Medieval Britain & Europe: Celts and their Cultures in Britain and the Continent
Time: 15:00 - 17:00
Location: Keeley Street
This course has now started
- Course Code: HEH103
- Dates: 30/10/24 - 04/12/24
- Time: 15:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Wed, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Michael Bloomfield
Course Code: HEH103
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is about European peoples, and their lands, identified as Celtic. We discuss the lifestyles, religions, and traditions of the Celts in antiquity and the changes brought about by the advent of Christianity; the impact of Vikings; aristocratic life; agriculture and technology; warfare; markets and trade. Interaction with Anglo-Saxons forms an important and fascinating aspect of our course.
Tutor: Michael Bloomfield.
What will we cover?
The essential geography of the Celtic realms; the origins and development of the Celtic peoples from antiquity to the High Middle Ages;
We explore who the Celts were, and the diverse nature of the lands they occupied;
we examine selected artefacts and a variety of ancient texts, revealing fascinating aspects of
Celtic societies, such as the language of the Golasecca, the technology of Hallstatt, and the
brilliance of La Tène culture and design;
Oppida or townships were important across the Celtic realms: for example, in southern Germany
the culture centred on Kelheim, Ipf and Goldberg, was outstanding: richly agricultural but with
complex defences. and a sophisticated lifestyle.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- describe vital features of Celtic history, culture and society;
- explain Celtic cultural achievements, including artefacts in museums;
- identify the ways specialists have interpreted Celtic culture;
- study Celtic culture with an enhanced awareness of the materials available to us.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an `introductory` course and no previous knowledge is required, although there will be some recommended reading. Books should be available from a library, although you might wish to buy a particular text if you wish to explore a topic further. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to read some of the recommended books and articles introduced during the course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Sessional talks and discussions are illustrated with slides. There is ample opportunity for discussion of questions and issues raised. As the course progresses learners are encouraged to take an increasing part in the learning process, especially with regard to asking questions and discussing aspects of the topics covered.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may wish to buy a book or visit a museum of site recommended during the course. The costs of this are not covered by the course fee.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HEH85 Medieval Britain & Europe: Makers of the Medieval North part 1.