HIS2336 ¨C History of 19th century exploration

Course content

In the 19th century, exploration was at the crossroads of science, cultural contact, colonialism, imperialism, but also sport, and celebrity. Looking at exploration is hence a good way to get a different perspective on major aspects of 19th-century history. This course gives an introduction to the central issues in the study of exploration during the long 19th century, from the South American travels of Alexander von Humboldt (1799-1804) until Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole in 1911.

In this course, we will alternate between analysis of the broad traits of the exploration from a global perspective and over the whole century, and case studies centred on a few expeditions. We will discuss texts written by historians and other scholars and analyse a broad range of historical documents: texts, maps, and illustrations.

Learning outcome

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Identify and present the main trends of 19th-century exploration
• Understand and explain the different meanings of exploration for the explorers, the society that sent them, and the societies they encountered
• Engage critically with historical documents of a diverse nature, including texts, maps and illustrations.
• Identify the historiographical debates regarding exploration
• Write a term paper in English, building up on the work of historians through the use of relevant historical sources

Admission to the 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.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

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.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with HIS4336 ¨C History of 19th century exploration.

Teaching

The course will be taught in eight three-hours sessions, including a visit to the map centre (Kartsenteret) at Nasjonalbiblioteket. The classes will consist of both lectures and seminars.

Resources and information on this course will be given in Canvas.

Compulsory assignment:

Participants shall write an obligatory expos¨¦ (1 to 2 pages including relevant literature) on a topic of their choosing within the framework of the course. If accepted - subject to possible revision - this will qualify for the final examination, and be presented orally in class.

All participants will give an oral presentation on the obligatory expos¨¦ in class.

The compulsory activity/assignment must be completed in the same semester as you take the exam.

Examination

• The final examination is a term paper - based on the obligatory expos¨¦ - on the different stakes of either one expedition, or several expeditions in the same area.
• Your paper should not exceed 4500 words, footnotes included. The bibliography is not included in the word count.
• Do not write your name in your exam (term paper). Use your candidate number. It is a four digit number which you will find next to your exam registration in StudentWeb. You are given a unique candidate number for each exam.
• Please include the course code and candidate number (not your name) in the header and insert page numbers in the footer.
• You are required to follow the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. This means you have to cite your sources according to the citation style of your choice and provide a full list of the sources you have used in the bibliography at the end of your paper. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

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