131-475 Celtic Ritual and Culture

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

This subject offers a wide-ranging exploration and analysis of the cultures known as Celtic spanning almost 2000 years, from the late bronze age culture exemplified in the Hallstatt burials to the early medieval monastic culture typified by Lindisfarne (Holy Island). The historiography and problematisation of the term Celtic will be analysed. The various cultural groups identified as Celtic from the late bronze age to the early medieval period will be investigated through documentary sources, material culture, art and archaeology. Much of the evidence, both documentary and material, relates to ritual practices, and the course will examine these for indicators of broader cultural characteristics.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A paper of 2000 words 40% (due 2 weeks after the presentation during the semester) and a research essay of 3000 words 60% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.