Undergraduate Course: Scotland's Savages: the Pictish realm and nation, 671-869 (SCHI10068)
Course Outline
| School | School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Scottish History |
Other subject area | Celtic |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course takes a close look at the political and social history of the Picts - the peoples of north-east and northern Scotland - in the key epoch during which the Pictish realm of Fortriu enjoyed predominance across and beyond Pictland. Often seen as a mysterious and semi-civilised race whose main achievement was the erection of impressive carved stone monuments, the Picts were a major political and cultural force in Britain in this period, during which they forged the realm (called 'Alba' in Gaelic) destined to become the kingdom of the Scots. Relying in particular on the 'Life of St Columba' and the 'Ecclesiastical History of the English People', as well as other primary materials provided to students in translation via a sourcebook, the course looks at the origins and development of the Pictish nation and realm, their Church, their sculpture and other material culture, and their significance and influence in the Insular world in eighth and ninth centuries. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | A pass or passes in 40 credits of first level historical courses or equivalent (including Celtic Civilisation 1B) and a pass or passes in 40 credits of second level historical courses or equivalent (including Celtic Literature 2A).
Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admission Secretary to ensure that a place is available (Tel: 503783). |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should usually have at least 3 History courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this) for entry to this course. We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, it is intended that students will be able to:
o demonstrate command of the body of historical knowledge under consideration in written work and seminar contributions
o develop and sustain relevant historical arguments in written and oral form as demonstrated in written work and seminar contributions
o apply successfully the professional skills of analysing critically historical texts (broadly defined) of early medieval date (including use of original languages where students possess them) and associated modern scholarship, in particular in the source assignment
o refine the transferable skills attendant on historical studies they cultivated at SCQF Level 8 (see below) |
Assessment Information
o two-hour Degree Examination (50% of final mark)
o individual Essay of 2500 words (30% of final mark)
o individual Source Analysis/Commentary (15% of final mark)
o contributions to seminar discussion (5% of final mark)
The Source Analysis/Commentary exercise will involve students in adding analytical comments and supplementary references to a text or extract provided by the Tutor. Supplementary guidance for any students with original languages will be made available in connection with this assignment. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
In particular self-discipline, initiative, ability to work respectfully with others, time- and workload management, intellectual integrity and autonomy, and effective oral and written expression. |
| Reading list |
Introductory Bibliography:
L. Alcock, Kings and Warriors, Craftsmen and Priests in Northern Britain AD 550-850 (Edinburgh, 2003).
M. Carver, The Pictish Monastery at Portmahomack (Jarrow, 2008).
J. E. Fraser, From Caledonia to Pictland: Scotland to 795 (Edinburgh, 2009)
I. and G. Henderson, The Art of the Picts (London, 2004).
F. T. Wainwright (ed.), The Problem of the Picts (Edinburgh, 1955).
A. Woolf, From Pictland to Alba, 789-1070 (Edinburgh, 2007). |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr James Fraser
Tel: (0131 6)50 3624
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Clare Guymer
Tel: (0131 6)50 4030
Email: |
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