Introduction to Medieval Scotland

About

An intensive online course introducing the history of Medieval Scotland while developing historical skills. Using a range of primary sources - physical objects and documents in translation - the course aims to expand writing and presentation skills and to develop students' source handling and understanding. The course will draw extensively on the rich cultural heritage of Edinburgh.

The course will be delivered online. Students will be introduced to a wide range of primary source material: written sources in translation and physical evidence such as buildings, objects, paintings and manuscripts. They will also work with a range of secondary sources, encouraging analysis of historiographical opinion. Virtual tours of historical landmarks and cities are also included.

Target group

This course will appeal to any student interested in Scottish medieval history and/or those interested in developing their historical skills, especially those who are planning a career or academic research in these fields.

Course aim

This course covers the history of Scotland from the eleventh century to the early sixteenth. Students will
explore the relative dynastic stability during reigns of Malcolm III and his descendants to Alexander III,
they will look at the Great Cause and the Wars of Independence, followed by Bruce kingship and then the
Stewart dynasty, ending with the reign of James IV. After considering politics and kingship in this
chronological framework, the course will take a thematic approach, looking at the religious, military,
cultural and economic history of the period, and placing Scotland in the wider context of medieval
Europe. The course will encourage students to consider medieval Scotland through broader questions
about identity, rulership, gender, belief and international relations.

Fee info