Scottish Associations in the Diaspora: a practical toolkit module (HY52034)

In 1751, members of the St Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia met in a member’s home ‘in order to maintain a good Understanding, Acquaintance and Fellowship, with one another …’. In nineteenth-century Dunedin, societies were formed to cater for new immigrants from Sutherland and Caithness. The city of Toronto waited until 1903 for the all-female Daughters of Scotland Association to launch, yet women now dominate the organising committees of Burns and St Andrew's societies. Sport was prominent - curling and soccer. So, too, Highland Games, with attendance in Dunedin reaching over 10,000 at the end of the nineteenth century.

Today, ethnic clubs and societies lie at the heart of the Scottish government's diaspora and tourism strategies. Clan, family and ethnic clubs are evolving as their membership ages and attempts are made to bring forward the next generation of hyphenated Scots and affinity Scots. Piping and dancing sit with genealogy, Outlander and Tartan Day as the route to Scotland's roots.

This module will advance your understanding of the history and operation of Scottish clubs and societies in the diaspora. By exploring how these clubs engage with their membership you will learn from historical case studies and from examples of best practice today.

What you will learn

In this module you will:

• develop critical understanding of the history and operation of Scottish associations in different parts of the world
• develop analytical thinking and writing
• gain practical skills in the organisation and promotion of ethnic clubs and societies
• learn about:
  • public engagement
  • knowledge exchange
  • social media strategies
  • event planning
  • cultural commemorations
  • historical comics
  • education
  • philanthropic outreach
  • political engagement with the Scottish government
• advance your knowledge and understanding of Scottish associational practice in the twenty-first century

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• deploy historical knowledge in the work of Scottish associations
• apply practical skills to advance the remit of Scottish associations in the diaspora
• engage with members of Scottish associations

Assignments / assessment

• essay (40%)
• essay OR practical project OR creative output (50%)
• online participation (10%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

This module is entirely online and asynchronous, with additional group video discussion sessions arranged throughout the semester which you are welcome to join (they are voluntary).

You will be provided with academic support for learning through class discussion, feedback on assessed work, and individual consultations with module tutors via video appointments and emails as appropriate.