General provisions

The Department of History is responsible for the course. The course was approved by the board of the Department of History 2006-04-26 and by the Faculty of Arts 2007-01-23.

Entry requirements

Students admitted to the Master programme Roads to democracy(ies) or Vägar till demokrati.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of the course is to provide students with advanced insights into scientific historical thinking and argumentation and a deepened understanding of and acquaintance with the historian's craft. The course deals with theoretical and methodological aspects of history as a scientific discipline, with historiography and with various forms of presentation of scientific results. Students are expected to conduct an historical scientific study, documented in the form of a research thesis.

Content

Learning outcomes

The student will:

- acquire up-to-date knowledge of contemporary history, including various methodological and theoretical approaches.

- become orientated in various historiographical orientations.

- obtain insights into the use of comparative methods (spatial, chronological and thematic) in historical research.

- acquire the ability to identify and utilise appropriate sources for a research project.

- acquire the ability to define research topics suitable to contribute to historical knowledge and debate.

Competences

The student will:

- acquire the ability to plan, carry out and present in oral and written form – according to the statues of the discipline – a research-based contribution to historical knowledge.

- acquire specific skills necessary to work in contemporary history, such as the ability to process large quantities of information and to explore efficiently extensive source materials.

- develop creative skills.

- acquire a concern for quality.

Instruction

Active participation in seminars and/or tutorials, writing papers, and writing and defending a research thesis.

Assessment

Examination: Active participation in seminars, writing papers, and writing and defending a research thesis.

Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system. The following grades will be used: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Failed (U).

Other regulations

Employability

Graduates with a Master's degree in history will be employable in a wide variety of occupations. A Master in history provides a good basis for responsible positions in secondary and higher education (PhD programme), civil service on the local, regional and national levels, personnel management, journalism, international organisations, tourism as well as enhancing cultural heritage in its various manifestations including archives, museums and libraries.