HIS2980 – History of History. Mapping the Field
Course description
Course content
All historical writing is informed by theories of why historical change occurs, although some historical texts refer to theory more explicitly than others. This course seeks to explore such theories, where they come from, and how they shape the work of historians. It will do so by introducing students to key texts and concepts that have shaped and continue to shape historians’ approaches to their subjects. Students will familiarize themselves with a selection of writers from disparate schools of history and their reception by other historians.
Through close reading, the origins and intellectual trajectories of various schools of history will be explored, mapped in their broader contexts, and retraced within inter-disciplinary debates. The course’s principal aim is not only to explore key texts and schools of history but to look for concepts and terminology that can be deployed in contemporary historical research and to discuss their intellectual potentials and challenges.
The course aims at helping participants to become confident and critical readers while reducing frequent inhibitions when it comes to engaging with theoretical works, not least those originating in neighboring disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, or anthropology. In a series of seminars, the course is based on close reading of assigned texts, group discussion, and active student participation. We will deepen our understanding of how theory informs our conceptualization of history and of how major theoretical questions can inform and enrich our own writing of term papers and theses.
Learning outcome
When you have completed this course you will be able to:
- Map the origins and intellectual trajectories of disparate schools of history
- Retrace the broader contexts of schools of history and the inter-disciplinary debates they inspired ?
- Gain an understanding of concepts and terminology and understand how they are deployed in contemporary historical research
- Make informed theoretical choices when writing a paper
- Strengthen your skills in oral discussion of general and theoretical problems of historical research
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
A background of at least 30 credits in humanities or social sciences.
A good ability to read, write, and understand English is required for this course.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with HIS4980 – History of History. Mapping the Field.
Teaching
The course consists of twelve seminars, each lasting two teaching hours.
The course is based on student attendance and activity during discussions in class. Attendance in class is expected and active participation is essential. Students are required to read the assigned texts in advance.
Compulsory assignment: to qualify for the exam, students are expected to prepare an oral presentation. All relevant information will be shared in class. The presentation is assessed as either pass or fail.
Examination
The course is assessed by a three-day take-home exam. Your paper must not exceed 4500 words, notes included. Attachments and/or bibliography are not included in the word count.????
Language of examination
You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.