Europe after Rome: Migrations, Barbarians and the Rise of Medieval States

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Europe after Rome: Migrations, Barbarians and the Rise of Medieval States

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Archaeology

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    10
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    6
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    8

  • Overview

    Module Provider: Archaeology
    Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
    Level:5
    Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
    Pre-requisites:
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded:
    Module version for: 2016/7
    Summary module description:
    This is a single-term module which provides an overview of western and northern Europe in the Early Middle Ages (AD 400-1000), focusing on an understanding of the transitional and formative nature of this period. It is taught in lectures supplemented by seminars, and is examined through an essay and a written examination.
    Aims:
    The module aims to give students a basic understanding of the nature of this transitional period between the collapse of the Roman Empire and the rise of medieval states. In particular, it aims to make students appreciate the use of various types of complementary evidence to infer the cultural and social dynamics of this period.
    This is a single-term module which provides an overview of western and northern Europe in the Early Middle Ages (AD 400-1000), focusing on an understanding of the transitional and formative nature of this period. It is taught in lectures supplemented by seminars, and is examined through an essay and a written examination.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:
    identify and appraise the key characteristics of early medieval societies;
    recognise the potential and problems of complementary types of evidence for this period (archaeological, environmental, textual, linguistic);
    critically appraise existing interpretations of the evidence, and models and concepts of the period;
    locate, extract and assemble information from a variety of sources;
    organise the information to construct an argument in writing, both in essays and under timed conditions.
    Additional outcomes:
    The seminars encourage students to develop their oral skills, presenting and defending particular arguments. The requirement to search for and locate information will provide opportunities for students to apply and develop their IT skills.
    Outline content:
    The module provides an overview of early medieval western and northern Europe, c. AD 400 - 1000. At the beginning, the students are introduced to the main terminology, concepts and models of early medieval archaeology, and given an insight into the nature of 'Barbarian' societies outside the Roman Empire. The main block of lectures deals with key themes of the post-Roman and early medieval period in Europe: migrations, settlement, economy, society, religion, and art. Seminars are used to explain and discuss the nature and use of textual and place-name evidence in relation to the archaeological evidence of the period.
    Global context:
    This module explores the key concepts of early medieval archaeology within an international framework, although its main emphasis is on north-west Europe. Beyond its core geographical focus, case-studies are drawn from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Illustrated lectures; two seminars in smaller groups, with structured discussion based on set reading. There is a revision class in the Summer term.
    Introductory Reading
    E -Graham-Campbell, J. (ed.) 2007. The Archaeology of Medieval Europe Vol. 1: Eighth to Twelfth
    Centuries AD. Arhus: Arhus University Press
    E - Innes, Matthew. 2007. Introduction to Early Medieval Europe, 300-900: The Sword,
    The Plough, and the Spear
    E -Cameron, A., Ward-Perkins, B. & Whitby, M., (eds.) 2000. The Cambridge Ancient History Vol. 14:
    Late Antiquity: Empire and its successors, A.D.425-600 (2nd Ed.), Cambridg
    Reading List:
    E -Graham-Campbell, J. (ed.) 2007. The Archaeology of Medieval Europe Vol. 1: Eighth to Twelfth
    Centuries AD. Arhus: Arhus University Press
    E - Innes, Matthew. 2007. Introduction to Early Medieval Europe, 300-900: The Sword,
    The Plough, and the Spear
    E -Cameron, A., Ward-Perkins, B. & Whitby, M., (eds.) 2000. The Cambridge Ancient History Vol. 14:
    Late Antiquity: Empire and its successors, A.D.425-600 (2nd Ed.), Cambridge
    Contact hours:
    Autumn
    Lectures 18
    Seminars 2
    Practicals classes and workshops 2
    Guided independent study 178
    Total hours by term 200
    Total hours for module 200.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method- Percentage
    Set Exercise 40
    Written assignment including essay 60
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Students will write one essay of c.3000 words and a set exercise in the form of an interpretation panel aimed at the public comprising c. 1000 words and selected images. The coursework must be submitted in the Autumn Term on a date set by the Department
    Requirements for a pass:
    A mark of 40% overall.

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

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Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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