Auld Enemies: Scotland and England in the Later Middle Ages (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge required.

Content of Course

1. Setting the Scene: An introduction to the main themes covered in the course, as well as some discussion of the political situation prior to 1286.

2. ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Longshanks’:A study of the first phase of the Wars of Independence, with particular emphasis on the careers of the two key personalities: King Edward I of England and Sir William Wallace.

3. The Wars of the Bruces: A survey of events in the period 1306-1371, with particular emphasis on the career of King Robert I of Scotland. Sources for discussion will include Barbour’s Bruce.

4. Turning Fortune’s Wheel: Analysis of Anglo-Scottish relations during the early Stewart period, from 1371 to 1402. There will be particular emphasis on the activities of the Percy and Douglas families, including their famous clash at Otterburn.

5. Peace or War? A survey of events in the period 1402-1488, including discussion of the arguments put forward for peace at this time. This session will provide an opportunity to consider some of the more constructive interactions between Scotland and England, notably through migration, religion and trade.

6. The Thistle and the Rose: Discussion of Anglo-Scottish relations during the reign of James IV of Scotland (1488-1513), including a detailed study of the Battle of Flodden.

7. Nationality and Identity: Analysis of attitudes towards nationality and identity, as expressed in a wide range of sources (including political tracts and literature). There will be a chance to read and discuss the Declaration of Arbroath.

8. The Anglo-Scottish Borders: A Frontier Society? A study of society in the Borders, including analysis of the impact of warfare on local communities. Sources for discussion will include the Border Ballads.

9. The European Dimension: Scotland, England and the Hundred Years’ War- Discussion of the impact of the ‘Auld Alliance’. There will be a particular focus on the political and military implications, but we will also consider the economic and cultural effects.

10. Change and Continuity- A survey of Anglo-Scottish relations in the period 1513-1560, including some discussion of the impact of the Reformation.

Teaching method(s)

Lectures and class-based activities illustrated by PowerPoint and DVDs.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Analyse the causes of conflict between Scotland and England during the later Middle Ages;

• Describe the course of warfare and diplomacy, with an emphasis on the careers of key personalities;

• Evaluate how society in the two realms was affected by Anglo-Scottish conflict;

• Assess some of the more peaceful interactions between Scotland and England;

• Demonstrate the above learning outcomes in the assessment.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• King, A. and Etty, C., 2016. England and Scotland, 1286-1603. London: Palgrave.

Recommended:

• Brown, M., 2004. The Wars of Scotland, 1214-1371. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

• Dawson, J., 2007. Scotland Re-Formed, 1488-1587. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

• Grant, A., 1991. Independence and Nationhood: Scotland, 1306-1469. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

• Harris, B. and MacDonald, A.R., eds., 2006. Scotland: The Making and Unmaking of the Nation, c. 1100-1707, Vol. 1: The Scottish Nation: Origins to c. 1500. Dundee: Dundee University Press.

Class Handouts

Chronologies, source extracts and suggestions of further reading.

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.