Course Syllabus
The Vikings |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Fall 2018 - DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Literature, History, Religious Studies |
| Faculty Members: |
Kim Bergqvist |
| Program Director: |
Andreas Brøgger - abr@dis.dk |
| Academic Coordinator: |
Mark Peters - mpe@disstockholm.se |
| Time & Place: |
Tuesdays & Fridays 13:15-14:35 |
Description of Course
This is a lecture and discussion course on the Vikings – their history, culture and society. First, we will study the history of the Vikings as reflected in medieval texts and poems from the Viking Age (approx. AD 800-1100). We will also examine Viking society, gender roles, politics and religion. In the second part of the course, we will look at Viking expansion, their colonies and conquests, relying on historical documents and literary sources to give us insight into the Viking world. Finally, we will look at how the Vikings are portrayed in contemporary culture to compare and evaluate pop culture views in the light of what we have learned.
Learning Objectives
- Develop an understanding of the Viking Age and its legacy in the history, literature and landscape of Scandinavia
- Provide insight into the social, political, and cultural structures of the Norse peoples, including their gender aspects
- Provide knowledge of Viking Age mythology, religion and and religious culture
- Develop an understanding of the sources to the Viking Age and how scholars in different disciplines go about creating knowledge of this remote period
- Familiarize students with Icelandic sagas and other Viking literary texts from a literary and historical perspective
- Provide insight into how the Vikings and their legacy live on and a critical attitude to how they are used in contemporary culture
Faculty: Kim Bergqvist
PhD Candidate in History, Department of History/Centre for Medieval Studies, Stockholm University. MA (2010) and BA (2008) Stockholm University, both with a major in History, minors in Comparative Literature and Spanish. Visiting Scholar to Columbia University (2016), Cornell University (2014) and the University of Navarra, Spain (2012–13). Taught medieval history at Stockholm University (2012–16). Areas of specialization: medieval Scandinavia; medieval Iberia; comparative history; medieval literature, genre and fiction; political culture; gender history; the history of emotions. With DIS since 2018.
Readings
Abram, Christopher, Myths of the Pagan North: The Gods of the Northmen (Continuum, 2011).
Byock, Jesse L., The Saga of the Volsungs (University of California Press, 1990).
Egil’s Saga, translated by Hermann Pálsson & Paul Edwards (Penguin Books, 1960).
Haywood, John, The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Penguin Books, 1998).
Roesdahl, Else, The Vikings, 3rd edition (Penguin Books, 2016).
Snorri Sturlusson, The Prose Edda, translated by Jean I Young (University of California Press, 1954).
The Poetic Edda, translated by Carolyne Larrington (Oxford University Press, 1996).
Articles and excerpts posted on Canvas.
Field Studies
- Wed September 5th, afternoon (13.00-17.00): Visit to Museum Gustavianum and Gamla Uppsala.
- Wed October 24th, morning (8.30-12.30): Visit to The Swedish History Museum (Historiska museet) to view the Viking exhibit, and to the new experiential Viking museum Vikingaliv, Djurgården.
Approach to Teaching
I want to transmit and stimulate an enthusiastic approach to the history, literature and culture of the Viking Age from a wide and multidisciplinary perspective, and above all curiosity and a thirst for learning. I will not expect students to have prior knowledge of the subject at hand. However, after some introductory lectures I will anticipate students’ active engagement with the material in classroom discussions, group discussions, debates, and presentations. We will tackle the readings and the sources together in a collective and interactive learning experience, advancing our knowledge of the Viking Age.
Expectations
Students are expected to read the materials for each class and actively participate in discussions. Students should come prepared to class with questions and points for discussion. When posing questions or participating in discussions, students should refer to the readings to support the points they are making. If you are shy about speaking up in class, you are welcome to e-mail me your questions or ideas for class discussions beforehand.
Evaluation
In order to receive a passing grade, you must complete all the assignments.
“Engagement” is your responsibility, so it is up to you what grade you receive in this area. Consider how often you discuss, comment or ask questions in class; how many absences you have during the course, how often you complete all the readings for class; how often you check your phone or Facebook or other non-class related media during a single class meeting. The use of laptops in class will be allowed, provided they are only used for taking notes during lectures or presentations.
Grading
| Assignment |
Percent |
| Engagement |
25% |
|
Short Analysis |
20% |
|
Take-Home Midterm |
25% |
|
Final Paper/Final Exam |
30% |
Description of Assignments
Written assignments should have a title, be double-spaced, 12 font with approximately 300 words per page. Students may refer to the MLA Handbook or a writing manual from their home universities. Just be consistent when using citations, footnoting, etc.
Short Analysis
Due Friday September 28
Students will write a short analysis on a topic or theme that they find interesting based on what we have learned and discussed in class. The analysis should be 4 to 5 pages in length, 12 font and approximately 350 words per page with one-inch margins (i.e. around 1500 words in total). Remember to give your analysis a title! You pick an issue or theme that interests you and pursue it. You do NOT have to use outside sources for this paper.
Your analysis should include the following:
- Introduction: presentation of the topic to be investigated and a brief overview of what you will be doing in your paper (i.e. exploring a specific theme or using of specific theory)
- Analysis: comments, discussions, comparisons
- Summary & conclusion
Midterm exam
Tuesday October 23 (in class)
The midterm exam will be taken in class on Tuesday, October 23. The midterm will test what we have learned during the first half of the semester through readings, class lectures, and discussions, and on field studies. The midterm will consist of multiple-choice questions (of important dates, keywords, concepts, relevant terminology, and identifications); short answer questions to be answered in bullet points; and two essay questions (you will be given several questions to choose from).
Final Paper
Due on the day of the last class, Friday December 7
For the paper, you may choose to do one of the following:
- An academic research paper (6-7 pages) on a theme of your choice. Your paper MUST have a title! Approx. 350 words per page, one-inch margins, 12 font (i.e. around 2000-2500 words in total). Use at least one outside source (not among the required reading for the course).
- A re-writing of your analysis paper expanding on the original topic, taking into account comments given on the original paper. Must be 7-8 pages in length (i.e. around 2500-2800 words in total).
If you choose this option, you can extend your original paper by revising your thesis, broadening your comparisons and further qualifying your arguments by using outside sources.
You are welcome to discuss possible topics for your paper with me at any time during the semester!
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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