Course Catalogue

Scottish Enlightenment POLITIC4195

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course is a historical and textual introduction to the Scottish Enlightenment. It examines the nature of eighteenth century Scotland and the extraordinary group of thinkers that were produced by it. Each week the course will examine a particular aspect of the social, economic, political, and cultural history of Scotland. The course will place these ideas and arguments in their Scottish context, but it will also examine the place of the eighteenth century Scottish thinkers within the wider European Enlightenment. The course will examine the legacy and influence of the Scottish Enlightenment and its ideas. The course aims to introduce students to the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment and to invite critical appreciation of their place in the history of ideas.

Timetable

Lecture 1 hour per week for 10 weeks

Seminar 1 hour per week for 10 weeks

Requirements of Entry

MA SocSci, MA (Arts) and any relevant Joint Honours combinations

Excluded Courses

SCOTLIT4006 The Scottish Enlightenment Ideas and Influences

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

Summative assessment is by Critical Essay (2000 words; worth 40% of the overall class mark)

Extended Essay (3000 words; worth 60% of the overall class mark)

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

Course Aims

This course aims to introduce students to key themes, issues and ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment with particular emphasis upon exploring their continued relevance; to examine the legacy of the Scottish Enlightenment in diverse areas of culture and intellectual enquiry; and to make students aware of the current approaches being taken by scholars towards the Enlightenment and of areas of particular controversy and debate

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ engage and assess key themes, ideas and issues related to the Scottish Enlightenment

■ evaluate the intellectual and cultural legacy of the Scottish Enlightenment

■ analyze the latest critical thinking on the subject, including areas of particular controversy and debate

■ demonstrate awareness of the historic and cultural dimensions of Glasgow and Scotland

■ display critical, discursive and analytical skills through completion of written assessment

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions