The Scots Abroad, 1750 - 1950: Emigration, Ambition and Empire

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No prior knowledge required.

Content of Course

1. Scotland and the Overseas World

An overview of the course highlighting the key factors which powered the overseas engagement of Scots and Scottish institutions between 1750 and 1950.

2. Scotland No More

A discussion of the issues which influenced the Scottish diaspora and the dynamics of Scottish emigration between 1750 and 1950. The Scottish contribution to the development of emigrant communities will be examined together with the role played by some of the key figures involved. An analysis will be made of how emigrants were perceived in contemporary literature.

3. Empire of the Scots

An examination of how the growth of the British Empire helped shape Scottish involvement abroad and the impact this had both overseas and in Scotland. The experience and role of women in the Empire will be examined.

4. Otago and Guelph

A detailed study of the establishment and growth of two Scottish emigrant communities, Otago in New Zealand and Guelph in Canada, and the differing factors which affected their development.

5. Influential Scots

Scottish people played key roles in the Indian Civil Service, the Colonial Service and the British armed services abroad. An assessment is attempted of their role, ideas and longer term influence.

6. Caring Scots

Scottish trained teachers and missionaries played a significant role around the world in locations as diverse as Manchuria and Chile. Their motivation, views and impact are assessed.

7. Scottish Medicine Abroad

A review of the role and influence abroad of Scottish medicine.

8. Enterprising Scots

An evaluation of the entrepreneurial role played by Scots and Scottish businesses in overseas agriculture, commerce, forestry and investment between 1750 and 1950.

9. The Incomers

A discussion of inward migration to Scotland in the 19th and 20th centuries and an assessment of the challenges and opportunities faced by new Scots during this period.

10. Conclusion

An assessment of the wider legacy of Scottish engagement abroad between 1750 and 1950.

Teaching method(s)

Lecture based with discussion.

Learning outcomes

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

• Assess the influence overseas of Scottish individuals, institutions and ideas between 1750 and 1950;

• Describe the impact on Scotland, and on the overseas world, of emigration from Scotland during the period, with a particular focus on Canada and New Zealand;

• Discuss why, and in what areas, Scots played a significant role in the expansion of the British Empire and the factors which drew them into this process;

• Identify the Scottish derived ideas, influences and skills which helped shape emergent communities abroad;

• Evaluate the wider legacy, including inward migration, of Scottish engagement abroad between 1750 and 1950.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Cage, R. A.,ed., 1985. The Scots Abroad 1750-1914, Labour, Capital, Enterprise. London: Croom Helm.

• Devine, T. M. 2003. Scotland’s Empire 1600-1815. Allen Lane: The Penguin Press.

• Dow, D. A.,ed., 1988. The Influence of Scottish Medicine. Carnforth: Pantheon Publishing.

• Harper, M., 2003. Adventurers and Exiles: The Great Scottish Exodus. London: Profile Books.

• Herman, A., 2001. The Scottish Enlightenment: The Scots Invention of the Modern World. London: Fourth Estate.

• Mackenzie, J. M., 1986. Imperialism and popular culture. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

• Ross, A., 2002. David Livingstone: Mission and Empire. London and New York: Hambledon.

• Visram, R., 2002. Asians in Britain. London: Pluto Press.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

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.