(in Polish) The History and Culture of Medieval Scandinavia: From the Christianisation to the Reformation 1202-OG-EN-CoMS

This series of lectures on the history of Scandinavia during the medieval period offers students the opportunity to explore key individuals, groups, events, and factors that shaped the region, its culture, and the identities of its inhabitants. Importantly, many aspects of the Scandinavian medieval heritage remain relevant today, such as the idea of Nordic integration and common defence against external threats. The geographical scope encompasses not only the three Scandinavian kingdoms – Denmark, Norway, and Sweden – but also the territories they conquered and controlled during the Middle Ages, including Finland, Iceland, Greenland, and other Atlantic islands. The time frame covers Scandinavian history from the early Christian missions of the ninth century to the initial spread of the Reformation in the early sixteenth century. Students will gain a deeper understanding of both key turning points and gradual, centuries-long processes that influenced medieval Scandinavian politics, society, and culture. The course introduces students to the latest Scandinavian scholarly literature on the period, along with its key findings and interpretations. Students will also engage with a selection of relevant primary sources, such as medieval chronicles, law codes, charters, and letters. Emphasising active engagement over passive learning, the course encourages students to participate through questions, answers, and discussions. They will learn how to analyse historical maps, interpret fragments of medieval texts, critically engage with scholarly opinions, and participate in historical discussions.