MITRA4020 – Research and Writing Training in History I

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Research and Writing Training in History encompasses three consecutive modules (MITRA4020, 4030, 4040) that are taught over the course of three semesters in the form of seminars, excursions and exercises. It is designed to help students acquiring the skills necessary to conduct advanced bibliographical and archival research, design a research project and write a thesis. The Research and Writing Training accompanies and supports students at all stages of their work, from identifying a topic and fruitful primary sources to designing the empirical project, gaining an overview of the scholarly field and projecting the thesis. In the first semester, students are introduced to the basics of historical research. Starting from the question what distinguishes history from other disciplines and a reflection on the role of theory, method and sources in historical research, MITRA4020 shows students how to conduct bibliographical research and approach primary sources. This includes excursions to archives. In the second semester (MITRA4030), students design their master’s thesis projects and work on a project description with guidance from a teacher and feedback from their fellow students. in MITRA4030. The third module (MITRA4040) assists students continuing their reading of secondary sources during the Field Term and results in a bibliographic essay.

Learning outcome

After you have taken this course you are expected to:

  • have profound theoretical and practical knowledge about various techniques and methods relevant for the writing of a master thesis
  • be able to work on your own thesis projects both individually as well as in a cooperative setting
  • apply the theoretical and practical knowledge with regard to thesis writing, research techniques and the development of research designs your own thesis projects

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 only available to students accepted to Modern International and Transnational History (master).

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

Teaching

Active participation in class as well as preparation for each meeting are expected. In case of absence, students need to inform the lecturer.

Student groups submit a sketch of their "mock" research project for confirmation and to qualify for the exam. The assignment is specified on the Canvas page for the course.

Examination

The course is assessed by a "mock" project description of 3500 - 4500 words (bibliography and list of primary sources excluded). The assignment is specified on the Canvas page for 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 pass/fail scale. 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 8:26:09 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
5
Teaching
Autumn
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History