Medieval and Early Modern Scotland: 1100-1707 Certificate

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will develop historical skills, with a particular emphasis on historical debate, the analysis and interpretation of historical documents and other data, such as buildings and archaeological evidence, the evaluation of secondary sources, and the writing of historical essays.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

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 November and March (provisional, subject to numbers). This gives students the chance to hear leading specialists in Scottish history and to meet tutors and other students in tutorials.

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.