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ARCH6037 Post-Roman Archaeology of Britain: Arthur and the Anglo Saxons

Offered By School of Archaeology and Anthropology
Academic Career Graduate Coursework
Course Subject Archaeology
Offered in ARCH6037 will not be offered in 2012
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
2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial per week

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.
Dark, K. From Civitas to Kingdom: British Political Continuity 300-800 AD, Leicester University Press, 1994.

Programs Graduate Certificate in Archaeological Studies
Academic Contact Professor Matthew Spriggs

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.

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