University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

This module is designed to give graduate students a thorough grounding in the history of historical writing in Scotland in a way that introduces them to the range of practical and methodological issues associated with the study of past cultures and societies. It surveys the development of forms of historical writing in Scotland from the Middle Ages to the present day. Beginning with medieval chronicles, it goes on to examine how an established narrative of nationhood was refashioned in the light of Renaissance sensibilities and the political exigencies of the Protestant Reformation. It then examines the transformations in historical consciousness and methodologies with which Scots were particularly engaged during the Enlightenment as well as the antiquarian culture that fed the romantic imagination. The module concludes with consideration of the development of Scottish history as an academic field of study in the twentieth century.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take SC5051

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar classes (x 6 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 12

Guided independent study hours: 189

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework (1 essay) = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: New coursework: 3,000-word essay