Welcome to SPACE, our adult continuing education program which offers interactive monthly courses for personal enrichment! Learn more here.

November 2024  Confirmed  Hybrid
A Module in Viking Hogwarts: The World Of Old Norse SorceryNon-Sequential Series
Mixed Lecture/Discussion • Low intensity
After having discussed the complex phenomenon of seidr magic in module 1, we are going to have a closer look at its most violent practices. Beyond domestic practices, sorcerous aggression manifested e.g. through driving the enemy insane, sending spirits to attack, causing misfortune and on a much broader scale on the battlefield.

A clear projection of supernatural intervention is offered by Odin‘s servants the valkyrjur, but also shapeshifting berserkers caught by ritual frenzy, with powers stemming from Odin himself, “The Terrible” in his sorcerous role. Battle spells also seem to have been preserved as literary remnants with a chance at authenticity derived from ideas in older poems, like ideas about war-fettering, invulnerability or disguise.

Nota bene: The module can also be attended without having taken module 1. Although recommended, it is not a prerequisite. You will still have the chance to explore Norse mentalities and catch a glimpse of fascinating beliefs and sources for Iron age and early medieval Scandinavia. Topics included in this module: 1 Norse war deities 2 Supernatural agency in battle 3 Valkyrjur and berserkir 4 The afterlife in Valhöll.

Required Texts

There are no required texts for this module.
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This will be a Hybrid class (4 lectures & 4 discussion sessions). Each week will consist of 1 hour of recorded lecture and 1 hour of live discussion (not recorded) for a total of 8 class hours over the course of the month.

Delivery Plan
1. The first session each week will be a pre-recorded lecture sent to students at least 2 days before the live discussion session.
2. The second session each week will be a live discussion session (not recorded), occurring on Wednesdays at 2:00 PM Eastern (four 1-hour sessions on November 6, 13, 20, 27)

Days and Times

Pre-recorded lectures will be supplemented by live meetings Wednesdays at 2:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour sessions on November 6, 13, 20, 27

Signum Time
US/Eastern
Your Time
unknown
Wed, Nov 6
2:00 PM
Wed, Nov 13
2:00 PM
Wed, Nov 20
2:00 PM
Wed, Nov 27
2:00 PM
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If you have any questions about the SPACE program, please reach out to [email protected].