International course in history attracting students to Örebro

The history course “From National to Global Dynamics: Deconstructing Historical Narratives in 19th and 20th Century Europe” is a collaboration between Örebro University and three other NEOLAiA universities: Bielefeld University, University of Ostrava, and University of Tours. It is offered at the master’s level (second cycle) and is a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), combining digital learning with on-site studies in a European country.

“We had hoped to attract a few history students but were not prepared for such great interest – a positive surprise,” says Izabela Dahl, senior lecturer in history at Örebro University and course coordinator.

International perspectives

Two years ago, the idea of starting joint master’s courses in history was conceived. Since then, historians from the four collaborating universities have worked on designing the course, which will add an international dimension since historiography, the writing of history, often occurs within a national perspective.

“In Örebro, students have worked with texts written by historians from Germany, France, and Sweden. The historical text from Sweden addressed depictions of Charles XII and the Age of Liberty. Students have also touched on Czech political history.”

“The course is about deconstructing national narratives and going beyond them, which is very relevant to my research and the reason I applied for the course,” says Josué García Veiga.

Josué García Veiga.

“The content was fascinating and allowed me to expand my knowledge of historiography and new methods related to it. During the week in Örebro, I met new colleagues from other countries and different disciplines, which was very inspiring,” says Kateřina Lančová, doctoral student in history at the University of Ostrava.

After a week in Örebro, the course concluded with a discussion on the emergence of increased European cooperation after World War II. Students also visited Alfred Nobel’s home in Karlskoga.

“The week in Örebro exceeded our expectations. The students were keen on the course and worked brilliantly in their groups,” says Patrik Winton, head of subject and one of the course’s teachers.

The course’s teachers are Bettina Brandt, Bielefeld University; Izabela Dahl and Patrik Winton, Örebro University; Guia Migani, University of Tours; and Andrea Pokludová, University of Ostrava.

Next course session in Tours, France

Due to the great interest in the course, work is already underway to plan the next session. The four NEOLAiA universities will take turns organising the course, and Tours will be next. There are also plans to offer a BIP course in history didactics to be held in Ostrava.

“I’m so glad that we’ve managed to establish a new form of teaching within the subject of history. We gathered feedback from the students and will see how we can make the course even better,” says Izabela Dahl.

What challenges have you faced in planning the course?

“It’s been a challenge to meet all the requirements and learning outcomes linked to both the master’s level and the doctoral level in the various countries. Additionally, we come from different teaching cultures – and our teaching team has worked hard to find a unified approach in implementing the course,” says Izabela Dahl.

What did you get out of the course?

 

“Confirmation that even if our methods and ways of thinking may differ from our colleagues in Germany, Spain, France, and Sweden, these are equally effective,” says Gabriela Škorníková, doctoral student in history at Ostrava University.

 

 

“I’ve gained new knowledge about the subject and methodologies important in studying history and connections with people from universities in Sweden, Spain, France, and Germany. And not the least, inspiration from Örebro University and memories from our trip in Sweden,” says Kateřina Lančová, doctoral student in history at the University of Ostrava.