NFI2101 – Runology - Runic Inscriptions from the Migration Period to the Viking Age

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Runology is concerned with some 1300 years of the history of writing. Runes constituted the script used by many Germanic peoples from the second century A.D. Their use died out in Norway around 1400. This advanced course covers the runic inscriptions from the Migration Period and the Viking Age. In addition to close study of runic writing, there is also focus on particular issues of the period.

Learning outcome

The aim is to provide a special knowledge of the eldest runes and runic inscriptions. The course also aims to provide insight into the ancient language history and cultural history in the light of runic writing.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

NFI1100 - Runology - a general introduction or equivalent. The course presupposes a good knowledge of Old Norse. One should also be able to read not only runic inscriptions but also Old Norse literary texts in the original.

This course builds on knowledge of Old Norse and some basic knowledge of the history of the Germanic languages. The syllabus literature will be in Scandinavian languages, English and, in some cases, German. Basic knowledge in runology equivalent to the course NFI1100 - Runology - a general introduction is required.

Overlapping courses