Course Synopsis:

This course will explore the topic of the Vikings in early medieval culture (700-1100). The focus will be on the infamy of the Vikings in early medieval society, the construction of the ‘Other’, as well as medieval and modern historiography. It provides students with enhanced knowledge of the use and interpretation of sources of early medieval history.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Think critically and creatively about the Viking Age and the primary sources pertaining to it;
2. Analyze and evaluate historical and present-day images of Vikings and their historical validity;
3. Develop an informed view of the cultural and physical landscape of early medieval Europe;
4. Engage with the central issues, research approaches, and practices of history as a discipline;

Prerequisites:

7.50 credits including (HIST*2000 or HIST*2200)

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

Class Participation - 15%
Primary Source Analysis - 10%
Major Project - 20%
Midterm Exam - 20%
Final Exam - 35%

Texts Required:

Somerville, A. A. and R. A. McDonald, The Vikings and Their Age (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2013)
Somerville, A. A. and R. A. McDonald, (eds.), The Viking Age: A Reader, 2nd Edition (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2014)

*Please note: This is a preliminary website description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.