Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in History (2022–2025)

Upon completion of the course the student shall

Knowledge

• Have an overview of older and contemporary Norwegian and international history
• Understand central terms in historical studies
• Have in-depth knowledge of selected fields of theoretical and factual history
• Be familiar with terminology and central themes within historical methodology and philosophy of science
• Have an improved understanding of the present in the light of the historical development of politics, religion, economy and culture

Skills

• Be able to apply geographical, cultural, social, economical and political perspectives on historical processes and events, globally, in Europe and Norway
• Be able to analyse historical sources and literature
• Be able to assess the use and misuse of history
• Be able to retrieve, analyse and present information orally and in writing

General competence

• Be able to participate actively in debating social affairs
• Be able to pose questions and critically assess argumentation
• Be able to retrieve information by the use of relevant tools
• Have experience with the basic use of relevant digital tools
• Have experience with solving problems in a group

The student will also have knowledge, skills and general competence in accordance with the chosen minor subject.

The bachelor's programme in history at the University of Agder provides students with knowledge about how studying the past can help us understand our society on a local, national and international basis. The specialisation component (90 study points) in this study programme is comprised of four survey courses and two Level 1 special topic courses. Two Level 3 courses are offered whereof the one is the bachelor's thesis.

Students must pass a test held in three of the survey courses as a requirement for being allowed to sit the examination. This test focuses on students factual knowledge and evaluative ability and is intended to motivate students to work in the subject. Please note that HI-113 hold midterm evaluations, see course descriptions for HI-113 and HI-117.

In their third academic year students may choose among several relevant one-year study programmes and course clusters (breadth component 60 sp). They may choose either a one-year study programme (60 sp), 2 course groups (30 sp each) or 1 course cluster (30 sp) and elective courses (30 sp).

The study of history comprises transboundary theoretical and empirical knowledge. The history of Norwegian social development is viewed from a wider international, European and global perspective.

The program requires some proficiency in English. Students will develop their language skills through their studies as considerable parts of the prescribed texts are in English. Some courses are taught in English with the goal of recruiting inbound exchange students to create an international learning environment.

The study programme in history provides graduates with a useful background for working in teaching and societal analysis in both the private and public sector as well as in various types of information and disclosure organisations. It provides relevant and basic information for students wishing to work in publishing, the media, museums, archives and in the arts sector or in national and international organisations. If students wish to go into teaching, they are advised to take a different academic subject during their third academic year.

The study programme provides graduates with a solid background for working with large and complex cases needing to be examined, understood and disseminated to others. Upon their successful completion of the study programme, students may be admitted to the master's degree study programme in history.