European Cultural History

This course focuses on Europe as a historical construction, and political and cultural entity. Thus, it addresses a European rather than a national level. By applying an interdisciplinary approach, it examines core events and periods in Europe’s history, which also has significant influence on today’s Europe. By drawing on historical, political and philosophical aspects, the idea of Europe is studied in different periods in the past. In this way, the course provides relevant knowledge about important challenges and problems in the process of European integration.

KNOWLEDGE
The candidate
-has knowledge of how the idea of Europe has been presented in central historical eras.
-is familiar with current public debates and political events in contemporary Europe that may be linked to ideas of Europe.
-has knowledge of central theoretical approaches to European civilization and culture.

PROFICIENCY
The candidate
-is able to write independent interdisciplinary analyses in academic Norwegian or English.
-is able to analyse European civilization and culture from historical and philosophical perspectives.
-is able to reflect on current questions linked to Europe's geographical and cultural demarcation lines.

Lectures/seminars. Assessment: Home exam of approx. 8-10 pages, written in English or Norwegian. Obligatory assignment: Oral presentation of approx. 15 minutes.