MITRA4421 – War, Peace and the Nobel Peace Prize
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
History is full of wars, but also of long periods of peace. With the emphasis on the history of the 20th and 21st centuries, this course will focus on four sets of questions. First, briefly, what are some of the leading theories we use to understand the nature of international relations and how do they relate to our interpretations of historical events? Second, how to explain the shifting patterns of war and conflict in the 20th and 21st centuries? Third, in what ways have international law, cooperation and stability developed at various levels in the same period? Fourth, what is the role of the Nobel Peace Prize within international history?
Learning outcome
After you have taken this course you are expected to be able to:
- Sketch the basic theories that explain the nature of international relations, and initiate and participate in discussions on their relevance and implications for the interpretation of historical events
- Outline the history of war and peace in the 20th and 21st centuries
- Describe the roles of hegemony, inter-state rivalry, arms races and deterrence and the roles of international organizations, norms and interdependence for peace and conflict in the 20th century
- Discuss in some detail the position of the Nobel Peace Prize within international history
- Comment on and discuss remarks from other students
- Work with others in small groups
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.
The course is available to all students accepted to Modern International and Transnational History (master's two years) and Peace and Conflict Studies (master's two years).
Recommended previous knowledge
A good ability to read and understand English is required for this course
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with HIS4421 – War, Peace and the Nobel Peace Prize (continued).
Teaching
Students are expected to actively participate in seminars, attend lectures, and prepare for each meeting. If a student cannot attend a lecture or seminar, they must inform the lecturer in advance.
Compulsory assignment:
Students have to submit a sketch of the term paper project for confirmation to qualify for the exam.
Resources and information in this course will be given in Canvas.
Examination
The compulsory assignments must be passed in order to hand in the exam.
The course is assessed by a term paper of 5,000 to 6,000 words (c. 12-15 standard pages) length. The assignment is specified on the Canvas page for the course.
The examination of this course is integrated in the teaching of the course and it is therefore not possible to sit for the examination other than by being admitted to the course.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in 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.
Resit an examination
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.