Twelve Credits of History in a single Semester. That is roughly 600 hours of history classes in the span of 12 weeks. 91 days. That is about 6 hours a day.
So what the hell am I actually gonna learn?
I have copy and pasted the descriptions of the courses from the University website* and added a little bit about why I picked the course. I hope you find it as exciting as my mother does.
*Grey Text was pulled from the website
Scotland History 1100-1707
"This introductory, survey module aims to provide students with an overview of Scottish medieval and early modern history in the period c.1100-1707, through a variety of approaches to the past, in particular viewing Scotland as a European kingdom.
The major topics studied include: Foundations of the Kingdom Feudal Scotland, lordship and the Bruce and early Stewart kings The medieval Church and the Reformation in Scotland and Europe The Wars of Independence and of Wallace and Bruce The economy, environment and society
The Highlands and witchcraft as pre-modern margins Medieval culture and the Renaissance Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I, mother and son
The civil wars and revolutions of the seventeenth century Restoration politics and the 1707 Union of the Parliaments"
Okay, let's unpack this class. First of all, don't lie and say that Witchcraft isn't the main thing you remember after reading that description. It is one hundred percent a fantastic pull for the class. However, I am excited for this class especially because when I think Scottish history, this description hits the mark. All my dream Scott topics.
Additionally, I am studying history in Scotland, this IS the class to take for that. Overall, this is a "Why wouldn't you?" class.
Scotland History : 1800 - 1914
"The module aims to provide students with an understanding of central aspects of the history of Scotland over the long nineteenth century. In particular the module examines the economic transformation of Scotland in this period, and charts the social changes which ensued. The consequences in the political, educational and religious spheres are looked at, as are the changes in popular culture, the role of women and the reconfiguration of national identity.
Themes covered include:
Scotland and the Industrial Revolution
Causes of poverty and the treatment of the poor
The Highland economy in the nineteenth century
The Scottish education system The role and influence of religion Irish migration into and impact upon Scotland. Scottish Housing Scottish Industry after the ‘second’ industrial revolution Scottish Politics"
This class is the sequel to the dream Scottish class. I am especially excited to compare and contrast this time period in Scotland to the US as that is my focus. I am intrigued to see how it might parallel the Progressive Era in the states as a response to the Industrial Revolution. Besides, this one gives me more in depth context for the time period I am exploring already in another corner of the world. Additional context is always a good idea for Historians.
Reputations in History:
"The module aims to provide students with an understanding of historical reputation over a lengthy period. This will be achieved through an appreciation of the lives of significant individuals and of the role played by historiography, politics and popular culture in sustaining, validating, questioning and reinventing the reputations of historical figures.
The major subjects studied include: William Wallace John Knox Mary, Queen of Scots John Adams King George III Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole Karl Marx
David Livingstone John Maclean John Muir Nelson Mandela "
This class is by far the most generally applicable class I am taking while away. While we are studying specific United Kingdom leaders, the fundamental analysis of leaders will be great to apply to any leader from any time period. Additionally, these leaders will be discussed in my other two classes and it will be beneficial to have insight into their tactics, background and public appeal when learning about their actions and how they effected Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole. In short, I am gonna know so much about Scotland, and that is pretty kick ass. Man I love learning.