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NFI4122 - Runology - Runic Inscriptions of the Middle Ages

Course content

Runology covers 1300 years of the history of writing. Runes were a distinctive writing system for a number of Germanic peoples from the second century AD until runic writing died out in Norway in the 15th century. This course provides a study in depth of the runic inscriptions from the Middle Ages 1050-1400. In addition to a close study of inscriptions, the inscriptions are also studied in the context of cultural history, in particular with reference to the relationship between the runes and the Latin alphabet. Why did runic writing continue to be in use after the introduction of the latin alphabet.

There will be a special focus on the interplay between data (runic inscriptions) and theory (about written communication in the Middle Ages).

Learning outcomes

The aim is to provide students with specific skills in reading and interpreting runic inscriptions from the Middle Ages and to place these in the context of cultural history. Students will also gain insights into the discussion of orality - literacy as a historical perspective on the Middle Ages in terms of forms of writing.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

Some basic knowledge of runology is to be desired but is not obligatory. The course presupposes a certain knowledge of Old Norse. Applicants must therefore document knowledge of Old Norse corresponding to NFI1101 Norrøn grammatikk og eldre språkhistorie or NFI 4120 Old Norse language and texts. It is possible to take the course parallel to NFI4120.

Overlap

10 credits against NFI2102 - Runology - Runic Inscriptions of the Middle Ages.

Teaching

14 double lectures and seminars, 28 hours in all.

Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

Criteria for access to teaching resources

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, contingent on available capacity.

Exam information

The final exam is a trial lecture. The student will be given a topic and will have one week (5 working says) to prepare a 20 minutes’ lecture. The lecture shall be given in a conference room and will be open to the public; students, scholars and others who might be interested. The given topic will be related to data (runes and runic inscriptions) and theories about the data.

Language of examination

The trial lecture may be held in English or any of the Scandinavian languages

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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