The course is based primarily on excursions, involving walking tours and trips by public transport, supplemented with lectures and reading seminars. Each seminar consist of a lecture, a text presentation and an excursion. The program will cover a range of different building types, from single-unit dwellings to large-scale projects, and will also provide an overview of crucial moments and developments in the overall planning of Oslo. Students should also have in mind that the field trips will be carried out regardless of weather conditions. Warm and rainproof clothing is advisable, especially in the second half of the semester.
The students will be divided into groups in the early stages of the course. At every seminar one of the groups present a set of given texts for the rest of the group. An important aspect of the assignment is to discuss the Norwegian material within an international framework of contexts and theories. The students are encouraged to employ their own scholarly experience, regional and cultural background in their interpretation of the selected topic. It is mandatory for all students to be present at both lectures and field trips to pass the course. The final exam consists of an individually written essay.