History 213 examines religiosity in medieval Northern Europe from Norse paganism to the conversion to Christianity (c. 800 - 1300 CE) as understood in three periods: Pre-Christian, Conversion, and Christian. Consideration of multiple aspects pertaining to shifts in worldviews, values, and religious beliefs such as mythology, religious rites and practices, magic and witchcraft, law and ethics, custom and tradition. Students analyze and interpret assigned primary sources - selections from Old Norse sagas and Eddas, histories, chronicles, saints' lives, etc. -- with recourse as well to the archaeological record. Due attention is given to the impact of Christianization on society at all levels, for the elite as well as for those they ruled. 3 credits.
- Teacher: Sean Lawing