Program Overview

The Vikings (HIST*3520)

Course Details

The Vikings (HIST*3520) is a course offered by the University of Guelph, specifically within the Department of History in the College of Arts.

Course Description

This course examines the remarkable exertions of Scandinavian raiders, navigators, invaders, and settlers in the ninth century and the political, religious, and cultural forces they unleashed. It assesses the Scandinavian impact across northern Europe, including a detailed case study of Britain and Ireland, and explores 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

The course assessment includes:

• 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)

Departments and Schools

The College of Arts encompasses several departments and schools, including:

• School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing
• School of Fine Art and Music
• School of Languages and Literatures
• Department of History
• Department of Philosophy
• Interdisciplinary Programs

Centres, Institutes, and Labs

The University of Guelph is home to various research centres, institutes, and labs, such as:

• Centre for Scottish Studies
• Grounded and Engaged Theory Lab (GET)
• Interdisciplinary Design Lab
• The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation
• The Humanities Interdisciplinary Collaboration Lab (THINC)
• The School of Fine Art & Music Print Study Collection