Course Description:

In the ninth century northern Europe and the north Atlantic were transformed by the remarkable exertions of Scandinavian raiders, navigators, invaders and settlers and the political, religious and cultural forces that these ‘vikings’ unleashed. This course examines this fascinating epoch in medieval history by assessing the Scandinavian impact across northern Europe (including a detailed case study of Britain and Ireland) and the Scandinavian cultural background that gave rise to the viking phenomenon. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on reading and assessing the value of medieval sources.

Method of Assessment and Weights:

Mike the Knight and the vikings 15%
primary source analysis I 10%
mid-term exam (weeks 1-6) 25%
primary source analysis II 10%
seminar work 15%
take-home final exam (weeks 7-12) 25%

Required Textbooks:

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 web course 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.