Beslut och riktlinjer

Upon completion of the program a student will receive a Master of Arts degree in History (Master examen i historia). The Department of History is responsible for the program. The program was approved by the board of the Department of History 2006-04-26 and by the Faculty of Arts 2006-04-16.

The purpose of the joint program is to provide students with knowledge of and insights into the development of democracies in Europe. The program will consider how this came about by tracing political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of the development of democratic ideas, institutions, and structures in Europe in general. Because the expertise of the partners differ, the pooling of resources provides a more qualified and complete program than would be possible at any of the individual partner universities. Students will develop a broad, comparative understanding of the mechanisms behind democratic transitions in an historical perspective as well as being able to assess present-day democratic developments on the national as well as on the supra-national level. Furthermore, students will be made aware of the fragility of democratic institutions and of the relevance of citizenship and participation in the democratic process.

Behörighetskrav

The completion of a Bachelor degree and a good knowledge of English are required for admission.

Undervisning

The program consists of six parts.

Part 1. Course: Introduction, 15 credits.

Part 2. Course: Theory and methods, 7,5 credits.

Part 3. Research Seminars, 7,5 credits.

Part 4. Course: Three thematic courses, 7,5+7,5+7,5 credits.

Part 5. Course: Optional subject, 7,5 credits.

Part 6. Master Thesis: Roads to Democracy (ies), 60 credits.

At least 15 credits of course work must be taken at a partner university.

The program is structured so that both thesis work and course work take place simultaneously throughout the program, although not necessarily on an equal basis each semester. Teaching, which may include seminars and lectures and/or individual and group tutorials, will to a certain extent be co-ordinated with the teaching of the graduate students (Ph.D. candidates). Active participation in all forms of instruction is obligatory. The student has the right to supervision only during the ordinary program period.

Learning outcomes

The student will:

- acquire an awareness of the diversity and complexity of and variations in the processes of the social and political construction of democratic ideas, institutions and structures.

- develop a broad, comparative understanding of the mechanisms behind democratic transitions in a historical perspective.

- be able to assess present-day democratic developments on the national as well as on the supra-national level.

- gain a high level of consciousness on the fragility of democratic institutions and of the relevance of citizenship and participation in the democratic process.

Competences

The student will:

- obtain insights into comparative methods in historical research.

- acquire the capacity to plan, manage and execute complex tasks.

- attain extensive skills in problem identification and solving, communication, and knowledge sharing.

- develop creative skills

- acquire a concern for quality.

Examen

Upon completion of the program a student will receive a Master of Arts degree in History (Master examen i historia).

Övriga föreskrifter

Examination forms include an active participation in seminars, tutorials, writing papers, and writing and defending a research thesis. Grades are given for each course. Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system and ECTS grading system. The following grades will be used: A or B (corresponds to Väl Godkänd), C, D or E (corresponds to Godkänd), Fx or F (corresponds to Underkänd).

Examination of the course work is done by the teaching staff and recorded where the courses are taught. The thesis is completed and evaluated at the home university. All partners agree to automatically accept all results. A Diploma Supplement will be issued by all partners in English and in all of the vernacular languages of the participating partners. The degree is granted by the home university and is fully recognised by all partners. The degree may be transformed into a multiple degree or joint degree granted by two or more of the partners, if all of the partners agree.

Graduates with a master exam 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 program), 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.

Students receiving the Roads to Democracy(ies) master degree are eligible to apply to the PhD program at the Department of History, Uppsala University.