About this course

The course gives an advanced, graduate-level introduction to the emergence, expansion and influence of International Organizations, with an emphasis on the post-Cold War period. The course will provide a theoretically informed understanding of the role and work of IOs, and empirical knowledge about contemporary IOs. Drawing on existing literature and debates about IOs as independent agents or instruments for state power, including theories of international bureaucracies, advocacy networks, legitimacy and authority, experts and epistemic communities, IOs as communities of practice, and the (de)politicization of IOs.

Learning outcome

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Recognize the role and power of IOs in the international order and in governing global politics in different policy fields
  • Engage critically with academic writing on international organizations
  • Link conceptual discussions about IOs with current events

  • Learning activities

    The course comprises lectures and seminars. The learning platform Canvas provides details about the individual sessions of the course and the assigned readings.

  • Teaching support

    Office hours and procedures are established at the first meeting of the course. A course schedule will be distributed before.

  • Syllabus

    A literature list will be available in canvas before the course starts.

  • Prerequisites

    General knowledge of international relations and international politics.

  • Assessment method

    Combined assessment. Grades are on A-F scale:

    Mid-term exam (40%): Individual three-hour exam about conceptual approaches in IO literature.

    Research paper (60%): Individual research paper of 3000 words on a self-defined essay topic.



    Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddelkode: A2 No calculator, other aids as specified Karakterregel: Letter grades

  • About use of AI

    Written exam: K1-no use of AI

    Final essay: K3-AI use according to NMBU guidelines

    Groupwork: K3-AI use according to NMBU guidelines

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    Internal and external examiner. External examiner grades a selection of the papers.

  • Mandatory activity

    Student-led seminar.

  • Teaching hours

    The course comprises lectures and seminars. Lectures are weekly and last 2x45min. Seminars last 2x45.

  • Preferential right

    M-IR and M-GEP

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)