ENG2160 – Language and Settlement in Britain, ca. 200-1000 A.D

Course content

An introductory course which examines the various colonisations of that part of Britain which became England, from the late Romano-British period into the Anglo-Norman era; the story is dominated by the Anglo-Saxon and Norse settlements, and the Norman Conquest, but Frisian and Flemish also enter the narrative, which will of necessity consider other parts of the British Isles.

The course will examine texts, the evidence of place-names, and to some extent archaeological evidence; source criticism will be an important part of the survey.

Learning outcome

  • You will gain a basic knowledge of England’s unusually diverse cultural and linguistic history, the insular development of successive immigrations from the Continent and Scandinavia.
  • The course will give a practical introduction to the use of diverse historical sources, and consider how the forms of language themselves may be used as historical evidence.

Admission

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

Prerequisites

Recommended previous knowledge

The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English.

Teaching

Seminar, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.

Attendance is obligatory on 8 out of 10 seminars. Additional absences must be justified by documenation to the exam coordinator. Read more about guidelines for obligatory activities.

Examination

The exam form is a term paper of 10 standard pages. The first draft is to be submitted after the reading week(s). The draft will be assessed by the teacher.

You must submit your final paper in Fronter within a certain date. 

Use of sources and citation

You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.

Language of examination

English