exam of 4 hours. The exam can be taken according to general NTNU rules.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

It is recommended that students have a good command of English.

Required Previous Knowledge

The course is especially developed as an introduction for foreign exchange students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and is open to foreign students studying at the university for a shorter or longer period.

Course Materials

The final curriculum list will be posted in Blackboard before the start of the semester.

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with HAINTRO106. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• Social Studies

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Foundation courses, level I
• Course start: Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination arrangement: School exam