Introduction

The discipline of history concerns the study of human society in the past and is based on the idea that the present, with its diverse social forms, can only be understood in light of the past. The programme includes world history and Norwegian history from antiquity until the present day. It examines cultural, social, political and economic developments over time, and invites reflection on change and continuity and an understanding of the relationships between developments in different areas of society. It will provide an understanding not just of past societies, but also of how understanding the past has itself changed. The program includes both an overview course that provides a perspective on the major events and issues and specialized sections that allow close study of smaller topics. It also aims to provide a basic understanding of historical theory and methodology and aims at developing students’ capacity for independent, critical assessment of historical materials.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The program is suitable for those who have an interest in Norwegian and world history, who wish to acquire knowledge and understanding of human cultural, social, economic and political developments in Norway and abroad, and who seek an understanding of our times in light of the past.

Students must meet general admission requirements.

Students should note that history is a demanding subject. The study programme involves a considerable amount of reading, and the subject requires that students are capable of effectively expressing themselves in writing. Most of the syllabus is in Norwegian, but parts of it is in English so students must be able to read English well as Norwegian. International students must have good skills in Norwegian or another Scanidinavian Language to attend the program. Experience has shown that students who have lower than medium good grades in Norwegian or English often find completing the study programme problematic.

Aim of the Programme

The programme aims to provide students with:

• A basic overview of overall historical developments and an understanding of the factors and processes that create change in human societies
• Detailed information about certain selected historical themes
• Factual knowledge related to time, place, important individuals and communities, particularly in Norway and the European cultural sphere, but also globally
• Skills that will enable them to assess historical materials critically and independently
• The ability to independently make written and oral presentations on the subject
• Knowledge concerning historical methods and discussions, including how different methodological approaches and issues influence our interpretation of the past
• Skills in reasoning and analytical thinking

The 60 ECTS course of studies history is a foundation programme that may be combined with other college and university programmes. It may also be included as part of a general teacher education programme.

Learning outcome

After successfully completing the programme, candidates will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

The candidate has:

• An overview of the key developments in world, European, and Norwegian history
• Broad knowledge of historical events and periodization of them within a chronological framework
• Detailed knowledge of specific historical topics
• Knowledge of the methodologies used in various fields of history
• Understanding of historical research debates

Skills:

The candidate is able to:

• Criticize, comment on or edit texts and documents in accordance with the general guidelines of criticism for the discipline of history
• Communicate verbally about the subject through its terminologies and techniques
• Analyze historical data, sources and literature, and draw independent conclusions from such material
• Organize complex historical information in a logically consistent manner
• Use information and search tools in conjunction with bibliographical materials, archival materials and electronic references

General competence:

The candidate:

• Is able to communicate the subject material orally and in writing
• Is able to work independently with a given topic and question
• Is able to work with new problem areas and analyze issues from various perspectives
• Is aware of and respects perspectives that have different national and cultural origins than the Norwegian one
• Is critically aware of the relationship between past and contemporary events and processes

Curriculum and structure

The study programme is divided into two semesters. History before 1800 is taught in the autumn semester, and History after 1800 in the spring semester. The instruction in the history of theory, method and didactics may be integrated in different ways; refer to the curriculum for the respective semester. The dissemination aspect will be integrated into the whole of the study program.

Syllabus lists with information about course books and required reading will be provided for different courses with regard to elective courses in world history and specialisation courses in Norwegian history. In the overview parts, reading lists will be provided.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching and learning methods will alternate between lectures, seminars and digital, online-learning resources. In the seminars.

Mandatory coursework requirements may be specified, including submission of assignments in the various courses. Fulfilment of mandatory requirements is a condition for being permitted to take the examination in the course. These are not assessed in the context of the examination, but are an addition to the mandatory home assignments that are part of the examination / assessment. The teaching staff may call the student in for a consultation before the final approval of the submitted assignments.

When the pedagogical considerations justify it, a stipulated maximum number of students may be stipulated for individual seminar groups. To work effectively, the seminar groups depend on even and good attendance. Students with large absenteeism may lose the right to follow the instruction in the respective group.

As a rule, the instruction is not mandatory, and students may register for the examination without having followed the teaching. However, it is recommended that students attend the teaching. If parts of the teaching are compulsory, this will be specified in the semester plan for history.

Mandatory requirements for submission of assignments etc. apply to all students (including private students and students taking re-sit examinations, unless they are granted exemption).
Towards the end of the academic year, students will benefit greatly from participating in study groups in order to discuss the curriculum and aspects of the study programme.

Assessment Methods

An examination in history before 1800 is normally held in the autumn semester and in history after 1800 in the spring semester.

Evaluation are normaly done by final school examination, testing the student’s knowledge and analytical skills. Sometimes home assignments might be also be included in the evaluation. A grade will be allocated in each course / examination, where A to E represent passing marks, and F a fail. In the case of home assignments that are included in the assessment, the teaching staff / examiner may require the individual student to attend a supplementary oral examination.

Students must make themselves familiar with, and comply with, the information in the study guide / semester plan regarding course registration, registration for the examination, reading requirements, the submission of assignments etc.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean