NFI2101 – Runology - Runic Inscriptions from the Migration Period to the Viking Age
Course description
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.
Recommended previous knowledge
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
- 10 credits overlap with MAS2100 – Runology – Runic Inscriptions from the Migration Period to the Viking Age (discontinued).
- 10 credits overlap with NFI4123 – Runology - Runic Inscriptions from the Migration Period to the Viking Age.
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
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.