ARCH6037 Post-Roman Archaeology of Britain: Arthur and the Anglo Saxons
| Offered By | School of Archaeology & Anthropology |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Archaeology |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2011 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course critically examines the period when the English language arose and the English state was formed from the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. It was during this period that the current 'Celtic Fringe' of Europe developed in Brittany, Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland and the legend of King Arthur arose. Looking at Post-Roman Britain during the period from about 400 to 800 AD allows us to examine issues such as continuity versus replacement in biological anthropology, migration versus diffusion in the archaeological record, the relation between archaeological and linguistic entities and the interplay of archaeology and nationalism in the modern world. Contemporary developments in Continental Europe at the end of the Western Roman Empire are also examined. |
| Learning Outcomes | Students will acquire knowledge of the archaeological evidence for this crucial period in British history, foundational to the modern UK state and the English language. They will acquire analytical skills in examining the interface between historical and archaeological evidence, and the relevance of archaeological interpretation to modern national and sub-national identities. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Tutorial attendance (10%), two 4000 word essays or projects (45% each). |
| Workload |
Normally offered in alternate years |
| Course Classification(s) | TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses. |
| Areas of Interest | Archaeology |
| Preliminary Reading |
Bassett, S. (ed.) The Origins of Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms, Leicester University Press, 1989. |
| Academic Contact | Professor Matthew Spriggs |
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