The Nansen Academy was founded in 1938 to protect human rights, democracy and freedom of speech, and to oppose totalitarian ideologies. Philosophy, politics, literature and art are the main topics taught at the Nansen Academy.
The Nansen Academy is situated 180 km north of Oslo, in an idyllic residential area close to the centre of Lillehammer, a town of 25.000 people.
The students select one of the following courses:
- Philosophy and Politics
- International Politics
- Literature
- Creative Writing
- Visual Arts
All students attend Humanist studies: History of Philosophy, Art History and International Politics.There are also several elective subjects. There are open lectures most Wednesday evenings, with guest lecturers with various backgrounds: Researchers, politicians, artist and authors.
The Academy has 92 students, and serves as a meeting ground for people of different cultural, religious and political backgrounds. All classes are in Norwegian language, and applicants must have good understanding of Norwegian language in order to be admitted to the Academy.
The Norwegian Centre for Peace and Dialogue has offices in the same building. The centre is involved in peace- and dialogue work in various conflict areas.
The liberal folk high schools are built on values that are not based on one particular belief. They encourage students with different interests and beliefs to apply.
