EUH4500 – How to do European History? Current Approaches and Controversies

Course content

"How to do European History?" provides students with an exceptional platform for learning and exchange. It creates bridges between the University of Oslo and the other partner universities of the Joint Master of Arts program in European History located in Berlin, Belgrade, Dublin, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Sarajevo, Tallinn, and Vienna. Held in English, this course consists of a cycle of six online seminars, each taught by a faculty member from a different partner institution. The seminars are followed by an in-person five-day? "summer school" held at one of the partner universities, during which students present their theses, receive feedback from peers and mentors, visit archives and museums, and meet different practioners of history.??

"How to do European History?" is intended to question historiographical assumptions and refine methodological skills. It is dedicated to a mapping of approaches in the history or histories of Europe. It engages with current controversies in the field, questioning Europe’s borders and margins, its foundational narratives, and its periodization. Discussions will be based on the reading of key texts on different aspects of European history from the early modern period to the contemporary period, all the while embracing a wide range of methodological approaches: from political history to intellectual history, from gender history to historical anthropology or cultural history.??

Learning outcome

This course aims at???

  • Exposing students to a variety of themes and critical approaches to European History

  • Allowing students to give and receive feedback from peers and faculty members on their work

  • Giving students the opportunity to identify potential academic mentors from institutions other than their own???

  • Ensuring the international mobility of students??

Admission to the course

Admission to this course requires enrolment in either:

  • the master's programme in European History at one of the partner universities

  • the master's programme in European History at the University of Oslo

  • Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes at the University of Oslo or other Circle U universities can, on application, be admitted to the course, depending on the number of available spots.?

?

International students from partner universities will receive information on the application process and deadlines from their home institutions.

Students enrolled in the European History programme at the University of Oslo can apply through Studentweb from January 6th.

Students enrolled in other master's programmes at UiO can apply to the course by contacting the student administration.

Ability to read and write in English is required for this course.?

Teaching

The course consists of a cycle of six online seminars, each taught by a faculty member from a different partner institution. The seminars are followed by an in-person five-day? "summer school" held at one of the partner universities, during which students present their theses, receive feedback from peers and mentors, visit archives and museums, and meet different practioners of history.??

?

Compulsory assignment

During the seminar scycle, in order to qualify for the exam, each student needs to

  • write a book review
  • hold an oral presentation??

Examination

The course is assessed by a portfolio, consisting of?

  • written feedback to one of their peers
  • a reflection paper on how the course has questioned or stimulated their own research and writing of the master’s thesis???

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 18, 2025 11:32:15 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
5
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English