HIS4209 – Utopian thinking in the Middle Ages: ideal societies, alterity and notions of a better life

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The name ‘utopia’ was first coined by Thomas More in 1516 and has since then been used as a term describing ideal societies. The term is usually employed for early modern texts and their drawing upon ancient ideas. However, Thomas More also built upon medieval traditions, and we can detect utopian thinking in various medieval contexts. This course will give students an introduction into medieval forms of utopian thinking. We put medieval sources in context with texts from antiquity and the early modern period. In this way, students will be able to see which elements are common to different periods and which elements are linked to specific historical contexts. We will further discuss the relation of utopian thinking to culture and ideology, and to what extend it may have inspired historical actors’ actions.

Learning outcome

After you have taken this course you shall:

  • understand the functions of utopia within societal discourses
  • know how utopian imaginations builds on older traditions and utopian typologies
  • be able to analyse how a utopia is linked to a specific historical context and is shaped by it, but at the same time how utopian thinking is linked to a larger tradition of thought
  • be able to analyse the ideological basis in a utopian text

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.

Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

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

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

Teaching

This course is taught in seminars, where the students will be active participants. Students are expected to prepare the seminar readings for discussion. Resources related to the teaching will be published in Canvas.

The course will be taught in English and Norwegian, depending on the teacher present.

Obligatory activities:

In order to qualify for the exam, students must submit a first draft or exposé of the term paper. The topic of the term paper is determined in consultation with one of the course teachers. More information about the compulsory activity is provided in class and in Canvas.

Examination

The course is assessed by a term paper.

  • The length of the paper should not exceed a maximum of 5000 words, including footnotes. Bibliography or appendices are not included.

Specific information about the term paper will be provided in class or in Canvas.

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.

More about examinations at UiO

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

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:14:36 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching

Spring 2025

Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History