• AARHUS UNIVERSITET
• KØBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
• UPPSALA UNIVERSITET
• UNIVERSITETET I OSLO
• NTNU I TRONDHEIM
• HØGSKOLEN I AGDER
• HÁSKÓLI ÍSLANDS
• FRÓÐSKAPARSETUR FØROYA
• UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

University of Aberdeen

MLitt and diploma in Viking and Medieval Scandinavia

Introduction

The MLitt in Viking and Medieval Scandinavia is a taught postgraduate degree programme designed around the number of academic staff in the College of Arts and Social Sciences conducting research in Scandinavian Studies (see the Centre for Scandinavian Studies website). It is a truly interdisciplinary programme introducing the various methodologies in the field, provides a thorough grounding in research methods and skills, and offers expert research training in a wide range of topics. You will also have the opportunity to conduct a research project of your own, supervised by a member of the cultural history staff. This programme is the best possible introduction to the subject for potential PhD students, but is designed chiefly as a rewarding, stimulating programme in its own right, whether or not you envisage further study. The qualifications ‘MLitt’ and ‘PgDip’ are valuable and widely respected.

EL40OP
The Sagas of Icelanders: The Colonial Literature of Medieval Iceland

Credit points: 15
Course co-ordinator: Dr Tarrin Wills
Pre-requisite(s): Available only to students in Programme Year 4, or by permission of the Programme Co-ordinator

This course introduces students to a large and important body of medieval vernacular literature: the sagas of the Icelanders. The sagas are a fascinating and entertaining literature concerning the settlement period of Iceland, with themes centred around family and honour relationships and the problems of living in a remote and hostile environment, without centralised government or law enforcement. The sagas of the Icelanders influenced English and Scottish authors such as Coleridge, Blake and Scott, but they are also significant as a body of colonial and post-colonial literature from the Middle Ages.
This course will introduce some major works from the sagas of the Icelanders. It will cover the saga form, both textual and narrative features, as well as providing the historical, social and legal background to the works. In addition, the course will examine the sagas as colonial and settlement literature, using a comparative approach with modern literary forms.

2 two-hour seminars per week: Mon/Thu at 9
In-course assessment: essay (80%), and seminar work (20%)

HI5574
Runes and Place Names: Important Sources for Early Scandinavia

Credit points: 20
Course co-ordinator: Dr Tarrin Wills
Pre-requisite(s): Available only to students in Programme Year 5
Notes: Available in second half-session 2008-2009

This course provides students with a basic knowledge of two sources that are very important for early Scandinavia, namely the runes and the place names. They are important because we more or less lack written sources. Students will gain a basic insight into runology and toponymy, and will be presented with the latest positions in research in these fields.

10 x 2 hour classes
Continuous assessment 100% (one 5000 word essay – 100%)

HI55XX
Viking Religion and Mythology

Credit points: 20
Course co-ordinator: Dr Karen Bek-Pedersen
Pre-requite(s): Available only to students in Programme Year 5
Notes: Available in second half-session 2008-2009

What is ‘Old Norse Mythology’? This course introduces students to a range of methodologies and sources through which Viking Religion and Mythology can be analysed, focusing primarily on the early medieval manuscript sources. The specific challenges associated with each topic will be discussed, as will the benefits and limitations of particular forms of evidence and the approaches they call for.

10 x 2 hour classes
Continuous assessment 100% (one 1000 word book review – 20%; one 4000 word essay – 80%)

HI5578
Vikings in Britain and Ireland

Credit points: 20
Course co-ordinator: Dr Claire Downham
Pre-requisite(s):
Notes: Available in second half session 2008-2009

This is an interdisciplinary study of the turbulent period, the Viking Age, and the impact that the aggressive clash as well as the more peaceful contact between cultures had on British and Irish society. The course will be themed by region looking at Vikings’ relations with the Anglo-Saxons, Gaels, Britons and Picts up to the reign of Cnut (d. 1035). Special attention will be given to the development of Viking colonial identity and the cultural and religious influences which Britain and Ireland brought to Scandinavian society.

10 X 2 hour classes
Continuous assessment 100% (one seminar presentation – 10%; one 5000 word essay – 90%)

Term Dates for 2008-2009

Students for all First Degrees and for Taught Postgraduate Programmes (unless otherwise specified)

Further information

If you would like further information about the programme,
please contact:

Professor Stefan Brink
Centre for Scandinavian Studies
University of Aberdeen
Crombie Annexe
Meston Walk
Old Aberdeen AB24 3FX
Scotland, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 272411
s.brink@abdn.ac.uk

For information about how to apply for a place,
please contact Helena Thomas:

Helena Thomas
Postgraduate Studies Secretary
School of Divinity, History, and Philosophy
University of Aberdeen
King’s College
Old Aberdeen AB24 3UB
Scotland, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 272890
Fax: +44 (0)1224 273750

LINKS

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