ARMM01-Dark Age Societies AD400-1000

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Gabor Thomas
Email: gabor.thomas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This single-term module surveys the archaeology of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and British-speaking regions of western and northern England from the 5th to the 10th centuries A.D. It uses a wide spectrum of archaeological sources to explore the nature of these societies, their interactions with each other and the wider world, and how they were transformed by key processes such as Christianisation and political centralisation.Ìý It is taught in seminars and is examined through an assessed essay.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the archaeology of Celtic-speaking regions of the British Isles between the 5th and the 10th centuries A.D., the period commonly identified as the ‘Dark Ages’.ÌýStudents will learn to critically evaluate the contribution that archaeological evidence has made to an understanding the nature of Dark Age societies, their interactions with each other and the wider world, and how they were reshaped by religious, political and social transformations which define this period.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Intended learning outcomes: Students will have a systematic understanding of the different nature of the various types of evidence (archaeological, historical, art-historical and environmental) available for the period, and be able to assess and evaluate one against the other. They will be able to use primary data for the critical evaluation of theories, and for the comparison and assessment of the various positions in current scholarly debates. They will also be able to extend via independen t self-study their understanding of, and originality of approach to, the issues discussed in class, and identify topics suitable for essays and dissertations. Assessable outcomes By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able:

• to provide a critical assessment of the main issues and events


• to critically evaluate the character and quality of archaeological data associated with Dark Age societies


• to locate, extr act and assemble data and information with minimal guidance


• to develop independent interpretations of material through self-directed research


• to provide a critical reading of course material, and to debate their conclusions in class discussions


• to synthesise wide-ranging material and articulate an argument effectively, in an assessed essay, and orally in seminar presentations.

Additional outcomes:
This module promotes an awareness of inter-disciplinarity in medieval studies. Seminar presentations, critical reviews and the development of an individual essay topic encourage independent learning, as well as communication skills, personal responsibility, and teamwork in discussion groups.

Outline content:

This module will uncover the lived realities that lie behind King Arthur and other legendary figures from ‘Dark Age’ Britain and Ireland (the 5th to the 19th centuries A.D.) through a critically informed evaluation of archaeological and other sources. The content will be taught thematically, each topic being illustrated by case studies drawn from across the British Isles to understand similarities and differences. Key themes include social organisation,Ìý power and authority, objects and identities, death and commemoration, and religion and Christianisation

Global context:
The main geographical emphasis of this module is on the British Isles, but is also considers interactions with the near continent and the Mediterranean world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Largely seminars at which students will be expected to contribute by presenting the results of set reading. Lectures used to introduce complex topics. Individual tutorials to discuss essays.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One 5,000-word essay. Students are encouraged to formulate their own topic.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: