Scotland in the Age of Mary Queen of Scots module (HY52027)

In this module you will explore the political and religious history of Scotland at one of the most significant points in its history. You will learn how Scotland played a crucial role in international affairs in the sixteenth century, because its monarchs, James V and his daughter Mary, might succeed to the English throne if the precarious Tudor line failed.

During this period, there was also the unprecedented challenge of religious change across the whole of western Europe. You will therefore be introduced to one of the most hotly debated subjects among historians.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the religious, political, and diplomatic history of Scotland in the sixteenth century
• explore historians' debates about the Scottish Reformation and about Mary Queen of Scots, the most controversial of all Scottish rulers
• engage with some key original sources from the period

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand Scotland's role within the complex system of European international relations
• appreciate the impact of unprecedented religious division on politics and international relations
• understand why Mary Queen of Scots is so fascinating to historians and the public

Assignments / assessment

• first assessed task 1,000 words (25%)
• second assessed task 1,000 words (25%)
• final assignment 4,000 words (50%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

As a distance learning module, this module consists largely of self-directed learning and interactions on web-based discussion boards, most of which can be done to fit around your own work-schedule, lifestyle, and time zone.

There will also be four real-time sessions delivered via Blackboard Collaborate, at a time that is convenient for as many class members as possible:

• a welcome session right at the start of the module
• a session to discuss Assessed Task 1
• a session to discuss Assessed Task 2
• a session to discuss the Final Assignment