Sami History after 1751

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The purpose of the course is to understand main developments in Sami history after 1751. The course will analyze how the Sami territories were partitioned between Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, and discuss the relation between the indigenous population and the majority states/populations. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Læstadian movement and how it may be understood as a social, ethnic and/or religious movement. Another particular emphasis is on the impact of racial sciences, evolutionism and eugenics in Sami communities. The development of a new relationship between the Sami and the Nordic states after 1945, and the related establishment of new political and cultural institutions, forms the final emphasis of the course.

Learning Outcomes

The student shall by the end of the course have gained the following learning outcome defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

  • has a thorough understanding of the main developments in the relationship between the Sami and the Nordic states after 1751, as well as the main interpretations of this relationship in its different phases
  • can analyze how Læstadianism may be interpreted differently in specific areas and eras
  • has advanced knowledge of modern Sami political and cultural institutions
  • can analyze the role of the global indigenous movement in the development of these institutions

Skills:

The student

  • can analyze and communicate critically about the relationship between the Sami and the Nordic states in history and in current society
  • can critically assess other students' writings through peer-reviews

General competence:

The student

  • can apply the acquired knowledge of modern Sami history to analyze, assess, and communicate in writing in the academic terminology proper of the field of research (aspects of) the reasons for its development.

ECTS Credits

5 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn and spring, but not regularly

Place of Instruction

Online course, and therefore not restricted to Bergen.
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Recommended Previous Knowledge
The course literature is in English. Students should therefore have a sound knowledge of English.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
None
Access to the Course
Admission to the Master's Programme Religious Minorities or other Master's Programmes at the UiB.
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching and student activities in this course will entirely take place online.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

In this course the following compulsory requirements have to be approved in order to sit for the examination:

  • Course quizzes following videos and/or texts. There will be between 1 and 5 quizzes per week, and the students must successfully complete at least 70 % of them.
  • Discussion posting that answers one or more questions, as well as a response to postings by other students.
  • Comments on essays by other students (peer-reviewed assignments)

Compulsory requirements are evaluated with "approved/not approved."

Forms of Assessment

The examination consists of two papers:

1. essay (500 words) 30% of the total grade.

2. essay (1500 words) 70% of the total grade.

Both parts of the assessment must be passed in order to pass the examination. ¿The examination will receive a total grade.

Grading Scale
A graded marking scale (A to F) is used. A is the top grade and F means Failed.
Assessment Semester
The course is normally assessed in the teaching semester only.
Reading List

The reading list consists of around 500 pages.

The reading list is published by December 1st for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation
The course unit will be evaluated regularly.
Examination Support Material
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Programme Committee
The Program Committee for History
Course Coordinator
The Program Committee for History
Course Administrator
Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies- and Religion (AHKR)