HI-412 Working with History

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in History

Teaching language

English.

Course contents

The course will introduce students to various ways of working with history in and outside of the academy. We will discuss various theories and approaches to understanding history at the start of the course, followed by a number of site visits to local historical sites such as museums, institutions, memorials, graveyards, and archives. Guest lecturers will introduce students to the many ways history is employed in activism, policy, heritage, and academia. We will also discuss a range of examples of the use of history in Norway and internationally, focusing on the use of history in media, activism, and politics.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

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

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

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

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

• various uses of history in politics, education, activism, institutions, and society

• use of history in media and art

• a range of contemporary examples of history use and misuse

 Skills

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

• master central historical terms and approaches

• formulate research problems related to historical time and history use

• carry out independent research of international standards on related subjects

 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 their 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

Folder of two pieces of writing (1500 words each): a) reflecting on one site visit, and b) reflecting on use of history in media.
Approval of a 10-minutes presentation, related to the subject of the student’s research.
Approval of a group presentation on a given topic.

Refer to Canvas for more information.

 

Teaching methods

• Some web lessons in the form of prerecorded videos

• Guest lectures online and in seminars

• Visits to sites (local and digital)

• Self-study based on the online material and the reading material

• In-campus seminars

The workload is estimated to 400 hours.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Assessment methods and criteria

Three days individual take-home exam (Length: 3000-3500 words). Graded assessment (A-F).