Teaching

The University of Dundee offers a range of modules and courses dedicated to the history, literature and art of Scotland – catering to undergraduates, graduate students, post doctoral scholars and adult learners (distance learners and in classroom).

Undergraduate degree modules

Scottish and Irish Literature (pre-1900)

This fourth-year module introduces Scotland’s and Ireland’s leading writers in English chiefly of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, including Swift, Burns, Smollett, Edgeworth, Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and George MacDonald, along with medieval and early modern balladeers, as well as considering the influence of lesser known writers, such as Ramsay and Fergusson, on the countries’ literary traditions.

Contemporary British Writers of Comics and Graphic Novels

Study an important emerging area of contemporary literature – comics and graphic novels, examining the work of contemporary British comics who have revolutionised comics by treating the medium as one rich in literary potential and cultural significance, challenging the very notion of authorship in comics, a medium known for its creative anonymity.

Restoration, Revolution, Union & Rebellion

This third year module focuses on a critical period in Scotland’s history which witnessed the restoration of the Stewart monarchy, revolution and dynastic change, incorporating union and the emergence of the British state, the rise and fall of Jacobitism, and considerable economic and social transformation.

Scotland & the Wider World

Examining the period 1603-1939, in this second year module the history of Scotland contextualised in the nation’s interactions with the wider world is explored through five themes:

Migration and Population Change
War, Trade and Empire
Religion
Economy and Industry
Life, Society and Identity

Deliberately starting out with a broad perspective, the module introduces students to the themes and topics of Scottish and Irish history explored in greater depth in third and fourth year.

Scottish Diaspora

This third year level module offers students a comprehensive overview of Scotland’s diaspora history, focusing on an extensive range of themes and settlement locations. Covering the period c.1700 to 1945, the historical geographies explored include the ‘near diaspora’ of England, Wales and Ireland; Continental Europe; North America; the Antipodes, Africa; and Asia.

Scottish Nationalism: Historical Perspectives

This fourth year Special Subject guides students through the sources indicative of the Scottish national movement from the mid-eighteenth century until the present day. Contextualised by political development within Great Britain, this module critically examines the intellectual foundations and political reach of Scotland’s nationalist movement. The discussion takes students into practical issues of source creation and source survival, contrasting campaigning and cultural materials with state-created documents in a nation without its own parliament. Students gain understanding of the complexities of nationalist narratives, including imperial and post-imperial political contexts to these narratives, intertwined with British state building and patriotism.

Postgraduate degree courses

Scottish History (on campus)

This degree will provide you with an understanding of the diverse forces at work in Scottish history since the early modern period, with a special focus on social, cultural and political development, and Scottish connections with the wider world.

Scottish History (distance learning)

Examine the many different interpretations of Scottish history, think critically about the various ways in which historians have viewed the development of Scotland over the past five centuries and consider some of the ways in which Scottish history has been portrayed in a popular context.

English Studies

The MLitt in English Studies is a stand-alone postgraduate qualification. It can also be taken as research preparation for a PhD. We offer choice and flexibility: you can study full-time or part-time, and we have a wide range of topics from Arthurian to Contemporary Literature, reflecting our key strengths and expertise.

Gender, Culture & Society

Our interdisciplinary degree Gender, Culture and Society will enable you to understand how gender identities were constructed in historical, social and cultural contexts, and introduce you to a range of research skills and methodologies at postgraduate level.

Philosophy & Literature

This degree offers specialist interdisciplinary study within Philosophy and English Studies. It brings together modules addressing the interrelations between literary practice and philosophical perspectives.

Comics Studies

Our unique degree examines comics from the point of view of critical analysis (in terms of genre, style, formal properties and history) and provides training in the creative aspects of comics production, leading to excellent opportunities for anyone interested in working either creatively or in the production industry.

Film Studies

The MLitt in Film Studies will expand your appreciation of the medium in terms of its history, formal properties, and its relationships with other art forms. There is a particular focus on authorship and adaptation, as well as the transition from script to screen, drawing on an extensive collection of unpublished script material.

Devolution and Global Governance

Scotland has had a devolution process devoid of civil conflict. What can we learn from the Scottish experience that can be applied to similar processes in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East? How can the Scottish experiment be sustained and what challenges will politicians, administrators, civil society agents and citizens face in the future?

Science Fiction

A highly interdisciplinary one-year, masters course, offering modules on Science Fiction literature, film, comics and other media, with scope to incorporate creative practice into your studies.

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