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History

The Picts (Online)

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

Who were the Picts? Where did they come from? This course will explore their relations with their neighbours, their religions, language(s), art and their role in the formation of Scotland. This course takes a multi-disciplinary approach utilising primary texts, archaeology and recent original research.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

Ideally, students should have some basic knowledge of early Scottish or British history. Students will need to be able to confidently use videoconferencing software and be comfortable with using websites.

Special Information

In order to participate in this course, you will need access to a computer with a speaker and an internet connection.

Content of Course

1. Introduction. Britain when the Romans came.

2. Origin myths and social continuities.

3. Literary sources and other evidence.

4. Language(s) and Ethnicity.

5. Warfare and survival.

6. Religious and social change.

7. The Symbol Stones and their significance.

8. Picts and Scots.

9. The birth of Scotland.

10. Perceptions of the Picts and the problems of Scottish history.

Teaching method(s)

This course will be delivered via live online sessions.  

Learning outcomes

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

  • Understand primary texts and how to use them;

  • Look critically at secondary texts and historical interpretations;

  • Discuss the development of the modern nation state from its roots;

  • Understand the processes of historical and historiographical development.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

  • Fraser, J., 2009. From Caledonia to Pictland: Scotland to 795. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

  • Woolf, Alex, 2007. From Pictland to Alba, 789-1070. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

  • Foster, S., 1996. Picts, Gaels and Scots. London: Batsford.

  • Laing, L. & J., 1993. The Picts and Scots. London: Allan Sutton.

  • Laing, L. & J., 1997. Pictish and related studies presented to Isabel Henderson. Forfar: Pinkfoot Press.

  • Laing, L. & J., 1994. Stones, Symbols and Stories: Aspects of Pictish Studies. Edinburgh: Pictish Arts Society.

  • Wainwright, F T, ed., 1955. The Problem of the Picts. Edinburgh: Nelson.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email 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.