Histories of the Arctic (MHI326)
This course uses the history and historiography of the Arctic to illuminate fundamental issues in the discipline of history. The central aim is to develop the historical competence of students at second cycle level through analysis of topics connected to the Arctic.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MHI326
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English, Norwegian
Content
Learning outcome
Knowledge
After completing the course the student will be able to:
- understand how specific historic individuals and events related to the Arctic memorialized, and what cultural and political objectives this can further
- critically describe how Indigenous communities and cultures in the Arctic have engaged with economic and political systems from elsewhere, including in the framework of colonialism
- critically evaluate the role of science in both describing Arctic cultures and environments, and facilitating political control
- connect the history of the Arctic with the challenges of the present, including debates over resource extraction, environmental protection, and sovereignty (including Indigenous sovereignty)
Skills:
After completing the course the student will be able to:
- communicate academic knowledge in the form of a short popular article
- integrate perspectives from other historical and historiographical traditions into the understanding of Arctic history
General competence:
After completing the course the student will be able to:
- communicate historical knowledge in verbal form through discussions and presentations
- understand how history can function as a political resource in the present
- engage in academic discussions with peers, both through discussion and presentations
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
2 take-home exams and one oral exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Take-home exam 1 | 1/3 | 2 Weeks | Letter grades | |
Oral exam | 1/3 | 20 Minutes | Letter grades | |
Take-home exam 2 | 1/3 | 2 Weeks | Letter grades |
Examination 1 consists of a popular article of 2000 words, +/- 10%, drawing on the academic work discussed in class on a topic approved by the course responsible teacher. The topic for the examination must be approved by the course responsible teacher no less than two weeks before the deadline for submission.Examination 2 consists of an oral presentation of ten minutes to the rest of the class, followed by questions for a further ten minutes on a topic approved by the course responsible teacher.Examination 3 consists of an academic text of 2000 words, +/- 10%, using literature from outside as well as within the course to argue for or against a proposition assigned by the course responsible teacher. A draft literature list must be approved by the course responsible teacher no less than two weeks before the deadline for submission.Students must receive a passing grade in each of the three individual examinations to pass the course.
Coursework requirements
- attendance 75% for each module
- approved topic for exam 1, submitted no later than two weeks before the examination date
- approved topic for exam 2, submitted no later than two weeks before the examination date
- submit a draft literature list no later than two weeks before exam 3
If an assignment is assessed as not approved on the first attempt, students are given one opportunity to submit a revised assignment one week after the initial deadline.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Peder William Chellew RobertsStudy Adviser:
Signe EkenbergOpen for
- Students in the master program in History and History Didactics
- Lector students 8 -13, History
- Incoming exchange students