Vikings, in the popular imagination, are commonly perceived as horn-helmeted, blood-thirsty pirates who killed and pillaged their way across Europe and beyond in the Middle Ages. Arguably, the vikings achieved rather more than this caricature suggests. They had a dramatic impact on the political order of Britain, Ireland and Francia; they contributed substantially to international trade, economy and urbanisation in different parts of Europe; and they explored and settled the uncharted territories of the North Atlantic, specifically Iceland, Greenland, and as far as 'Vinland' (parts of Newfoundland), becoming the first Europeans to reach and temporarily settle in the North American continent. Vikings were also some of the most engaging storytellers of their time. By the time Scandinavian raiding ceased in the second half of the eleventh century, they had dramatically altered political, religious, economic and military developments across the early medieval world. This module will separate fact from fiction by analysing and discussing surviving written sources alongside archaeological, linguistic and place-name evidence, thereby enabling students to uncover the real history that lies behind the mythical Viking Age. In addition, students will be introduced to the major historiographical debates related to viking activities, Scandinavian settlement and Norse culture.
Private Study: 270
Contact Hours: 30
Total: 300
Main assessment methods
Source analysis (2,000 words) 35%
Essay (3,000 words) 50%
Group presentation (15 minutes plus written summary) 15%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework (3,000-word essay)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the level 5 module students will be able to:
1 Understand and interpret the political, social, cultural and economic aspects of the Viking Age (c.750-1250).
2 Demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of relevant episodes in the history of the medieval period, the most essential primary sources (in translation), and some of the historiographical debates surrounding the subject.
3 Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the diversity of human cultures, and the different situations in which historical changes occur.
4 Demonstrate a broad conceptual command of the module, and a knowledge and critical understanding of the latest research.
5 Demonstrate their capacity to assess and critically engage with primary sources.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the level 5 module students will be able to:
1 Have enhanced their ability to effectively communicate ideas and arguments, skills which can be transferred to other areas of study and employment.
2 Demonstrate the acquisition of an independent learning style when engaging with the course content, for example in the preparation and presentation of coursework, in carrying out independent research, in compiling bibliographies and other lists of research materials, and by mediating arguments.
3 Critically analyse, discuss, deconstruct and demonstrate critical understanding of central texts and, subsequently, assemble and present arguments based on this analysis.
4 Approach problem-solving creatively and form critical and analytical judgments about the appropriateness of these approaches.
5 Present the outcomes of research and learning in a form appreciable by both specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of settings and contexts.
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