Geomythography of Scotland: An Exploration of Folklore, History and Landscape

This course uses a combination of approaches from the study of history, archaeology, folklore and oral tradition, place-name studies and landscape reading to explore Scotland’s pre-Christain and early medieval periods.

You will consider evidence from oral culture and from physical remains to understand early Scotland. You will look at settlement patterns, megalithic culture and ancient monuments from Orkney, and Kilmartin. You will also look at how rituals survive or are revived in the modern world.

Any essential or 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:

• Discuss and analyse significant early sacred sites  and areas
• Interpret specific landscape through shapes and viewpoints, oral tradition and placenames
• Assess the current landscape of Scotland in relation to patterns of past ritual and belief

No prior knowledge 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.

No previous knowledge is required.

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.