Course Catalogue

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Discovering Scotland's Past is an introduction to the history of Scotland from earliest times to the nineteenth century. Taking a multi- and interdisciplinary approach, the cultural, social and political history of Scotland will be explored through a series of chronological and thematic units intended to highlight some of the key events, important stages and interesting moments in the development of the Scottish nation.

3 hours per week, fieldtrip, and a formative research project planning session.

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Coursework will consist of the following:

50% Set Exercise: Worksheets: The five worksheets (10% each) will be available to students on Moodle. Students will be asked to complete the worksheet and submit to Moodle within 7 days after the relevant class/workshop - all individual deadlines will be made clear in the course handbook and on Moodle. Worksheets are intended to help the student to consolidate information learned in the lectures and online lessons and to build critical skills, including at least one task per worksheet involving primary source analysis.

50% Portfolio: Research Project: To be submitted in Week 12 as an e-portfolio (hard copy submissions will be considered by request and only if possible). Students will be given a list of suggested topics to choose from or can choose their own topic in consultation with the course convenor. Students will prepare a substantial project consisting of a 1,200-1,500 word essay demonstrating their knowledge of a selected topic; a 700-800 word primary source analysis; and their choice of either a lesson plan based on the topic of their essay, a teaching tool, an infographic (information graphic/data visualization); a 600-700 word review of a book, article, play, artwork, museum or location relating to the topic of their essay; or other piece of suitable work in consultation with the course convenor.

The principal aims of this course are to:

1. provide students with a broad introduction to some of the main themes and events in Scottish history and culture, from the Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples to the nineteenth century.

2. instil an awareness of the existence and nature of different scholarly views and approaches to the selected pre-historical, historical and cultural topics.

3. foster a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to historical studies and engage in critical and analytical discourse in written and oral work, in-class group work, and outdoor learning to places of local and national significance.

4. introduce students to the necessary skills in interpreting primary and secondary historical sources.

5. develop independent and self-directed learning.

6. encourage and develop confidence, imagination, skills and self-discipline required to master a similarly demanding brief in the future, whether in historical research or in any sphere or employment where these skills are valuable.

7. engage with, and deepen knowledge of, Scottish history and culture at a local, national and international level.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. identify and explain the significance of some of the main issues, events, themes and developments within Scottish history and culture to the nineteenth century.

2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various historical viewpoints, opinions and arguments.

3. undertake a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to the study of historical topics using critical and analytical skills in both written and oral work, as well as engaging with places of local and national significance through outdoor learning.

4. evaluate, process and assess a complex range of primary and secondary sources and communicate historical interpretations and materials in a variety of ways.

5. research, write, verbally communicate and argue logically and persuasively about the topics covered.

6. plan, implement and evaluate knowledge gained and skills acquired within a range of work-related environments.

7. reflect on Scotland's place in the world from local, national, international and comparative perspectives.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components of the course's summative assessment.