Dr. W. Turner
Celtic History
(HIST
4950)
updated 11/28/2006
The history of Celtic society is fascinating in part because of how interested people have become of that “heritage” in recent years. Much has been made of the Celts in movies, television, and books. In reality scholars know little about the early Celts and what modern “Celts” refer to as their “rituals”, “symbols,” or other “inheritances” have been remade over and over until they really bear no resemblance to those of Ancient Celtic society. Still, the phenomenon is one of change and the Celts, if we can even call them that, were ever changing. They remade themselves as they interacted with nature and other societies, so perhaps they would not mind the borrowing of their ideas.
Oral Reports: The oral reports are in lieu of a research paper and at the time of your report (before you begin) you must turn in a list of your references (at least three). A list of topics and dates will be circulated on Friday of the first week; sign up for something you will find interesting to research. If you have a topic you would like to present that is not on the list, see me, I am always open to ideas.
Written Report: 10 pages (approx.). It may be on the same topic as your Oral Report but does not have to be. It should follow the Turabian style of formatting with all citations and references (stuff you did not know before you began the class) footnoted. If you do not have footnotes or do not have at least 3 sources, you will receive an F. If you are uncertain about how to cite something, see me. Turabian's guide to writing research papers is available at the bookstore.
Exams & Grades: Will be essay but open notes and open book. Please don't forget your books on the days of the exams. You will need a bluebook (available in the bookstore) for each exam.
Oral Report 25%
Written Report 25%
Midterm 25%
Final 25%
Final Exam: 1:00-3:00 pm, Wednesday, December 10th.
Books:
Recommended, though not required (going out of print):
John Haywood. Atlas of the Celtic World. London : Thames and Hudson, Ltd., 2001 (or more recent). ISBN: 050050109
Required:
Simon James. The World of the Celts. London : Thames & Hudson , Ill Edition, 2005. ISBN 0500279985
Schedule of assignments & lectures
Supplemental readings will be handed out along the way in addition to your book.
August 18 The Celtic language group
August 20 Urnfield peoples
August 25 Hallstatt culture
August 27 La Tène culture
September 1 Labor Day – No Class
September 3 Invasion of Greece , Anatolia, & Italy
September 8 Celtiberians 
September 10 Hillforts & Oppida
September 15 Trade
September 17 Villages
September 22 Social Organization
September 24 Druids
September 29 Celtic Gaul
October 1 Study Group Day – No Class
October 6 Roman Conquest of Gaul
October 8 Celts, Romans & Germans in Europe
October 13 Brittany
October 15 Midterm
October 20 Atlantic Celts – Prehistoric Britain & Ireland
October 22 Celts & Romans in Britain
October 27 Picts
October 29 Picts & Britons
November 3 Scots
November 5 Welsh
November 10 King Arthur & Other Tales
November 12 Early Christian Ireland
November 17 Viking invasion
November 19 End of Welsh independence
November 24 Medieval Ireland
November 26 Thanksgiving – No Class
December 1 Medieval Scotland
December 3 Modern Celtic movement
Final Exam – Monday, December 8, 3:30-5:30 pm.
Readings may be altered, added to, or eliminated along the way. The readings
also do not always correspond with the lecture precisely, but the two augment
each other.
Celtic