Tartan Noir: Scottish Crime Writing
Explore the dark world of Scottish crime fiction and discover what makes Tartan Noir distinctive. Trace its literary roots, examine how writers craft plots, characters and narrative voices, and read extracts from bestselling works. With insights from leading authors, you’ll develop your critical reading skills and discover techniques to inform your own writing.
- Length: 4 weeks: 5 hours per week
- Start date: anytime
- For keen readers, aspiring writers, and students of literature
Why this course
What makes Scotland such a compelling setting for crime fiction? This course explores the cities, landscapes and literary traditions that have shaped Tartan Noir. You'll trace the genre's roots in Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle before exploring works by writers including William McIlvanney, Ian Rankin and Denise Mina. Through close reading, author interviews and discussion activities, you'll examine how true crime influences fictional plots, what makes detectives and criminals compelling, and how narrative voices build tension. Hear from leading authors including Chris Brookmyre, Louise Welsh and Liam McIlvanney, and share your ideas with a community of fellow readers. By the end, you'll be able to compare the genre's themes and conventions, critique crime fiction and apply writers' advice to your own projects.
How to register
Registration is free. The course is hosted on an external learning platform, Futurelearn.
Register nowRegistration for this course is free: charges may apply for additional features and extended study.
