Course Objectives

This part of the programme of study provides students with more detailed knowledge and insight in two courses – one from the period before 1800 and one from the period after 1800, each with course literature of about 350 pages. The subjects will be studied thoroughly, so that students will become acquainted with both source material and the relevant research literature. They will gain the ability to discuss subject topics in a more precise context. The course presupposes the necessary knowledge and overview of Norwegian History.

Course Description

Students are to choose two elective courses, one regarding the period before 1750 and one the period after 1750. The term plan contains information about the courses taught each term. The following courses have been taught before, and may be taught again:

• Heathendom and Christianity, 800-1100 AD
• King Sverre – the man and the kingdom
• Witch processes with emphasis on the period 1550-1700 AD
• Gender, body and labour
• ‘The modern breakthrough’ – cultural changes in Norway towards the end of the nineteenth century
• Immigration, immigration policies and attitudes towards ‘the foreigners’
• Military resistance in Norway during World War II

Learning Methods

The course will consist mainly of seminars and a few lectures.

Instruction is normally provided in several courses. The instruction in one or more of the courses may be made compulsory. Students who do not attend the classes may limit their choice of the elective courses and may be instructed to take predefined courses, submit assignments etc., according to the termplan for history.

Assessment Methods

1. Portfolio evaluation with final home assignment. Students hand in two papers in each course. Students may agree with their subject teacher to replace one of the papers (in each course) with an oral presentation in the seminar.

Towards the end of the course, no later than one week before the end of the teaching, each student must give notice to the subject teacher, which assignment(s) of the four and/or other themes that the student wants to study in further depth for a two-week period after the end of the seminar. At the same time, students must present a proposal/draft for the paper(s), subject to approval by the subject teacher. Papers must be handed before the deadline. The papers are individual assignments.

Students who take the course as the fourth year of their teacher education are obliged to write a paper with a didactic approach that considers questions related to the teaching and dissemination of the subject.

2. Students will be called in for a supplementary oral examination. Normally, at least one third of the students will be selected to sit an oral examinatopn. The oral examination will cover material from the whole of the course syllabus. Notice will be given which students have been selected to sit the oral examination. The oral examination is normally held in the beginning of May.

Students receive one final grade for the entire course. All submitted work and oral examinations count towards the final grade.

Refer to the semester timetable for History for special arrangements for students who do not attend lectures and seminars.

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