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HI304Y: THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

Although clearances were effectively over by the 1850s, the course reviews their impact and long-term legacy, with reference to social, economic, political and cultural issues, as well as their contentious historiography. A central theme is demographic upheaval, including the settlement of Highlanders overseas. Hydro-electric schemes and tourism are included in scrutiny of economic developments, and attention is paid to religion, education, and literature. The study of original sources is integral to the course, which utilises, inter alia, official reports, newspapers, letters and oral testimony.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Marjory Harper

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Although clearance policies were effectively over by the 1850s, the Highland Problem re-emerged in the 1880s, with the Crofters War and the appointment of a Royal Commission of Enquiry. The course covers a period of unprecedented government investigation and legislation in respect of the Highlands and Islands, and detailed attention will be paid to the effects of this involvement on economic and social developments in the region. Themes to be examined include land legislation, fishing, industrial developments, tourism, transport, migration and emigration. The course will examine aspects of Highland history between c. 1850 and c. 1970, with reference to social, economic, political and cultural issues. A major focus will be on the late nineteenth century and the 1920s. Topics to be examined include the legacy of the clearances, with particular reference to the crofters war, the Napier Commission and the subsequent legislation in and after 1886. Detailed attention will also be paid to demographic issues, notably the persistent migration and emigration of Highlanders throughout the period under review. Consideration will be given to economic developments, including fishing, tourism, transport and hydro-electric schemes. Religion, education and literature will also be scrutinised, and recurring emphasis will be placed on the historiographical context of each theme. The study of original sources is integral to the course, which is structured thematically rather than chronologically.

Further Information & Notes

This module is available to students on all non-History degree programmes as a Discipline Breadth course for the enhanced study requirement. However, the admission of students with a non-History degree intention will be at the discretion of the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

40% = one 3,000-word essay 40% = one two-hour written examination 10% = one 700-word book review 10% = class participation (including attendance and seminar presentations) 100% = one three-hour written examination

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment includes individual verbal feedback on seminar participation and written feedback on seminar presentations.

Feedback

Verbal feedback is given on all aspects of student performance, including class presentations, in individual meetings. Specific written feedback on essays and book reviews is given via essay feedback forms.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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