On the Move. Migration History Since 1800

When you have completed this course you will know how to:

• discuss major trends and issues in the historiography of migration since 1800
• assess what is exceptional or ordinary in recent migratory movements
• discuss the multiple reasons why migrants move
• address the debates around the migrant-refugee distinction
• grasp how the movements of mobile individuals have connected different parts of the world

As for your more general skills, you will be able to:

• engage with both primary and secondary sources
• approach scholarly work as well as fiction, music, and documentaries critically
• demonstrate critical analytical skills both orally and in writing
• initiate and participate in readings-based discussions
• debate with others in small groups
• develop awareness about the issues around the digitization of historical sources

A background of at least 30 credits in humanities or social sciences.

A good ability to read, write and understand English is required for this course.

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

The course offers short presentations that provide the necessary historical background and includes readings-based discussions. Each class lasts two teaching hours. Participants are asked to come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings. There may also be a study trip to a relevant museum or archive: students are highly encouraged to join if they can. All relevant information will be shared in class.

Compulsory activity: to qualify for the exam, students are expected to prepare an oral presentation. All relevant information will be shared in class. The presentation is assessed as either pass or fail.

The course is assessed by a portfolio consisting of the following:

• A documentary review (900 words, notes included)
• Response to a question based on readings and class discussions (900 words, notes included)
• An essay (2500-3000 words, notes included) on a relevant topic, to be developed by the student and approved by the instructor. Attachments and/or bibliography are not included in the word count.

• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Resitting an examination