HIS4230 – Introduction to International History: readings and perspectives
Course content
This course will introduce graduate students to diverse perspectives and recent approaches to international history, defined to include diplomatic history, transnational history, critical imperial history and other bodies of work focused on the contemporary world. Students will engage with the readings, building their skills at discerning and assessing historical interpretations, and will meet to present and discuss the set texts. This is a reading seminar rather than a research seminar. It will emphasize published scholarship and it will give students a sense of the state of the field in key areas of research.
Learning outcome
After taking this course, a student will have acquired knowledge about:
- how relevant questions are framed and expressed based on the status of research in the field of international history;
- central research debates in the field of international history;
- how historians debate research and interpretive issues in the field of international history; and
- archives, sources and other materials relevant for the study of international history.
Competencies:
After taking this course, a student will be able to:
- initiate and participate in discussions of texts and research in international history;
- read different types of academic texts in a critical and independent manner;
- comment on and discuss contributions from other students;
- work with others in small groups;
- present one’s own and others’ work to the class;
- give feedback on others’ work.
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.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
A good ability to read and understand English is required for this course.
Teaching
The course is taught in seminars. Students are expected to prepare the seminar readings for presentation and discussion during the seminars.?The course will include an introductory session, as well as research and writing workshops, where students and staff will work on developing appropriate research questions, research plans and writing plans.
Different types of activities will require participation throughout the semester.
Specific information about mandatory activities will be announced in Canvas.?
Examination
The course is assessed by a portfolio. The portfolio must consist of the following:?
- An individual essay, consisting of maximum 4500 words including footnotes, with a theme chosen by the student under supervision. The bibliography is not included in the word count.
- Two collective synopses of articles presented in class.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response 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
- 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.