Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian.

Prerequisites

40 credits of History.

Learning outcomes

Upon course completion students will
  • Have general knowledge of respective periods of Western Cultural History from c. 800 BC to 1800 AD
  • Specific knowledge about various variants of definition of identity and perceptions about «the Other» in European intellectual and cultural history up to c. 1800
  • Be able to identify various perceptions cultural identifications and perceptions of «the Other» in different kinds of historical sources
  • Empirical historical knowledge about a selection of cultural interaction cases between Europeans and locals in 16th century America and during the Age of Enlightenment in Asia.

Contents

General overview of Western and European perceptions of identity and equality and hierarchy in relation to ¿outsiders¿. Perspectives of both intellectual history and history of mentality will be applied. Focus will be on connections between empirical- and general cultural contexts and case specific interpretations and perceptions of the dividing line between 'us' and 'them'. The students will be trained in acquiring this kind of interpretative competence by analysing historical sources like for example excerpts from the canon of History of Ideas or travel literature.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and seminars.The workload is estimated to 270 hours.

Examination requirements

Students must have participated in at least three seminars and given one oral presentation on a topic associated with the seminars.

Examinations

One 6-hour individual written examination. Differentiated marks.

Student 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.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 6:02:04 AM