International master’s programme in History: International and Global History

The Master’s degree programme in History now offers a specialization taught in English: International and Global History.

The specialization: International and Global History trains students to explore the international and global forces and processes that have created our world today. The students learn to analyse large-scale historical processes, pursue empirical research and write their own comparative, international and transnational histories.

In the first year students are introduced to different theoretical, methodological and historiographical approaches to writing international and global history. They are equipped with a solid knowledge of key themes in international history, introduced to the history of international organisations and offered special insights into Scandinavia’s international place and role.

In the second year, students are provided with several options. Through different combinations of courses offered at the Department of History and Area Studies they may specialise in different geographical regions or other aspects of international history such as imperialism and decolonisation, the world wars or European integration. They also have an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge they have obtained through an internship or they may study abroad. In their last semester students write their master’s thesis under regular and supportive one-to-one supervision.

The specialization serves as a firm foundation for further academic pursuits but it also provides excellent training for related careers in government, journalism, libraries and museums as well as in NGO’s and international organisations.

Understanding International and Global History

Understanding International and Global History is a course that introduces you to key theoretical and historiographical discussions in international and global history. The aim of the course is to give you the basic tools to understand and analyse core themes and problems in international and global history and to introduce you to current theoretical and historiographical debates in the field. The course is taught through seminars by historians who have extensive experience in working with the theories and approaches you are being introduced to.

International Organisations and Institutions in History

International Organisations and Institutions in History is a course that provides you with an overview of and insights into the emergence and developments of central international organisations and institutions. The creation, role and functioning of the United Nations and the European Union and the emergence and expansion of international law and diplomacy are among the themes that may be explored in this course. You will also be introduced to theoretical approaches relevant to the exploration of international organisational and institutional developments.

Topic in Early International and Global History

Topic in Early International and Global History trains you to understand history in a deep chronological and broad international perspective and to problematise more traditional contemporary understandings of the international system. The course provides you with insights into the nature and development of the international system up to the 19^th century. Issues that may be touched upon include the Westphalian state system, religion and politics, and warfare.

Writing International and Global History

Writing International and Global History is a course that introduces you to the methodology of international and global history. It offers you an introduction to some of the thought processes and challenges that are associated with and specific to the study of international and global history. The course will help you develop a strong methodological conscience and prepare you to undertake your own international historical research. The course draws its examples from the two courses Scandinavia in the World and Topic in Modern International and Global History, which are taught during the same semester. A substantial part of the course is dedicated to organising and participating in a student conference which will discuss key methodological issues of relevance to you and you fellow students.

Scandinavia in the World

Scandinavia in the World introduces you to a central theme in Scandinavian political, cultural and social history in a deep chronological and broad European and international perspective. The main focus of the course is on the 20^th century and among the possible themes to be explored are issues such as the welfare state, gender equality and social democracy. The curriculum is taught through seminars by historians who are leading international experts in the field of Scandinavian history.

Topic in Modern International and Global History

Topic in Modern International and Global History provides you with insights into a core theme in 19^th and 20^th century international and global history: imperialism, the Cold War, and genocide are examples of such themes. Within this context, the course trains you in identifying and analysing independently a specific historical research question on the basis of information and sources that you have collected and selected.

Profile Course (‘Profilfag’)

The course provides you with several options. Through different combinations of courses you may specialise in a particular geographical region or other aspects of international and global history such as imperialism and decolonisation, the world wars or European integration. You can also choose to put into practice the knowledge you have obtained through an internship or you may go to study abroad.

Thesis

In your last semester you write your master’s thesis on a topic of your own choice under regular and supportive one-to-one supervision.