IBSO4101 – Ibsen’s Works: History, Text, Reception

Course content

This course is designed to provide an introduction to Ibsen’s dramatic production, emphasizing its historical context. The plays will be analyzed as part of and influenced by social, political, and cultural forces, and as part of changing aesthetic and artistic norms.

Selected works will be examined against the background of changing literary, theatrical, and cultural paradigms in Ibsen’s own time. Special attention will be paid to Ibsen’s renewal of the dramatic tradition. We will investigate his plays as dramatic texts as well as through historical performances and selected episodes of their receptions from Ibsen’s time.

Learning outcome

Upon completing the course the students should be able to:

  • discuss the developments within Ibsen’s dramatic canon
  • analyze Ibsen’s works in relation to its historical context
  • apply basic theater historiographical methods related to literature, theater, and reception in examining Ibsen’s works

Admission to the course

To be eligible for this course, you must be enrolled in the following master`s program:

Ibsen studies online (programme option)

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.

Basic knowledge of Ibsen’s works and the ability to carry out in-depth studies.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

This course consists of eight modules online. The form of teaching is asynchronical and combines recorded lectures, written assignments, video assignments, quizzes, and common work with other students.

Mandatory assignments must be approved by the teacher before the student can take the final exam.

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

Oral examination

Language of examination

English or a Scandinavian language (Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish)

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. 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) Apr. 16, 2026 10:39:02 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

Offered for the first time autumn 2026

Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English

Contact

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