Research Methods in Viking and Early Medieval English Studies

Code

ENGL4265

School

English

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

The module provides a substantial grounding in the research resources and methods appropriate to interdisciplinary Viking and Early Medieval English studies. All teaching takes place through an intensive extended field-trip and a series of workshops. The workshops will introduce you to a variety of approaches to the study of the Vikings and Early Medieval England, as well as providing a practical insight to public engagement and museums. You will also be given basic bibliographical training and the field-trip will provide an opportunity for you to discover a range of material and linguistic evidence relevant to the study of the Vikings and Early Medieval England, and to understand the importance of interpreting the evidence within its landscape setting. You will produce a portfolio of assessed work to reflect your learning in these areas. Please note that the timing and location of the field-trip are to be decided, and the number and length of workshops may vary, depending on circumstances. As part of this module students will also have the opportunity to learn about public engagement, including the well-established 'Vikings for Schools' project.

Target Students

Only available to on-site postgraduate students in the School of English.

Classes

• One 3-hour workshop each week for 5 weeks

5 x 3hr workshops plus a two-day field trip.

Assessment

• 100% Portfolio: Portfolio of assessments and reflection - 3,500 words in total

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of:

• research approaches and current critical thinking in the field of Viking and Early Medieval English Studies [A1]
• the history and culture of early medieval England and medieval Scandinavia and historical background of Northern Europe AD 700-1100 [A2]
• the range of primary and secondary evidence and the research tools (including electronic databases and bibliographies) available for the study of this particular period [A3]
• current approaches to public engagement [A4]

Intellectual skills:

• the ability to conduct self-directed study [B1]
• the ability to evaluate different approaches and methodologies [B2, B3]
• the ability to perform accurate research into current critical thinking [B3]

Professional skills:

• the ability to draw together a variety of sources appropriately to illuminate a question [C1]
• the ability to communicate ideas clearly in a sustained analysis [C2]
• the ability to produce high standard written assignments [C3]
• the ability to conduct independent research using a range of resources and identify appropriate means to communicate findings to academic and non-academic audiences [C5]  

Transferable skills:

• the ability to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems [D1]
• an understanding of the complexities of various research approaches [D2]
• developing methodologies for subsequent independent research [D2]
• the ability to communicate findings clearly in writing and/or in the presentation of material to a range of audiences [D3]

Conveners

• Dr John Baker
• Dr Martin Findell