Bryn Athyn College Moodle

An independent Study in reading the TaNaKh in its original Hebrew

For a period of about 300 years, c. 750- 1050 CE, Vikings came instilled dread in their victims and held sway over far-flung territories under the auspices of Thor's hammer and Odin's spear. Who were the Vikings and why do they capture our imagination? This course explores this question and examines the impact of Viking expansion in Europe as raiders, traders, conquerors, and settlers.  

Consideration of the vital roles women performed in Old Norse society, i.e. medieval Scandinavia during the Middle Ages, for instance, as deities, divine beings (valkyries, dísir), rulers, warriors/shield-maidens, wives, mothers, and estate managers. Emphasis on the Viking Age (c. 750-1050 CE). Based on historical, mythological, religious, literary, legal, and archaeological sources. 

This course examines the rise and fall of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler, beginning with the devastation of World War I through the battles of World War II and finally to Germany’s defeat by Allied forces in 1945. Over the term, we will consider the historical, social, economic, and political factors that contributed to the Nazi party’s rise and downfall. Particular focus is on Nazism's impact on German society, individual vs. group responsibility, and to underpinning ideologies such as fascism, anti-Semitism, social Darwinism and eugenics. 

This course examines the witch-hunting phenomenon – that is, the prosecution and execution of persons accused of witchcraft – which occurred in Europe and by extension its colonies (e.g. New England) during the period 1450-1750 resulting in thousands of deaths. Includes a consideration of the witch-hunt’s intellectual underpinnings; its religious, social, political, and legal dimensions as well as its after-life in contemporary culture. 

Human Society 402 is the capstone experience for the Human Society majors. In it, you will conduct a major research and writing project that showcases the skills you have been developing in the program. The seminar environment is designed to provide a forum for an examination of the different facets of undertaking such a project and offers a community for support and the exchange of ideas.