Edinburgh: City of Literature
This course explores the rich literary heritage of Edinburgh, the first UNESCO City of Literature.
Examine the work of some of the city's most celebrated local literary talents, as well as the work of writers who have found the city conducive and influential to their creativity. We shall read a wide variety of texts from the 18th Century to present day and consider the common themes which emerge as well as exploring these writers' presence in the city through manuscript collections and objects in the museums, collections and the local environment.
Key information
Subject | Literature |
Teaching fellow | Anthony McKibbin |
Credit level | SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 10 SCQF (Find out more about studying for credit here) |
Eligibility |
Our credit-bearing courses are only available to applicants aged 18 years or over. Applicants should have at least 1 year of undergraduate study experience. |
Language requirements | Applicants should meet the minimum English language requirements in order to fully benefit from, and engage with, Summer School courses. Your English language ability must be equivalent to, or above, 6.5 IELTS overall with 5.5 in each component. |
Dates | 03 July-14 July 2023 |
Length | 2 weeks |
Contact hours | 35 |
Course fee | £1900 |
Application deadline | 17 May 2023 (17:00 - BST) |
Combined Study |
Did you know that you also have the option of attending this course in combination with another of our “Edinburgh” courses? The available combinations for this course are: Edinburgh: City of Literature & City of History OR Edinburgh: City of Literature & City of Inspiration. If you wish to apply for combined study, you must specify this in your application by selecting your preferred combined option. Please note that the option of combined study will depend on availability. |
Teaching fellow
Anthony McKibbin has been teaching at the Centre for Open Learning (COL) for almost twenty years, specialising in film studies and literature. His work has been published in various magazines and journals, including Cencrastus, Edinburgh Review, Studies in French Cinema, and Senses of Cinema. Born in London but brought up in Scotland, he has lived in Edinburgh for much of his life and before joining COL he taught English as a foreign language for several years. For more information about his work and extensive portfolio see tonymckibbin.com.
A student on this course can expect to explore a range of texts inspired by, linked to, or written in, Edinburgh. For each text we shall examine the presentation of Edinburgh and consider how the local setting may have influenced the development of the text. Where possible, we shall examine contextual information to evaluate the part individual texts have played in shaping Scottish Literature more generally.
From the outset, we shall examine a range of literary texts across the genres as well as other materials such as journalism and correspondence, locating the authors within the country's cultural and historical context. Language and identity will be key themes for exploration throughout the course as we examine writers’ use of Scots and consider the influence and importance of linguistic devices. Throughout the course, both in formative and summative assessment and also in group discussion, students will be encouraged to identify literary devices and refer to them using recognised literary terminology, so as to develop an academic vocabulary.
The course will be taught in a small seminar setting, where participation will be supported and encouraged. The course will explore these writers' presence in the city through manuscript collections, objects in the museums, collections and the local environment. We will also follow their footsteps through the city and see how their presence has been marked with monuments, plaques and other forms of cultural heritage.
Week 1 (3 July)
- Mon - Friday (10:00-14:00)
Week 2 (10 July)
- Mon - Fri (10:00-14:00)
All classes will be delivered in person at the University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Campus.
- Close Reading Exercise (1000 words) (worth 25%) to be delivered mid-course
- Optional formative close reading essay plan
- Close Reading Exercise (2000 words) (worth 75%) to be delivered 10 days after the end of the course
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Evaluate, compare and contrast a range of texts, demonstrating knowledge of linguistic, literary, cultural and socio-political contexts;
2. Analyse literary texts by applying close-reading techniques and referring to recognised literary terminology to illustrate arguments;
3. Construct, present and evaluate arguments coherently by assessing, analysing and responding to secondary reading;
4. Analyse contemporary responses and reactions to the texts by evaluating and assessing ideas from non-literary texts such as criticism or journalism.
The course fee does not include accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information.
To ensure your experience at the University of Edinburgh's Summer School is memorable, we encourage students to embrace the city and its culture and take part in the variety of social activities available.
Applying
Edinburgh: City of Literature
Edinburgh