The Iron Age Celts

 CC340 Substantial Writing Component

During the centuries before the Roman conquest, Iron Age Europe was home to the many peoples that we now collectively call the early "Celts." Known to the Greeks and Romans as fearless warriors, prodigious drinkers, and amoral barbarians, the Celts interacted with the classical Mediterranean through trade and in hostile encounters. Feared for their attacks on Rome and Delphi, the Celts were a constant presence in Europe, northern Italy and Spain on the one hand, and in western Turkey on the other. The first century BCE and thereafter saw numerous major military incursions by the Romans into Celtic, or Gallic, and finally Insular territory. At these points of contact, the non-literate Celts entered into Classical literature.

The archaeological study of Celtic material remains reveals a fascinating culture unknown to the Classical authors. Lavish burials of women and men contain well-preserved goods and exquisite works of art in an abstract, non-narrative idiom. Many of the early concepts and forms developed further on the western Isles. Hillforts and enclosures permanently altered the landscape. We can begin to generalize about Celtic Iron Age social structures, economic patterns and belief systems.

We will avail ourselves of both sources of information -- the Greek and Roman authors' writings about the Celts, and, primarily, the archaeology of the Celtic world. This course will cover the late Hallstatt period of the sixth century BCE through the Roman period.

Assignments

• The first paper is an essay requiring the students to describe a work of Celtic art. They must use their powers of observation, and translate into verbal language a work in a visual medium. A rewrite in response to a detailed critique is expected and part of the grade.
• The second paper allows the student to take on any persona as the narrative I, and to present a plausible scenario, taking the reader into a moment in time in Iron Age Europe.
• The third paper requires proper library research on a narrow, relevant topic, to be distilled and presented in cogent form in a persuasive paper. A draft is required.

Usual Fine Print

Academic dishonesty on any graded assignment will result in automatic failure. Scholastic dishonesty includes any kind of cheating or plagiarism. If you are unsure about the exact definition you should consult the General information catalogue, Appendix, Section 11-802. This does not include collaborative work, which is actively encouraged.

The University of Texas at Austin provides, upon request, appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259 or 471-4641, or online. Students can make up work missed for a religious holiday if they bring documentation of the holiday fourteen days ahead of time.