Medieval and Early Modern Scotland 1100-1707

Snapshot

Overview

Medieval and Early Modern Scotland explores the history of Scotland from the origins of the kingdom until the parliamentary union with England in 1707. During the middle ages, Scotland emerged as an independent kingdom with a role to play in the major events that shaped the development of Britain and Europe. Much of its character and outlook were created by the fact that it had to defend its independence against an aggressive neighbour. In the early modern period, Scotland was transformed by the Reformation and the Union of the Crowns, adjusting to a new religion, friendship with its old enemy England and a new political framework.

The course represents the expansion and completion of an innovative collaborative venture on the part of two universities - the University of Dundee and the Open University in Scotland. It also brings together, through the five specially commissioned course books which form the backbone of the course, an impressive range of authorities on aspects of Scottish history from historians and archaeologists based in Scotland, England, Canada and the USA.

Medieval and Early Modern Scotland is an Honours level course which can be taken by Open University students as a Level 3 course, and by anyone else who can demonstrate an ability to study at that level.

History at Dundee

History is a thriving and expanding centre of research excellence. A range of research expertise is offered in British, Scottish, American, and European history from the early modern period to the present. The staff's collective expertise is such that a broad approach to the study of the past is encouraged, including exploring visual sources and the study of the built environment. History is based within the School of Humanities.

Course Content

The course will develop historical skills, with a particular emphasis on historical debate, the analysis and interpretation of historical documents and other data, such as buildings and archaeological evidence, the evaluation of secondary sources, and the writing of historical essays.

The range of sources to be studied is wide and includes the records of national and local government, the church, chronicles, travellers' accounts, letters, diaries, poetry and history. Beginning with the origins of the kingdom, other topics covered include the Wars of Independence, towns, politics, the economy, Highland and Lowland society, religion before and after the Reformation, Gaelic Scotland, literature, archaeology, architecture, art and music.

Student Support

Students are allocated to a tutor who will mark course assignments and will be available, by correspondence, email and by telephone, to give help and advice on the course. Two optional Saturday study days are held in Dundee in March /April and June. This gives students the chance to hear leading specialists in Scottish history and to meet tutors and other students in tutorials.

Assessment

There are six tutor marked assignments. Some will incorporate exercises in documentary analysis as well as standard essays. The final assignment will be an extended essay worth 40% of the final mark. Study Guides and your tutor will give advice in writing essays.

Entry Requirements

Students need to demonstrate evidence of ability to study at Honours level. Those with limited qualifications or experience may be asked to submit a short piece of written work to assess their ability to cope with the level of work required.

Contact

Laura Schiavetta, Programme Administrator
Scottish History Distance Learning
School of Humanities
University of Dundee
Dundee
DD1 4HN
UK

Telephone: 01382 384 763 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 763 (from outside the UK)

Email: scottish-history@dundee.ac.uk