Module:

Module Specifications.

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

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Module Title
Module Code
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

The history of Dublin as an urban settlement begins with the Vikings who established a temporary settlement on the banks of the ‘Dark pool’ (Dub linn) on the River Poddle, near where it joins the Liffey, in the ninth century. The Scandinavian raiders and traders who came to Ireland were part of a larger movement involving raiding, trading, settlement, and conquest across a vast area from North America to the Middle East and from Lapland to North Africa. This module will examine the history of the Viking world with a particular focus on Ireland’s place in it. Social, religious and economic developments will be discussed alongside political events and a wide range of documentary and archaeological evidence will be used to provide a rounded picture of Ireland’s place in the Viking world in this period.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of broad patterns and key developments and events in the history of the Viking world and Ireland’s place in it.
2. Critically analyse primary sources by asking appropriate questions in relation to this period of global history.
3. Comprehend and analyse the underlying reasons for and consequences of political, religious, social, economic and cultural change.
4. Engage critically with prescribed secondary readings and the arguments of historians about this period.
5. Construct an objective and well-presented written argument based on a broad range of historical evidence.
6. Engage in self-directed learning by specialising in areas of personal interest.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	30	Lecture/Seminar: Attending 3 hours of lectures and seminars each week.
Independent Study	110	Preparation for lectures and seminars, to include reading, annotating sources, and preparing materials for each class meeting.
Class Presentation	40	Preparing a presentation and delivering it in class.
Assignment Completion	70	Researching and writing
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	End of Module Formal Examination	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	You will be assessed on preparation and in-class participation (through comments on Perusall and participation in the class discussions).	40%	n/a
Extended Essay / Dissertation	The rest of the assessment will be based on a scaffolded research project (60%). This project is broken down into the following elements: annotated bibliography (5%); outline (10%); oral presentation (15%); final draft (30%). The final project can engage with a question I provide or be on a topic of your choice (subject to my approval) which engages deeply with both secondary and primary sources.	60%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Viking Raids in Ireland

Viking Settlement in Ireland

History of Scandinavia

Viking Activity in Britain

Viking Activity on the continent

Scandinavian settlement of the North Atlantic

Viking Activity in Eastern Europe

Vikings and Muslims

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Anders Winroth: 2016, The Age of the Vikings, Princeton University Press, 328, 9780691169293
Howard B. Clarke,Sheila Dooley,Ruth C. Johnson: 0, Dublin and the Viking World, 978-1788490160
P. H. Sawyer: 2001, The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings, Oxford Illustrated History, 346, 978-0192854346

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Loop/In class, An extended reading list will be provided,
419219: 1, Loop/In class, A list of useful websites and digital resources will be provided.,