Course
Energy and Environmental Politics (BST210)
This course takes the history of environmental politics and core environmental concepts, theories and environmental discourses nationally and internationally as the point of departure. The main focus is on energy and climate politics and policy, and its related political controversies. The course emphasises Norwegian energy and environmental policy, the actors and ideological cleavages. In addition, the course covers core international environmental treaties.
Dette er emnebeskrivelsen for studieåret 2025-2026
Fakta
Emnekode
BST210
Vekting (stp)
10
Semester undervisningsstart
Spring
Undervisningsspråk
English, Norwegian
Antall semestre
1
Vurderingssemester
Spring
Content
The course contains a general introduction to theoretical perspectives and controversies in energy and environmental politics. It has a special focus on the tensions between the production and consumption of fossil fuels and climate change. What are for instance the implications of the Paris Agreement for Norway's petroleum policies and the future use of fossil fuels? This issue is discussed in relation to cleavages and actors in energy- and environmental politics, measures in environmental policy, the organization of environmental institutions and principles of environmental policy, international environmental treaties, the ethical foundation of environmental policy and green political theory.
The course will be taught in English if there are English-speaking students enrolled in the course.
If the course does not have at least 10 registered students by 20 August, the course will not be offered. The students will be notified of this via Canvas.
Learning outcome
Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the following knowledge, skills and general competencies:
Knowledge
Students will:
- have knowledge of core national and international discourses on energy and the environment, and various environmental positions related to these issues.
- have advanced knowledge of the challenges associated with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the climate negotiations and the Paris Agreement, the use of fossil fuels, Carbon, Capture and Storage (CCS), and more.
Skills
Students will be able to:
- apply different theoretical approaches in the analysis of Norwegian and international environmental policy.
- critically evaluate different energy- and environmental policy measures.
- discuss the ethical and normative foundation of energy and environmental politics.
Competencies:
Students will be able to:
- use the knowledge and skills in the analysis of energy- and environmental issues.
- present central theories and problems in writing and orally, as well as exchange views with others within the subject area.
Forkunnskapskrav
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home assignment | 1/1 | 3 Days | Letter grades | All |
Assignments need to be written in their entirety by students themselves. Students may not use generative AI tools (ChatGPT or similar) to produce text or to revise and polish drafts prior to submission.
