HI 237

Vikings

The period of the Viking raids has often been characterized as a 'second dark age' in Medieval Europe. In reality, the Northmen must be seen as more than simply raiders. This course will survey the major events of the Viking Age in order to examine how the= Vikings also became neighbours, allies, co-religionists, and even political leaders in the wider medieval world. The course will also assess how the influence of Scandinavian settlement and culture reshaped the social and political structures of regions from Ireland to Russia. Other topics addressed may include Viking colonization in the North Atlantic, conversion and state-building within Scandinavia, and popular perceptions (and misconceptions) about the Vikings. {P} Exclusions: HI299J