Introduction to Medieval Scotland
An intensive introduction to the history of Medieval Scotland with focus on developing historical skills, using a range of primary sources.
Our summer courses are designed using a hybrid teaching model and can be taught fully in-person, fully online, or a mix of both. This flexibility means our courses will be delivered in-line with Government and University COVID-19 guidelines. Students will be informed of the intended delivery method as soon as we are able to confirm this and in advance of the course start date.
Key Information
| Subject | Social and Political Science |
| Credit level | SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
| Credits |
20 SCQF/10 ECTS/4 US (Read more about credit study) |
| Eligibility | 1 year of undergraduate study and aged 18 or above |
| Language requirements | Evidence of language ability equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or above |
| Start date | 05 July 2021 |
| Length | 4 weeks |
| Contact hours | 72 |
| Course fee | £3,156 |
| Application deadline | 16 May 2021 (Midnight - BST) |
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, ruler ship, gender, belief and international relations.
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 the area, with privileged online access to Edinburgh's museums, galleries and archives and remains of medieval churches.
The course will be offered using a hybrid teaching model using a combination of on-campus teaching and digital elements that allows students to take their course based physically in Edinburgh or from home.
This course will be taught using lectures and tutorials, with discussion groups. Students will be expected to read materials provided for the class and to participate in discussions, either in-person, live online or using discussion boards.
- Class contribution: 10% of total marks (based on attendance and class contribution).
- Oral presentation: 20% of total marks; 10 minute presentation and 500-word abstract.
- Essay: 70% or total marks 2000 words to be delivered two weeks after the course has finished.
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate understanding of the history of Medieval Scotland in a variety of thematic areas;
- place the thematic history of medieval Scotland in the wider context of the medieval world, and of later developments in Scotland;
- handle and analyse a range of primary sources;
- synthesise and analyse critically the opinions of others;
- collate and present concepts and ideas in oral and written contexts.
The course fee does not include accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information.
Ready to apply?
Please note, applications for this course will close on 16 May 2021 at Midnight (BST).
Introduction to Medieval Scotland
Edinburgh