Historical Theory and Practice (MHI331)
Course description for study year 2024-2025
Facts
Course code
MHI331
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Time table
Content
This course examines the principles and assumptions underlying different forms of historical practice. Through class discussion and critical reflection, students are introduced to the key debates that have shaped the development of history both as an academic discipline and public form of knowledge. Students reflect on the current state of historical practice by gaining knowledge of the changing intellectual contexts that have shaped how historians work.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Students will be able to
- demonstrate knowledge of debates in the theory and method of history, including the challenges posed by new forms of global, planetary and more-than-human history
- demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which methodological decisions influence the construction of historical knowledge
Skills
Students will be able to
- recognise, evaluate and begin to apply concepts and methods employed in different forms of historical practice
- construct arguments concerning the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to doing history
General competence
Students will be able to
- demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity of historical cultures and the ethical implications of historical inquiry within a global context
- account for the factors that create agreement and disagreement among historians as a community of scholars
Required prerequisite knowledge
HIS175 What is History? Historiography, Historical Theory, Method and History Didactics
Exam
Reflective journal and book analysis
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective journal | 2/5 | Letter grades | ||
| Book analysis | 3/5 | Letter grades |
Reflective journal: 1500 wordBook analysis: 2000 wordSubmission dates for the exams you will find in Studentweb.
Coursework requirements
Attendance 75%, Reflective Journal, Individual presentation
- 75% attendance
- reflective journal submit in Canvas before each lecture (10 in total)
- 1 individual presentation of the week’s topic
If an assignment is assessed as not approved, the student will be given one further opportunity to submit a revised assignment
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Markus Eldegard MindrebøStudy Adviser:
Signe EkenbergMethod of work
Lectures, student presentations and student-led discussion
Overlapping courses
| Course | Reduction (SP) |
|---|---|
| Academic writing, theory and method in history (MHI330_1) | 15 |
| Humanistic theory and methods (MLE330_1) | 10 |
Open for
Master in History and History Didactics and incoming exchange students.
Course assessment
There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.
