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 - General Introduction, NFI4100 – Runology - General Introduction or equivalent.

The course presupposes some knowledge of Old Norse and of the history of the North Germanic languages, and the courses NFI1101 – Norr?n grammatikk og eldre spr?khistorie, 4120?or equivalent are recommended. The syllabus literature will be in English, modern Scandinavian languages and, in some cases, German.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The teaching is given in 14 double lectures and seminars, 28 hours in total. Teaching takes place throughout the semester. One qualifying assignment and an optional reading list have to be approved before the student may sit for the final examination.

Approved obligatory assignments are valid the next two times the course is given.

Examination

The final exam will be an oral examination.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 25, 2025 4:00:39 PM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring

Every other spring

Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English