The World of the Vikings

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course provides an introduction to the world of the Vikings. Frequently romanticised and often misunderstood, the Vikings changed the course of European history. Following an examination of the possible reasons for the Viking incursions, attention will turn to the Viking homelands, early raids and settlements in Ireland, Britain and continental Europe. Important related themes include the emergence and consolidation of the medieval Scandinavian kingdoms, commercial enterprise, and religious change. Particular emphasis will be placed on the exploration and colonisation of the North Atlantic, especially Iceland, which provides an interesting case study of a state founded by Viking migrants. Students will read widely from a range of primary sources to understand how the Vikings perceived themselves and how they, in turn, were viewed by their near contemporaries. They will be encouraged to reassess the Vikings and their legacy, and to frame their achievements, some more lasting than others, within a wider European context. No prior knowledge of Old Norse or a modern Scandinavian language is required.