Course Synopsis: 

This course provides an introduction to Scottish history, its themes, debates, and sources. The period covered depends on the research interests of the students in the course. The course begins with an overview of Scottish history. Students will be introduced to the skills required to use Scottish primary sources and be given practical experience in using them, both in reading historic handwriting and in analyzing the sources. Drawing on primary source documents from the University of Guelph’s Scottish Collection, students will choose a particular document and present their findings to the class. The final part of the course examines particular themes and issues in Scottish history, with students being given the opportunity to relate their own thesis work to the issues under discussion if they wish. The themes chosen will depend on the research interests of the students. For example, a student working on Canadian urban history could examine Scottish urban history; a student working on the Scottish Wars of Independence could examine work on Anglo-Scottish relations in the Middle Ages. Among other potential topics are the history of crime, women’s history, religious history, crown-noble relations, the Reformation, and national identity.

Method of Evaluation:

30% - Document Assignment and Presentation
40% - Research Essay and Presentation
30% - Seminar Participation

Required Textbooks and Resources:

No books need to be purchased for this course. The main background text is Jenny Wormald, Scotland: A History (Oxford UP, 2005) available as an e-book through the library.

Readings will also be assigned in class – where possible these will be made available electronically through D2L and ARES (library electronic reserve).

*Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.