HI-136 Historical thinking and history as science

Teaching language

Norwegian

Course contents

Through this course the students will develop a thorough insight into historical thinking and history as scientific practice. Through working with historical material and scientific historical problems, they will train their abilities to think historically, relate to history as a subject in a scientific manner, and carry out and assess historical surveys.

The course introduces eight basic topics in historical thinking and history as science: Historical meaning, historical perspective, continuity and change, historical explanations, historical sources and documentation, narration and argumentation, truth and truth seeking, academic historical subject- and research ethics.

The course contents provide an academic foundation for further studies of history, but also for methodical teaching and practical skills in line with the national curriculum.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course the students shall

• Be able to understand and apply central concepts within historical thinking and history as science; among others significance, perspective, continuity and change, explanation, sources, documentation, narration, argumentation and truth, and explain why these concepts are academically important

• Have knowledge about basic principles within professional and scientific ethics in history

Skills

Upon completion of the course the students shall

• Master central concepts in written assignments and in discussions with fellow students and teachers

• Be able to formulate problems for surveys in student assignments

• Be able to present surveys and findings to fellow students and teachers

• Be able to find and evaluate relevant material for surveys and student assignments

• Master academic requirements to presentation, objectivity and documentation in his/her own assignments

General competence

Upon completion of the course the students shall

• Have the ability to orient themselves in sources and an extensive literature, and on this basis be able to produce independent work

• Be able to produce written assignments with sound scientific documentation

• Be able to discuss their own and their fellow students’ work in a constructive manner and make use of the academic advice and supervision which is provided in larger or smaller groups

Examination requirements

For students in the teacher education: Portfolio of four assignments, 800-1000 words each. Some of the teaching related to the work with the portfolio will be mandatory. The practice must be completed and passed.

All other students: Portfolio of five assignments, 800-1000 words each. Some of the teaching related to the work with the portfolio will be mandatory.

Teaching methods

Lectures, workshops and study groups. Seminars related to work with the portfolios are compulsory. Which seminars will be specified on Canvas when the semester starts. Some of the teachings may be given in English.

The workload is estimated to about 270 hours.

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Assessment methods and criteria

2-hour individual written examination Graded assessment (30%)

Individual portfolio with four assignments from the portfolio. 800-1000 words each. All four assignments must be assessed as a pass. Graded assessment. (70%)