HIS4170 – Climate and History: From the Little Ice Age to Global Warming

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Global warming caused by human activity is transforming our world today. However, climate change is not a new phenomenon. In this course, we will explore how climate change has shaped human history from the Little Ice Age (1300-1800) to contemporary Global Warming. We will use case studies from the Black Death and medieval Norway to the Age of Oil to investigate why some societies are vulnerable and others more resilient to climatic shifts. We will trace how climate change influenced social reform, political upheaval, and technological developments. Finally, we will learn what these examples can contribute to the current debate on climate impacts.

Learning outcome

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

  • comprehend the complex relationship between climate and culture.
  • identify the historical roots of current environmental problems.
  • apply the methods of the humanities and the sciences to deciphering the past.
  • work competently with scientific texts from different backgrounds.
  • articulate an argument based on complex causal analysis and evidence.
  • formulate a written essay connecting various disciplinary perspectives.

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.

A background of at least 30 credits in humanities or social sciences.

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

Overlapping courses

  • 10 credits overlap w