This course deals with Scottish Literature from c.1375 to c.1540 as well as with the development of Scots as a language in that period, introducing key medieval texts, including the poetry of 'makars' Henryson and Dunbar, the work of King James I and that of anonymous comic writers. It will introduce central concepts of medieval thought as well as the history and development of Scottish literature and identity.

Lectures: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 12 noon; 9 literature seminars (choice of times) as scheduled on MyCampus

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 60%

■ Language exercise (1000 words) - 20%

■ Two x 400-500 word seminar reports - 10% each

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 flexible deadlines and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the language exercise but flexible deadlines and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the seminar reports, but flexible deadlines 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.

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]

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ introduce students to key Scottish texts of the medieval period;

■ provide an introduction to the history and structure of the Scots tongue;

■ enable students to analyse Older Scots texts, using the appropriate literary and linguistic critical terms;

■ introduce several key literary concepts that are essential to an understanding of medieval and early modern literature.

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

■ translate and analyse sample texts of Older Scots

■ identify and evaluate medieval literary themes and concepts

■ analyse the primary texts in their own right and in their cultural and historical contexts

■ identify medieval literary genres and assess their functions

■ exercise close reading skills in written form, both in wider historical, linguistic and cultural analysis and in individual reflection on seminar discussion.