HI-412 Understanding historical time and the use of history

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in History

Teaching language

English.

Course contents

The aim of the course is twofold. In its first half, it discusses various theories and approaches in understanding history and historical time, including: historical consciousness; rethinking time and space in History; the relationship between History, social time and time orientation; the relationship between History, heritage and memory; the relationship between History and tradition; conceptual approaches to History; innovation approaches to History. The second part of the course discusses various uses of History in politics, identity building, economy and commercialization, culture and entertainment, as well as history uses in schools and by religions.

Learning outcomes

1. Knowledge

Upon completion of the course the students shall have an advanced knowledge of:

• various theories on and approaches to historical time(s)

• how to study History by using conceptual approaches

• how to understand History better by using innovation theories

• the relationship between History, memory, heritage, and identity

• the relationship between History, social time and time orientation

• the difference between History and the use(s) of History

• various uses of History in politics, education and society

 

2. Skills

Upon completion of the course the students shall be able to:

• master central historical terms and approaches, as for example ¿historical consciousness¿, ¿use of history¿, ¿memory policy¿

• apply theories on historical time(s) to their own historical research

• apply theories on history use to their own historical research

• recognize and analyse the use(s) of History in various periods and epistemological and social areas

• formulate research problems related to historical time and history use

• carry out independent research of international standards on subjects related to historical time and history use

 

3. General competence

Upon completion of the course the students shall be able to (independently and in cooperation with others):

• use their theoretical knowledge of history and its use(s) and importance to participate actively in a democratic society

• use her/his knowledge on the use(s) of history to analyse and discuss relevant educational, social, cultural, and political aspects

• apply their theoretical knowledge of history and its use(s) and importance as employee of schools, museums, or mass media

• participate in relevant academic and non-academic debates

Examination requirements

(a) Active participation at five obligatory seminars during which each student is to make at least one oral presentation based on the course syllabus and reciprocally act as respondent at least once for a fellow student. (b) Approval of five essay drafts (350-450 words each) that the students will submit on fixed dates. Refer to Canvas for more information.    

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, colloquium groups and self-study. Obligatory participation in five seminars. Students are expected to participate in colloquium groups, where they will discuss cases and theoretical approaches presented in the lectures. A one-week excursion abroad may be included in the teaching plan of the course. Language of instruction: English.The workload is estimated to 400 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.

Assessment methods and criteria

Submission of individual portfolio consisted of five (5) short essays (900-1100 words each excluding references and literature) and one longer essay (900-1100 words, excluding references and literature). Each essay will be related to one of the subjects dealt with in the lectures and seminars. Graded assessment (A-F) according to ECTS grading scale. The students may submit their portfolio in English or Norwegian.