Course Catalogue

Robert Burns (Online Distance Learning) SCOTLIT1014

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Taught Wholly by Distance Learning: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This online distance learning course examines the celebrated life, correspondence, poetry and songs, and also the cultural after-life of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. 

Timetable

online group work and discussion; viewing of online lectures in students own time.

Requirements of Entry

Only available if on plan Q361-1009. This course does not count for credit as part of a degree programme for Glasgow students

Excluded Courses

SCOTLIT4030 Robert Burns

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (1,500 words) - 60%

■ Written assignment (500 words) - 20%

■ Blog-entry exercise (500 words) - 20%

 

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 essay, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the written assignment, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the blog-entry exercise, but a flexible deadline and extra time 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.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ examine the life and works of Robert Burns (1759 - 1796);

■ interpret the poetry, song and prose of Robert Burns in the context of Scottish history and culture;

■ engage with diverse cultural materials and to understand the construction of Robert Burns's reputation as a universally recognised literary figure.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ recognise the significance of Robert Burns both in terms of his stature as a poet and song-writer and his status as a national and, indeed, international writer.

■ locate Burns in the context of his own period and Scottish culture in general.

■ examine the nature of the Burns cult and its manifestation beyond the text and in popular culture.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions