The ASNC Tripos Papers & Syllabi
The ASNC degree combines the study of history with the study of original languages and literatures. No prior knowledge of any of the languages is expected or required: all language teaching begins from scratch.
England before the Norman Conquest
History of the English kingdoms from the adventus Saxonum in the fifth century through the conversion, the Viking wars, King Alfred, the reform of the tenth century, to the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Scandinavian History in the Viking Age
The political, social, and economic development of Scandinavia from c. 750 to c. 1100, including Viking expansion across the North Atlantic, Britain, Ireland, and eastern Europe.
The Gaelic World from Christianity to c. 1066
The history of Ireland, the Dál Riata kingdom, and early Scotland from the fifth century to the eleventh century, covering law, church, kinship, and Viking contact.
The Brittonic-Speaking Peoples (c. 400 to 12th c.)
The history of the Britons in Wales, northern Britain, Cornwall, and Brittany from the end of Roman Britain to the coming of the Anglo-Normans.
Old English Language and Literature
Grammar, translation, and critical literary study of Old English prose and poetry, including Beowulf, elegies, homilies, riddles, and historical narratives.
Old Norse Language and Literature
Study of Old Norse-Icelandic prose and poetic traditions, including mythological and heroic Eddic poetry, skaldic verse, Íslendingasögur (family sagas), and kings sagas.
Medieval Welsh Language and Literature
Reading texts in Middle Welsh, including the Mabinogi, Arthurian tales, early praise poetry (the Cynfeirdd and Gogynfeirdd), and legal tracts.
Medieval Irish Language and Literature
Introduction to Old and Middle Irish, exploring the Ulster Cycle (Táin Bó Cúailnge), mythological narratives, early lyric poetry, and wisdom literature.
Insular Latin Language and Literature
Latin literature produced in Britain and Ireland from c. 400 to c. 1100, including Gildas, Columbanus, Bede, Aldhelm, Alcuin, and Asser.
Palaeography and Codicology
The study of medieval handwriting, manuscript production, illumination, and textual transmission in the British Isles and western Europe.