course-details-portlet

KRIG3020

War in the modern world

Credits 15
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Assignment

About

About the course

Course content

The course seeks to provide a basic understanding of war throughout the 20th century and up to our own time. The subject will cover both theories about the cause of war, the development of warfare in the period, as well as various theories about the use of military force, or what is called military theory. In addition, the course will address various factors that influence both our view of war and the conduct of wars; such as technology, ethics and international law. The course aims to study war both as a political, military theoretical and social phenomenon. In addition, the course will place considerable emphasis on the political and societal effects of war - what about modern society does war(s) change?

Learning outcome

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The candidate has

  • in-depth knowledge of what war is.
  • knowledge of methodological challenges in the historical study of war and warfare.
  • in-depth knowledge of the development of war and warfare from the year 1900 until our time.
  • knowledge of theories about why and how wars come about.
  • in-depth knowledge of various theories for how war can be won (military theory)
  • knowledge of the influence of technology, ethics, and international law on the perception of war and warfare itself and its development over the past 110 years.

Skills

The candidate should

  • be able to assess and analyze the causes of war and different forms of warfare and its effect on different societies.
  • have the ability to apply historical methods to study various wars, their implementation and their effects.

Learning methods and activities

The course is taught with digital lectures and digital seminars/colloquiums. Other digital teaching material, such as films and podcasts, will be made available.

In addition to the digital teaching, two physical sessions are planned during the semester, each lasting 2-3 days.

Compulsory assignments

  • Term paper

Further on evaluation

Students must write a compulsory term paper (examination). One supervision is given while writing the paper.

Required previous knowledge

BA in military studies, history, political science or equivalent.

Course materials

Curriculum, compendium, and other material will be published on a digital platform at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
HIST3365 7.5 sp Autumn 2024
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • History

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Modern History and Society

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Date Submission 2025-11-28 Time Submission 12:00 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment