The Viking Mind

Code

ENGL3070

School

English

Level

3

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module will explore various aspects of Norse and Viking cultural history using an interdisciplinary approach grounded in the study of texts. Topics covered will include Gender and Status, Migration and Diaspora, Religion and Belief(s), The Supernatural, Orality and Literacy, Geography and the Other.

Target Students

Only available for final-year students on SH and JH English programmes; including 2+2 programmes; students participating in exchanges from the School partner institutions; and final-year students on the Liberal Arts programme.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

Assessment

• 70% Coursework: 3,000 word essay
• 30% Exam 1 (0-hour): Takeaway exam

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of

• sagas and poetry as expressions of Icelandic identity and history
• basic reading knowledge of Old Norse-Icelandic

Intellectual skills

• the ability to read and interpret a range of medieval texts
• the ability to acquire basic reading knowledge of a language quickly and efficiently
• the ability to evaluate current critical thinking

Professional practice skills

• the ability to conduct independent study and research
• the ability to present ideas clearly in a sustained discussion
• the ability to produce written assignments to a high standard

Transferable key skills

• the ability to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
• the ability to develop strategies for drawing sustainable conclusions from incomplete evidence
• the ability to communicate findings clearly in writing

Conveners

• Dr Kate Olley