Health, Politics and Society in the Scottish Highlands, 1840-1945 module (HY52026)

This module examines the modern history of the Scottish Highlands and Islands and their wider context, from the Clearances in the late eighteenth century, to the health provision developments of the early twentieth century. There are varying interpretations of Highland history, and the period that will be examined contains emotive events represented from a number of different interpretations.

This module will also explore the differences within the Highland counties. The Highlands today are not one homogenous region. The location and remoteness of specific counties vary considerably throughout the greater Highlands, and their relative topographies and weather patterns were influential factors in determining communication, agriculture, and other economic activity.

Likewise, the social conditions and health of the people in different areas changed over time. So we will consider many diverse localities, activities, and cultures when studying the larger region that we refer to as the Scottish Highlands.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• engage with the key historical debates and issues surrounding the modern history of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, from clearance to modernity
• develop a critical understanding of the issues which have shaped changing perceptions of the Scottish Highlands and Islands
• gain an understanding of the forces that shaped the modernisation of the Highlands

By the end of this module, you will:

• have an appreciation of scholarly debates on the key issues of Highland history
• have an understanding of the relationship of the Highlands with the rest of Scotland and the UK
• have an ability to critically evaluate crucial historiography connected to the Highlands

Assignments / assessment

• 1,000-word short essay 1 (20%)
• 1,000-word short essay 2 (20%)
• 4,000-word research essay (50%)
• contributions to discussion board (10%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• Teaching content is online
  • supported by a dedicated tutor who is an expert in the field
• Discussion Board
  • live Teams discussion meetings, organised by the tutor, throughout the module