Homepage: http://faculty.luther.edu/~slindmar

The Course

History 351, "The Vikings in History" covers the "Viking Era," approximately 780 to 1070 CE. It begins with Scandinavian prehistory and the origins of Viking society and culture, and the technological developments (agricultural and maritime) which led to the spread of the Vikings throughout Northern and Eastern Europe, and eventually across the North Atlantic. Students will examine both written and archeological sources to understand Viking society, religion, and culture.

Following a generally chronological order, the course will examine Viking society, religion and mythology, social structure, development of Viking ships, political developments in Scandinavia, literature and art, and the beginnings of Viking expansion. We will then study the Viking expansion which resulted from trading and raiding, including the Viking presence in such diverse areas as Russia, northern France and Germany, Britain, the Mediterranean and Byzantium, and north Atlantic islands, Iceland, and Greenland. We will also examine the Viking expeditions to North America, looking at scholarly evidence of their presence, as well as more questionable "proofs" of Viking activity in the interior of the continent. The Viking Age concludes with the establishment of Christianity and the contemporary establishment of medieval monarchies in Scandinavia, but the course will also examine modern perceptions of the Vikings and their legacy.

Required Reading:

TEXTS:

Roesdahl, Else, The Vikings

Davidson, H.R. Ellis, Gods and Myths of Northern Europe

The Saga of the Volsungs, translated by Jesse Byock

Njal's Saga, Translated and Edited by Robert Cook

The Vinland Sagas: The Norse Discovery of America, transl. by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson

Haywood, John, The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings

"Supplemental Course Materials" -- available online in two formats: in PDF format at http://faculty.luther.edu/~slindmar/hist348/SYL348.htm or as part of the Katie program at http://katie.luther.edu. These files contain reading assignments, map quiz identification items, study guides for examinations, etc. (Please note the capitalization--the system is case sensitive.)

Highly Recommended: an historical atlas (such as the Hammond Historical Atlas of the World, or a similar work) for reference throughout the course, and in studying for map quizzes. A copy of the Hammond Historical Atlas of the World will be on reserve in Preus Library.

Reading Schedule

The brief course outline indicates reading assignments for each section of the course. Because of the amount of reading required, you cannot expect to digest all of the material at one time. Because of the short duration of this class, you should thus try to read part of the assigned material daily. Reading the material before the subject is covered in class will make it easier for you to understand the lectures, and help you formulate questions which will help you learn the material more effectively.

Course Structure

This class consists primarily of lectures, supplemented by films, videos, or slides. The lectures are not simply a repetition of information found in the text. Examinations will cover material from the reading assignments as well as the lectures. There will also be in-class discussions of Viking age sagas as well as other topics of interest to the class. You will be responsible for lecture material whether or not you are in class. To obtain a passing grade, it will probably not be sufficient for you simply to read the texts without attending classes. Furthermore, attendance may be considered when determining "borderline" grades.

Although this is primarily a lecture course, you are encouraged to ask questions. If you have questions that you believe are too detailed to ask in class, or which may be outside the general interest of the class, please visit me in my office.

Assignments and Examinations

two midterm examinations (100 points each)(March 18 and April 22)

one final examination (partly comprehensive) (100 points) (At officially scheduled time during finals week: 1:15 - 3:15, Tuesday, May 18)

one research paper (100 points) (Due April 15)

two map quizzes (25 points each) (February 22 and April 29)

Total: 450 points

Please note: A grade of zero (0) for any of these assignments will result in a final grade of "F" in the course. Under no circumstances will an "incomplete" be given if the book review assignment has not been completed. (A zero for a single map quiz will not result in an automatic "F;" however, a total score of zero for all of the quizzes will result in failure in the course.)

Course grades are based on completion of these assignments only. There are NO provisions for "extra credit" work to supplement these requirements.

Dates listed are tentative, and subject to possible change. PLEASE NOTE: Although there may be reminders announced in class, you are responsible for meeting all assignment deadlines listed in the Supplemental Course Packet. Any changes to those deadlines will be announced in class; you are responsible for meeting revised deadlines even if you were not in class when the changes were announced.

Violations of the Honor System will be referred to the Honor Council, which will assess the appropriate penalties.