Scottish Nationalism and the Idea of Britain module (HY42057)

Through the prism of a history of the Scottish nationalist movement, the aim of this module is to explore the persistence of common institutions and markers of Britishness within Scotland (1707 to the present). Upon successful completion of the module, students will have attained a deep knowledge and understanding of how the ‘idea of Britain’ was variously conveyed into Scottish life over time by, for example, the armed forces, the monarchy, the BBC, displays of the Union flag, the national anthem, and via a number of cultural, social and economic activities.

The aims and objectives of the module will be taught from a selection of the following and related themes:

• Theories of National Identity and Nationalism in Four Nations
• Patriotism and the English/British disjuncture of state
• Scottish Empire, British Empire
• Scottish Religion and National Identity
• Jacobitism and the Dis-united kingdom
• The Highland Soldier and the British Army
• Monuments and the Hero Building
• The British National Anthem and its alternatives
• Home Rule All Round and federalism
• The Caledonian  Antisyzygy
• Orientalism and Englishing of Scottish Cultural Institutions
• Speaking in Scots: Film, Radio and the BBC
• Socialism in Scotland and the UK
• The Post-war consensus and nationalisation
• The Royal Commission on the Constitution
• Democratic Deficit and Devolution: mobilising civil society in the 1980s
• A hollowing out of the Idea of Britain?

Assessment

The coursework comprises one 3,500 word essay (35%) an oral presentation (15%). There is one written examination (50%).