Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian or English

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should

Knowledge

  • have insight into historical methods and historical theory, as these are applied and discussed in today's historical science
  • master the concepts of historical theory and methodology
  • have insight into different historical research strategies and academic issues related to these
  • have insight into how to work with different types of sources

Skills

  • be able to discuss the design of research projects, including choice of research strategy, level of analysis and delimitations
  • be able to interpret, use, exploit and critically evaluate different types of historical material as sources for historical research
  • be able to assess the methodological and theoretical qualities of different historical presentations, and find and evaluate relevant academic literature for their own future thesis writing
  • be able to evaluate different historical investigations in relation to theoretical wholeness and social context

General competence

  • be able to explain the value and relevance of different types of historical research for human cognition and social insight

Contents

The course will develop the students' ability to critically reflect on historical, normative and social aspects of historians' work and practice. The students will familiarize themselves with the distinctive character of different genres within historical research.

Teaching and learning methods

Combination of lectures and problem-based seminars with practical exercises and discussions, and colloquium work. Expected scope of work approx. 400 hours.

Examination requirements

Ten short assignments are required. Students can choose the form of the submissions, which can be reflection texts (each of 300-500 words), Power Point Presentations, Infographics, Videos, or podcasts (audio files). All assignments will be linked to one of the course's modules and/or the master's thesis that the students will include in their self-chosen syllabus. Three of these, in processed form, will be included in the exam portfolio.

Examinations

A portfolio with three seminar assignments of 1000 each (+/- 10%) Bibliography and footnotes to be added. Graded assessment (A-F).

Student 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.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
HI-401 – Introduction to the Theory and Method of History. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 1:35:06 PM