Areas of responsibility
I am a historian. I got my Cand.Philol. degree (MA) in History and Political Science (1997) and PhD in History (2013) at the University of Oslo. My work experience is rather broad:
1981-90: different positions in the Norwegian Postal Service
1990-93: political secretary in Socialist Left Party
1994-97: commentary journalist (substitute) at Dagbladet, leading liberal daily newspaper
1997-98: editor at Kunnskapsforlaget (Norwegian National Encyclopedia)
1998-2000: advisor/editor, The Norwegian Nobel Institute (Peace Prize section of what has been further developed into today's Nobel website, www.nobelprize.org).
2000-15: lecurer/associate professor of contemporary history, Lillehammer University College
2005-08: researcher, Forum for Contemporary History, University of Oslo
At times I have been politically active in local communities where I have lived. sing and play my guitars when I get the opportunity, alone or together with others.
Research
Academic interests
I am coordinator of the undergraduate program of History at Agder University. I have a strong commitment to the idea that historical research and education is important both as a source of identity and critical perspectives in any community, from the local to the global.
My own teaching covers modern international history, broadly speaking. I am particularly interested in the making and development of international organizations in the 20thcentury, and the ideas and debates that both inspired, underpinned and resulted from that process.
At Agder University I teach the courses Hi-115, Conflict and Peace. Ethical and Historical Perspectives and Hi-117, The World and Norway During the 20th Century. Presently, I am planning a new course on international organization in historical perspective.