Nature & Nation: An Environmental History of Norway Since 1850 (ECS310)

Content

Nature & Nation is an environmental history of Norway since 1850. Through five thematic modules, students will learn about the history of modern Norway seen through the lens of environmental interactions and concerns. The course will explore themes such as ideas of nature, the rise of sustainability discourse, resources production, formation of national identity, and coping with changing climates. Drawing on a wide range of resources from historical sources, art and visual culture, and fieldwork, the course allows students to engage with cutting-edge environmental history theoretical and methodological approaches while remaining accessible for students who have not previously studied history.

This course would be valuable for students who are interested in Norway as a place and who want to know more about how environments are shaped by both the local and the global. Students of all backgrounds – sciences, engineering, humanities, education, and arts – are welcome to take the course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

• has knowledge about environmental history as a research field

• has knowledge about the history of Norway from 1850 until present 

Skills

• can recognize how interactions between people and their environments have shaped the history of Norway

• can find, evaluate, and use information about Norwegian history

• can reflect on cultural and historical aspects of environmental change

General competence

• can present central scientific concepts in written form

• can develop ideas independently and participate in online discussion with others about their ideas

• can plan and complete compulsory activities on time

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

One mandatory assignment for each of the five thematic modules in the ELO. The due dates for these will be spread over the semester. These will be submitted via the Canvas page for the course.

All five mandatory assignments must be completed. The five thematic mandatory assignments will serve as the final examination.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Method of work

The course will be taught online as a collection of shorter lectures, individual literature study, and self-directed assignments. The asynchronous format allows for a high degree of self-directed progression through the course activities and objectives.

Open for

Literature