EC124-From Romans to Vikings: towns, trade and the origins of Europe

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Ken Dark
Email: k.r.dark@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Using archaeology and history to understand the period from the end of the Roman Empire to the end of the ‘Viking Age’ in Europe and the Middle East, and its relevance to studies of long-term political, cultural and economic change and to contemporary societies and economies. Suitable for students without a background in history, archaeology or economics, this module is relevant to anyone interested in large-scale political or economic transformations and/or the formation of European and Middle Eastern identities and cultures. This module is delivered at the University of Reading.

Aims:

Understanding the end of the Roman Empire and the subsequent processes which led to the emergence of the European political and cultural identities and the medieval trading system by the end of the ‘Viking Age’.  Appreciating the ways in which the study of archaeology and history can be of value and interest in itself and benefit both the broader study of the social sciences (eg economics, politics or international relations) and humanities, and for contemporary society as a whole.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Knowledge of the period from the end of the Roman Empire to the end of the ‘Viking Age’, especially the transformation of political organisation, urbanism and trade within their religious and cultural contexts. Understanding of the origins of European identities. Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of archaeological and historical research, including archaeological excavation, survey and the source-criticism of texts. Skills to formulate arguments about this period based on archaeological and textual evidence by synthesising and critically evaluating different types of sources and methods and to express them in essay form

Additional outcomes:

Understanding of the importance of knowledge of pre-modern societies and economies for analysts of long-term political and economic transformations. Transferable skills of collating and analysing data from written sources, note-taking from publications, written and visual presentation and original thought.

Outline content:

The relevance of pre-modern history to understanding the contemporary world; the collapse of the Western Roman Empire; Roman urban centres in the fifth and sixth centuries; the fifth- and sixth- century barbarian kingdoms in the fifth- and sixth-century West; fifth- and sixth-century Britain; the Byzantine world in the fifth and sixth centuries; the seventh century transformation; evaluating the Pirenne Hypothesis; the Byzantine empire after the seventh century; Vikings as raiders and farmers ; Viking towns and trade.

Global context:

This module contributes to the distinctive role of studies of pre-modern periods, and of understanding the importance of politics and culture for economic systems, in teaching economics at Reading.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10	1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		50	7
Exam revision/preparation			10
Essay preparation		10
Reflection		10	2
Total hours by term	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Written assignment including essay	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour written examination.

Part 1 examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2000-word essay submitted during the term in which the module is taught.

Formative assessment methods:

None

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination of all modules takes place in August/September of the same year.

Re-assessment is by examination only; coursework is not included at the second attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2021