Module information for MLitt Scottish Heritage (180 credits)
This new online only postgraduate programme allows students to explore the culture and history of Scotland. Students will be learning about history, folklore, customs, music and song, literary heritage and much, much more.
Discovering the Past: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research Methods (20 credits)
This is a research-led module which serves as an introduction and starting point for all postgraduate students with an interest in the medieval period, providing a thorough understanding of the interdisciplinary approach used in Viking and Medieval Studies as well as history and archaeology more widely. It will also help them with choosing their specialisation in their Dissertation at SCQF 11 (for those wishing to take this module). It will show how to apply source criticism to a range of different source materials. Through this module, students will gain clear insight into of the main topics and research approaches that form part of research on the medieval period. The module is based around strong online VLE content, with set readings for each week, interspersed with tutor-led seminars, followed by a short exam/essay (4 in total). The final sessions will address how to fully implement an interdisciplinary research methodology.
Scotland’s Story I: Mesolithic to Medieval (20 credits)
This module will analyse the history of Scotland from the Mesolithic to the medieval era. It will examine processes of social and environmental change over a long period of time, covering hunter-gatherer society; the Neolithic ‘revolution’; Neolithic Burial Monuments; Neolithic Landscapes; The Bronze Age; The Early Iron Age; The Later Iron Age and the beginnings of Early Historic Scotland. It will assess and analyse the rise of Scotland as a nation and the similarities and differences between society over time. Important aspects that will be examined include burial, settlement, migration, politics, religion and key aspects of social and environmental change. It provides a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing these issues in their Dissertation at SCQF 11, as well providing a progression pathway for those who wish to engage in further study at postgraduate level.
Scotland’s Voice I: Language, Literature, and Landscape (20 credits)
This module will investigate the literature, language, and placenames of Scotland. It will give an overview of the origins, relationships and status of Gaelic, Standard Scottish English and Scots. It will apply the knowledge to an understanding of basic onomastics. This module also aims to establish the provenance of, and criteria for inclusion in, the canon of Scottish Literature, and will place the developing Scottish canon in the context of the society which created it. Class, gender, ethnicity. Diversity, religion, the supernatural, and the deconstruction of meaning are key themes throughout.
Scotland’s Story II: Medieval to the Modern Era (20 credits)
This module will analyse the history of Scotland from the medieval period to the modern era. It will assess the significance and the legacy of the Picts, the Gaels, the development of the Scottish kingdoms, the Highland Clearances, the Clan wars, the Jacobite movement and the Acts of Union. It will reflect on how these historical factors have shaped present-day Scotland and formed her place in the world.
Scotland’s Voice II: Music and Song (20 credits)
The focus of the module is to provide students with a sound knowledge, overview, and understanding of the music and song of Scotland from both historical and social perspectives leading up to the present day. Instruments studied include bagpipe, fiddle, harp and voice. Module content centres on the prominent musicians, the development and repertoire of the instruments, the characteristics of Scottish music, the effects of the accordion and technologies on musical styles, and the contribution and value of the various music organisations, festivals and competitions to the maintenance and support of music and song in Scotland. Students will also investigate the effect of emigration and diaspora on the development and significance of music.
Scotland’s Customs: Traditional Beliefs and Folklore (20 credits)
This module will investigate the range of traditions in custom and belief, both religious and social, ancient and modern, which influence the lives of families and communities in Scotland even in this day and age. They include the ancient roots of Scottish Folk Belief, Gaelic and Norse elements of folklore, local calendar customs and others. These beliefs and practices will be placed in their cultural, historical and geographical context.
Research Dissertation (60 credits)
The module aims to provide students with an opportunity to undertake a sustained, rigorous and independent investigation of some aspect of material culture and the environment. There is an online UHI postgraduate dissertation handbook for student guidance. The dissertation must consist of original work. It should be informed by the theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise which the participant has developed through other modules and/or in previously accredited learning. It should focus on a theme, topic or issue which is relevant to the subject. The resulting dissertation should not only present and interpret the research findings but also critically evaluate the research design and methodology employed; and identify the outcomes of the research in terms of actual or planned developments and changes.