Course Catalogue

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This course engages with the history of modern Scotland (1798-2014) through the lens of material culture. The modern era saw an unprecedented increase in the production of 'things' to satisfy the material needs and wants of a burgeoning populace. Students will grapple with these objects to understand themes in modern Scottish society, culture, and politics. First, they will develop an understanding of the overarching frameworks for material culture research, before moving on to apply these frameworks in explorations of developing social and political identities in Scotland.

8 x 1-hour lectures and 8x 1-hour seminars plus a 2-hour mini-conference and a 2-hour workshop over 10 weeks as scheduled in My Campus.

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Archaeology, and by arrangement to visiting

students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Report (2,000 words) -- 60%

■ Portfolio (3 x 500 words) -- 40%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ Equip students with the theoretical tools needed to engage in material culture research as it relates to history.

■ Provide students the research skills necessary to locate, understand, and analyse historical objects.

■ Improve students' knowledge of major themes in modern Scottish history.

■ Introduce students to shifts in social, national, and political identities in modern Scotland.

■ Give students confidence in their ability to communicate their ideas verbally and develop their skills in written communication.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Analyse historical object for their meanings as well as their significance to historical debates.

■ Outline their own theoretical approach to object-based research, with reference to established schools of thought.

■ Explain the impact of material culture research on existing historiographies.

■ Produce a coherent and impactful argument in a convincing and engaging manner.

■ Reflect on research-based class discussions.