Political Elites and Legislatures (BST330)
Political elites, though elected to represent the will of the people, hold disproportionate power and influence over the direction of policy and governance, and often act against the public’s policy preferences and priorities. Understanding how elites operate within legislative bodies is key to analyzing political decision-making and representation. This course is an introduction to the incentive structures (e.g., electoral incentives, role orientations) that shape the actions of elected representatives both inside and outside legislatures, as well as the institutional frameworks, political dynamics, and external pressures that influence their behavior and decision-making processes. Throughout the semester, we will also cover some essential elements of parliaments and legislative politics.
This course provides students with the analytical tools and in-depth knowledge required for careers in legislative staff roles, political campaign teams, and entry-level positions in supranational organizations like the UN, OECD, and NATO, among others. Additionally, the skills acquired are highly relevant for employment in interest groups, bureaucratic agencies, and other institutions that engage with policymaking and governance.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
BST330
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Note
Course does not start before autumn 2027
Content
The course begins by examining the dominant sociodemographic characteristics of political elites, followed by a discussion of empirical studies that test theories of elite exceptionalism—the idea that political elites are fundamentally different from the general public in their decision-making. Subsequent lectures will focus on (i) how institutional features embedded in legislatures and electoral systems incentivize specific types of elite behavior, (ii) the various strategies political elites adopt, both inside and outside parliament, to further their careers, (iii) how the interaction between institutional features and elite strategies shapes representational outcomes, and (iv) how non-electoral incentives, such as legislators’ role orientations, influence elite actions and speech in legislatures. Early in the semester, the course will also provide brief introductions to key political institutions, which will serve as the foundation for later lectures.
Lectures in this course will be delivered in English, though assessment is in both Norwegian and English.
Learning outcome
Upon completing this course, students will achieve the following learning outcomes
Students will have knowledge:
- about legislative processes, political representation and accountability
- about the perils of elite decision-making
Students will be able to:
- assess democratic outcomes produced by different types of political institutions
- analyze the legislative effectiveness of politicians and their political partie
- critically evaluate empirical evidence presented in academic literature
General competencies: Students will:
- further develop their skills in reading and discussing academic articles
- enhance their ability to assess qualitative and quantitative evidence
- deepen their civic competencies by assessing the effectiveness of politicians, legislative processes, and outcomes
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School exam | 1/1 | 5 Hours | Letter grades |
Coursework requirements
- #1: Wiki entry about politicians and their legislative work (online submission)
- #2: Country report (online submission)