Dr Stephen Harrison
- Senior Lecturer (Archaeology)
telephone:
+44 141 330 4021
email:
Stephen.Harrison@glasgow.ac.uk
Molema Building,, Lilybank Gardens,, University of Glasgow,, Glasgow G12 8QQ.
Biography
Born and raised in Dublin, I hold a BA and PhD from the University of Dublin (Trinity College), and an MA from the National University of Ireland (University College Cork). I also spent a year as an ERASMUS student at Aarhus University, Denmark. In a diverse career, I have spent extended periods lecturing at universities in Dublin and Bangor, and shorter periods at Maynooth, Cardiff and Beijing. I have also worked for the National Museum of Ireland, and on two Irish government funded research projects - the Irish Viking Graves Project and the Irish Battlefields Project. The latter project resulted in Viking Graves and Grave-Goods in Ireland (2015), co-authored with R. O Floinn, the publication of which I am most proud.
When not working, I enjoy sailing on the Firth of Clyde and farther afield.
Research interests
My research interests focus on the archaeology of Early Viking Age Ireland and Britain.
- Viking Graves and Burial Rites
- Viking Weapons (particularly shield bosses and spearheads)
- Viking Fortifications (Longphuirt)
- Viking Women
- Urbanisation, particularly the relationship between York and Dublin
I use interdisciplinary approaches to study Viking Age and Medieval Ireland
- History and Archaeology of Viking Age and Medieval Dublin
- The Battle of Clontarf (1014) - Landscapes and Seascapes
- Anglo-Norman Rural Settlement in Eastern Ireland
I am also interested in the nineteenth-century antiquarian tradition in Ireland.
- The contested past - nationalism, unionism and historical writing in 19th and early 20th century Ireland
I have a developing interest in metal-detection and archaeology
- Metal-detection legislation and its impact on our understanding of the (Viking-Age) archaeological record
In addition, I am developing research on the Viking Graves of Scotland
Grants
The York-Dublin Axis Reconsidered - An Interdisciplinary Approach to Viking Towns. AHRC-funded (International)Networking Grant (2021-2). PI; Co-I Dr Steve Ashby, University of York. Project Partners: City of York Council, Dublin City Council, National University of Ireland, University of York, York Archaeological Trust and York Museums Trust. PROJECT BEGINS 1 April 2021.
The Archaeological, Landscape and Historical Context of the Galloway Hoard. PhD Project, co-funded by Historic Environment Scotland and the University of Glasgow, with the support of the National Museums of Scotland (2019-22)
Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship (School of Archaeology, University College Dublin) 2009-2011
Supervision
I am happy to supervise undergraduate and MLitt disserations on a range of topics, including aspects of Viking-Age Ireland and Britain, Anglo-Norman Ireland, and Public Archaeology.
I will also consider applications from PhD students working on Viking Age topics, particularly those focusing on Ireland and / or Britain.
At present (2020), I am Lead Supervisor to
Orla Craig - The Landscape Context of the Galloway Hoard
Scott McCreadie - Conversion and Christianity in Viking Age Scotland
Andrew Morrison - Viking-Age Smithing
And Second Supervisor to
Sarah Wink - Ritual Movement Patterns and Social Change in Cyprus
Teaching
Postgraduate Courses
In most academic years, I convene one postgraduate course (module)
- ARCH 5046 - Viking and Late Norse Artefacts
I also contribute to a number of other postgraduate courses (modules) in Archaeology, Celtic and Gaelic and History. When the occasion arises, I convene a course on Viking Britain and Ireland, and make substantial contributions to another, on Scottish Castles.
Undergraduate Courses
[NB: Subject to College Regulations and Timetabling Restrictions, Honours Courses are usually open to visiting ERASMAS / JYA Students at the appropriate level]
In this academic year (2020-21), I am convening two undergraduate honours courses:
- ARCH 4062 Public Archaeology
- ARCH 4014 Settlement and Society in Scandinavian Scotland
and will make substantial contributions to
- HIST 4013 Medieval Ireland 800-1100
In most years, I also contribute to other courses, notably:
- ARCH 2011 Archaeology in Theory and Practice
In some other years, I convene an honours course on Viking Movements.
Additional information
Academic Societies
Council Member, Glasgow Archaeological Society (2017-Present)
Council Member, Society for Medieval Archaeology (2014-2017). Continuing Member.
Council Member, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (2010-2013) Continuing Member.
Member, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Government-Funded Projects
Senior Researcher, Irish Battlefields Project (2008)
Researcher and Senior Researcher, Irish Viking Graves Project, National Museum of Ireland (2005, 1999-2001)