As Roman Britain disintegrated and barbarian Germanic groups carved up the richest parts of the old province independent Celtic kingdoms were created in the West and North of Britain.  This course is designed to provide a better understanding of the archaeological evidence for the development of ‘Celtic Britain' under Anglo-Saxon encroachment, the emergence of kingdoms throughout the ‘Celtic West' and the emergence of Christianity.  It will follow the material evidence in each area to demonstrate its variability and the problems of recognition which affect different areas at different times.  The process of Anglo-Saxon expansion and the weakness in evidence after the 8^th century in much of western Britain means that the course focuses on the period 400-800.  The very rich Irish evidence and the evidence of Scandinavian settlement in the Viking Age is only referred to in passing.

• knowledge of the archaeological record for the Celtic West of Britain.
• that they understand aspects of the historical record and its synthesis with archaeology.
• that they understand the nature of the settlement record and its implications for social structure,
• the burial record, Christianity and the artefacts found in the area.
• that they understand current debates about the Celtic West.

The principal medium will be the illustrated lecture, using 20 lecture periods and at least 2 seminars throughout the courser.  Lectures will investigate individual themes.  Seminars will give students the chance to discuss topics in small groups and to contribute ideas and interpretations.

• the ability to evaluate evidence of varying quality and source
• the ability to correlate information from lectures, seminars and independent reading
• the ability to present their knowledge in a coherent manner in essay and exam conditions

 Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

The ability to demonstrate an understanding of archaeological evidence and its limitations

 Transferable Skills:

• the ability to write cogently and critically in an assessed essay and under examination conditions.
• the ability to understand complex arguments and evaluate the evidence in support of them.
• to work independently and produce work to deadlines.

The assessed essay, examination, and non-assessed seminars, require the student to demonstrate critical analysis of the archaeological evidence for the post-Roman period in the Celtic areas.

• Celts and Romans in the West.
• Historical sources in the West. 
• Trade goods and chronology.
• Somerset, Devon and Cornwall
• Wales.
• Early Christian Monuments.
• Wroxeter and the west midlands.
• Defended settlement and high status residences in Scotland.
• Undefended settlement in Scotland. 
• Ireland. 
• Christianity. 
• Art and artefacts.

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