Viking and Medieval Scandinavian History

This course offers a broad survey of the political, social, and
cultural history of Viking Age and medieval Scandinavia. It explores the
Vikings—who they were, how they lived and made a living, what they
believed in, how they sought to organize their society, what regions
they explored, whom they loved, fought with, and befriended. We study
macro developments such as religious change, Christianization, and the
expansion of state or royal power as well as everyday life, including
beliefs and rituals, relations between women and men, violence, and
emotions. Developments in Viking society is examined and analyzed
against the backdrop of Scandinavia successively becoming integrated
into Europe. In the course of the semester, students gain a hands-on
experience with material objects such as archeological finds and runic
stones as well as Old Norse sagas, miracle stories, and chivalric
literature that make it possible to reconstruct this critical and
fascinating period in Scandinavian history. Moreover, we explore
contemporary images and the legacy of Vikings in popular culture.