HI404Y: THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS (2014-2015)

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.

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.

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

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Assessment: for level 4, the assessment will be: 40% = 3 hour examination 40% = 3,000 word essay 10% = 1,000 word review article 10% = class participation, including attendance & seminar presentation, report, response and chairing of a session. This course may not be included in a graduating curriculum with HI 304Y/HI354Y

There are no assessments for this course.

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.

None.