LFU:online

Acquisition of basic skills for dealing with historic sources and presentations in Economic and Social History as well as skills in presenting the newly acquired knowledge orally as well as in writing. Acquisition of basic knowledge and application of relevant methods aiding scientific research.

In this proseminar, basic concepts, different approaches and possible fields of application of energy history will be discussed on the basis of different case studies. Energy systems based on different energy sources (e.g. coal, oil and natural gas or electricity) will be dealt with and (geo)political, economic, infrastructural and climate policy factors related to energy production, transport and consumption will be studied. Theoretically, we will look at concepts such as energy crisis(es), energy transition, and the impact of energy systems on the environment and climate. The proseminar will enable students to better appreciate the history of contemporary energy supply and its crisis nature.

Topic-centered teaching with introductory lectures by the lecturer, joint discussion of (German and English) texts, presentations, group work and practical exercises; guidance for independent writing of a PS paper in the thematic area of the course; literature and internet research.

Active participation in discussions, small oral and/or written contributions (presentations with handouts, reviews, statements); PS paper of 10-15 pages.

To be announced in the course

Positive assessment of compulsory module 1. The respective proof ought to be produced until the end of October 2022.

robert.gross@boku.ac.at