NFI2102 – Runology - Runic Inscriptions of the Middle Ages
Course description
Course content
The runes were a writing system used by a number of Germanic peoples from the second century AD throughout the Middle Ages. This course covers the last phase of the runic tradition in Scandinavia from ca. 1050 to the Reformation. In addition to a close study of representative inscriptions from this period, the runic writing tradition will be studied in the context of the far-reaching social and cultural developments that happened during this time, in particular the introduction of the Latin language and of the Latin alphabet.
We will study in detail the relationship between the runic and the Latin written culture, and analyze how the Scandinavian vernacular and Latin, as well as the runes and the Latin alphabet were used in society. How did these two written cultures influence one another? What was their mutual status? To what degree were medieval Scandinavians proficient in both languages and scripts?
Learning outcome
During this course, the students will acquire
- specific skills in reading and interpreting runic inscriptions from the Middle Ages.
- an in-depth knowledge of the developments that the runic writing system went through during this period.
- insights into the complex relationship between the medieval runic and the Latin written cultures.
- Moreover, the students will gain familiarity with different research tools such as runic editions and databases.
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.