NFI4122 – Runology - Runic Inscriptions of the Middle Ages
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
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.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
NFI1101 – Norr?n grammatikk og eldre spr?khistorie or NFI4120 – Old Norse - Language and Texts. It is possible to take the course parallel to NFI4120.
Recommended previous knowledge
Some basic knowledge of runology is recommended but is not obligatory.
If you do not have previous knowledge in runology, please contact the lecturer for the current semester for information on how to prepare in advance. The lecturer`s name can be found in the timetable on the semester page.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with NFI2102 – Runology - Runic Inscriptions of the Middle Ages.
Teaching
The teaching is given in 14 double lectures and seminars, 28 hours in all.
Students must submit an individual reading list within a set deadline. The reading list must be approved by the teacher.
A qualifying assignment has to be approved before the student may take the final exam.
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Approved compulsory activites are valid for the next two terms in which the course is offered
Examination
The final exam will be an oral examination.
Language of examination
English or any of the Scandinavian languages
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.