Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian or English

Learning outcomes

Upon course completion students will have acquired the following:

Knowledge

  • insight into historical methods and theory and how they are applied and discussed in contemporary historical science
  • mastery of concepts in historical theory and method
  • insight into various historical research designs and questions related to these designs
  • the ability to explain central principles of ethics and research ethics in history

Skills

  • the ability to discuss the development of research projects, including choice of research design, analysis, and limitations of research designs
  • the ability to interpret, apply, utilize and assess critically various types of historical material as sources for historical research
  • the ability to assess various historical presentations, methodological and theoretical qualities
  • the ability to assess various historical studies in relation to theoretical completeness and contexts

General competence

  • the ability to explain the value and relevance of various types of historical research for human acknowledgement and societal insight

Contents

The course develops students' ability for critical personal reflection on historical, ethical, normative and social aspects of the historian's work and practice. Students will become familiar with the unique characteristics of various genres within historical research.

Teaching and learning methods

The course is based mainly on seminars, some introductory lectures. The seminars include practical exercises and discussions. Students are required to participate actively in seminars. Submission of 7 short assignments is required. These 7 short assignments are reflection texts linked to one of the course modules. 3 of these assignments will, in revised form, be included in the exam portfolio.The workload is estimated to 400 hours.

Examination requirements

7 short assignments (each 300–500 words) must be approved. Refer to Canvas for more information.

Examinations

A portfolio with 3 assignments (reflection texts) of 1,000 words each (±10%). The students can choose which three assignments they want to submit. Footnotes and bibliography are additional. Graded assessment (A-F).

Student evaluation

The instructor responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides on the method of evaluation, and whether the course will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about the evaluation method chosen will be posted on Canvas.

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 2:24:16 PM