The Romance and Reality of Scotland in the 18th and 19th Centuries

Join us at the National Museum of Scotland to examine the romantic images of Scotland developed in the 18th and 19th centuries and consider how art, literature and travel guides, encouraged tourism and promoted particular ideas about Scotland, and especially the Highlands, as the ‘last great European wilderness’.

You will use primary sources to look at Scotland’s identity after the Jacobite rebellions, when the Highlands were reinvented, especially through the royal approval of Queen Victoria.

Scotland’s re-presentation in literature and the arts will also be explored, including the work of Walter Scott and the cult of Robert Burns. You will also be introduced to lesser-known travel writing, that shed a complementary and sometimes less romantic light on Scotland at this time.

Any recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run.

You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Identify key themes in the creation of Scotland’s romantic identity in the 18th and 19th centuries;
• Analyse the growth of tourism in Scotland at this time;
• Assess the evidence, written and physical, for the romantic portrayal and for the real Scotland;
• Assess the legacy of Scotland’s 18th and 19th century portrayal. 

No previous experience is required.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.