Course content

History in society is a joint course for students at different programs in historical studies. The course gives an introduction to how history, understood as conceptions of the past, is used by different actors and has various functions in society. Through varied activities such as group work, excursions and lectures, the students are provided with a broad introduction of the field of study. This is a multidisciplinary field with considerable relevance to study programs where terms such as past, memory, historical consciousness and identity are central. An important aspect of this course is to learn to use theory from this field of study to analyze and discuss concrete examples of uses of history in society.

Learning outcome

A candidate who have passed this course is expected to have the following total learning outcome, defined as knowledge and skills.

Knowledge

The candidate:

• can distinguish between and explain different forms of uses of history and how they have influenced/influences society.
• has knowledge of and understands central concepts, themes and typologies from the study field. Central concepts include past, history, public history/history didactics, conceptions, narratives, historical consciousness, identity, collective memories, space and materiality, myth and nation. Central themes include the use of history in identity making processes, nation building, everyday life and commercial contexts, as well as the preservation and dissemination of history in institutions (for example schools, museums, archives).

Skills

The candidate:

• can identify and analyze the role of history in central processes in society.
• can apply relevant explanatory models, theories and concepts to discuss the use of history in concrete examples.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, excursions, group work and log of learning activities and process. Log in connection with the group work and up to 10 assignments as part of the group work are obligatory activities. In special circumstances, students can apply for an exception from the group work and write a longer essay.

Compulsory assignments

• Up to 10 assignments and corresponding logs

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

See curricula published at the start of the semester, and other materials (plans and information) published on Blackboard.

Credit reductions