Contemplating the Clearances
Module Leader: Dr Elizabeth Ritchie
The Clearances are one of the best known and most emotive events in Highland history. This module examines life before the clearances, the events themselves, resistance and collaboration, and how people have represented them through poetry, prose, monuments and recent political discourse. Throughout there is a strong focus on Sutherland and the actions and reputation of the notorious factor, Patrick Sellar.
Indicative Content
- Life before the clearances
- The clearances in the Strath of Kildonan and Strathnaver
- Patrick Sellar
- The church and the clearances
- Emigration from Kildonan to Red River, Manitoba
- Representation of the clearances in literature, monuments and political discourse
Coursework
- One Essay (2500-3000 words, 50%) – on the loss of common land
- One Essay (2500-3000 words, 50%) – on any element of the events of the clearances or their representation
Module Reading List
See Module Resource List.
Contemplating nineteenth-century island lives in the Isle of Lewis, photo Dr Elizabeth Ritchie
Method of Delivery
This module will be delivered by a combination of online learning and live discussions and sessions. The primary means of engagement and debate of weekly topics will be through the module Discussion Board. This will be enhanced through the running of regular live sessions, which will take place on a day and time to be confirmed before the start of semester. All live sessions will be recorded and so students who are unable to attend these opportunities will be able to view the recordings in their own time.
Fees and funding
See UHI website.