Dr. Richard R. Heiser

HIST 368 – HISTORY OF SCOTLAND

Stirling Castle			King Robert the Bruce
Queen Mary of Scotland			Stone of Scone

OBJECTIVES:

• To track the general history of Scotland from earliest times to the 18th century.
• To examine the development of the Christian tradition that culminated in the formation of the Presbyterian Church.
• To introduce students to advanced readings relevant to the period.
• To improve writing and critical thinking skills.

READINGS:

Primary Text:

Mitchison, A History of Scotland

Collateral Readings (On 1-hour reserve in the library):

Barrow, 'David I' 

Barrow, 'William the Lion'

Barrow and Royan, 'James Fifth Stewart of Scotland, 1260(?)-1309'

Crawford, 'William Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, and His Family'

Grant, 'Extinction of Direct Male Lines Among the Scottish Nobility in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries'

Mahoney, 'The Scottish Hierarchy, 1513-1565'

McKay, 'Parish Life in Scotland, 1500-1560'

McRoberts, 'Material Destruction Caused by the Scottish Reformation'

Ross, 'Reformation and Repression'

Wormald, 'Taming the Magnates?'

Young, 'The Political Role of Walter Comyn, Earl of Menteith, During the Minority of Alexander III of Scotland'

It is expected that students will stay current in their reading of the primary text by keeping pace with the daily lectures.

Do you see the one who excels in their work? That one will stand before rulers.

                                                                                                                     ~ Solomon

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Your mark in this course will be based on the following points.

1.      Tests: A midterm and a comprehensive final exam, will be administered during the semester on the dates noted below. Tests will be written exams and will count for 25% of the final grade. A study guide will be provided prior to the exams.

2.   Written Assignments: A total of three written assignments will be submitted over the course of the semester. Students are advised to read and follow the instructions found in Writing History Research Papers. Each assignment is to be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1" margins, and not to exceed 5 pages in length. Each assignment will utilize the articles listed as the material for formulating a position on the given question.  The papers each count for 25% of your grade.  Significant consideration will be given to those demonstrating improved writing skills over the course of the semester. Due dates are listed below. Students may elect to count their best paper grade in place of their worst test score, making the final grade 25/75, test and papers.  Otherwise the worst paper grade will be thrown out for a final grade that is 50/50 tests and papers.

• #1 - Using Barrow 'David I' and 'William the Lion', write a paper that compares and contrasts the two medieval Scottish kings as described by the author.  

• #2 - Using the articles by Barrow and Royan, Crawford, Grant, Wormald, and Young, describe the aristocracy in Scottish history.  What were their defining characteristics, issues, problems, and motives, and what were the effects of these people on Scotland?  

• #3 - Using the articles by Mahoney, McKay, McRoberts, and Ross, answer the question of whether the Scottish Church needed reform and whether the Reformation brought the necessary reform.  Was the Reformation good for Scotland?

COURSE POLICIES: Here you will find the attendance policy, make-up exam policy, office hours, etc.

GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE:

I.          Medieval Scotland

A.        Formation of Scotland
B.        Wars of Independence
C.        Late Medieval Period

II.         Early Modern Scotland

A.        Reformation
B.        Stuart Dynasty
C.        Union and Resistance

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Additional reading in areas or aspects of history that interest you is an excellent way to expand your knowledge. The main text has suggested reading lists that I would recommend. Should you desire more books and articles on a particular topic than listed there, see me and visit the library.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• January 3 – Regular class schedule begins
• January 9 – Last day to change course schedule
• January 16 – Martin Luther King Day – no classes
• February 10 – Paper #1 due
• February 17 – Mid-term reports come out soon
• February 20 – Last day to withdraw from course
• February 24 – Midterm
• March 10 – Paper #2 due
• March 13-17 – Spring break – no classes 
• April 7 – Paper #3 due
• April 14-17 – Easter holiday – no classes
• April 26 – Final Exam, period F, 2:00 p.m.

PURSUE EXCELLENCE!  

Excellence is Sorriness Leaving Your Life!

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