Darkness, Division and Discord? The Highlands, 1603-1707
Module Leader: Professor David Worthington
What do we know about the Scottish Highlands in the century before the Battle of Culloden in 1746? This module shines light on this. Historical writing on the Highlands in this period need not be dominated by events reflecting civil and religious discord. The common perception of an historical ‘vacuum’ in these centuries, or of gradual decline, is misleading. This module will seek to place the convulsive history of the region within a Scottish and international context, reflecting the fact that men and women from the Highlands travelled frequently, while outsiders visited, wrote about, and were influenced by, the north and west of Scotland.
Indicative Content
- Darkness, division and discord? An historiographical overview
- Government interventions: 1603-38; 1660-88
- Crisis? 1638-60; 1688-1707
- Clanship, kinship and local association
- Commerce
- Intellectual and cultural developments
- Regions
- International connections
- Memoirs and memories
Coursework
- Primary Source Exercise (1500 words, 30%)
- Essay (3000-3500 words, 70%)
Image of a seagoing vessel from St. Maelrubha's Chapel and Burial Ground, Arisaig. Photo by David Worthington
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.
Module Reading List
See Module Resource List.
Fees and funding
See UHI website.