HI7145 Viking Age Ireland

not available 2012/13

Module Coordinators: Prof. Terry Barry and Dr Stephen Harrison
Duration: Michealmas Term
Contact Hours: 2 hours per week
ECTS: 10
Assessment: 1 x 3,500-5,000 essay on an approved topic relating to the module

This module considers the main effects of the Vikings upon Ireland. After an analysis of both archaeological and historical methods of enquiry, we examine the raiding phase of the Vikings in Ireland, as well as their burial rites. Then we concentrate on Viking settlement, employing the examples of Dublin and Waterford as case-studies.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

• identify key events and issues associated with Viking activity in Ireland, as revealed by in-depth analysis of primary sources (written and archaeological) and secondary sources
• place this knowledge in the context of a broader knowledge and understanding of Viking activity elsewhere in Europe
• formulate research questions for the purposes of essay writing and oral presentations
• assess the various historiographical approaches and methodologies applied the this area of Irish history
• engage critically and in-depth with primary texts and secondary literature
• complete an intensive, self-motivated study of a relevant historical problem, with high quality research organization and presentation