An Introduction to Scottish Literature: The Literature of Edinburgh (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject needed. Previous students on this strand will enjoy returning to study a new reading list.

Special Information

See below for book list.

Content of Course

The course will explore a range of texts inspired by, or written in, Edinburgh. For each text we shall examine the presentation of Edinburgh and consider how the local setting may have influenced the development of the text. From the outset, we shall examine literary texts as well as other materials, locating the authors within the country's cultural and historical context. Students will be asked to continue to consider themes like duality and belonging as we explore the writings of other long and short-term residents of Edinburgh, as well as those who have been inspired in different ways by the city.

WEEKS 1 and 2: Jenni Fagan, Luckenbooth.

WEEK 3: The Poets’ Pub: Norman MacCaig: ‘Assynt and Edinburgh’ and ‘Basking Shark’, Hugh MacDiarmid: ‘Scotland’.

WEEK 4: The Makars: Jackie Kay ‘Old Tongue’ and Hannah Lavery ‘Scotland, You’re No Mine’

WEEKS 5 and 6: David Harrower, Knives in Hens

WEEK 7: Ian Crichton Smith: ‘The Telegram’

WEEK 8: Bernard MacLaverty: ‘A Time to Dance’

WEEKS 9 and 10: Liz Lochhead, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped off

Teaching method(s)

The course will be taught in a small seminar setting, where participation will be supported and encouraged.

Learning outcomes

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

• Evaluate, compare and contrast a wide range of texts, demonstrating knowledge of Edinburgh's linguistic, literary, cultural and socio-political contexts;

• Analyse literary texts by applying close reading techniques and referring to recognised literary terminology to illustrate arguments;

• Construct, present and evaluate arguments coherently by assessing, analysing and responding to secondary reading;

• Analyse contemporary responses and reactions to texts by evaluating and assessing ideas from non-literary texts such as letters, criticism or journalism;

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

Poems by Norman MacCaig, Hugh MacDiarmid, Jackie Kay and Hannah Lavery will be provided as PDF handouts in advance. Ian Crichton Smith’s ‘The Telegram’ and Bernard MacLaverty’s ‘A Time to Dance’ will be provided as PDF handouts in advance.

Fagan, J. (2021). Luckenbooth. Harmondsworth: Penguin.

Harrower, D. (2017). Knives in Hens. London, Methuen.

Lochhead, L. (2009) Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped off. London: Nick Hern Books.

Recommended:

Foster, A. (2005) The literary traveller in Edinburgh: a book lover’s guide to the world’s first city of literature. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing.

Brown, I. et al. (2022) The Edinburgh Companion to Scottish Drama. [Online]. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

McGuire, M. et al. (2009) The Edinburgh companion to contemporary Scottish poetry edited by Matt McGuire and Colin Nicholson. 1st ed. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Schoene-Harwood, B. (2007) The Edinburgh companion to contemporary Scottish literature edited by Berthold Schoene. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Class Handouts

Poetry and short stories to be provided as PDF handouts.

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.