University of California Education Abroad Programme at the University of Glasgow
Contact: Dr Clare McManus, College of Social Sciences
Scotland, the City of Glasgow and the Origins of the Modern World
'Of all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots
in their contribution to mankind.' (Sir Winston Churchill)
Course description
This course examines the history, politics, culture and socio-economic development of Scotland and,
in doing so, will explore the historic and contemporary understandings of Scottish nationalism. You
will be introduced to Scottish heroes such as William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace and Robert the Bruce who
led the Scottish Wars of Independence against England. You will come to understand how this small
country of just a few million people has had an enormous impact on the course of world history. You
will explore the role of Scotland and particularly the city of Glasgow, ‘Second City of the Empire’,
which lay at the heart of the industrial revolution that transformed the world.
The ideas of philosophers and cultural figures living in Scotland during what became known as the
Scottish Enlightenment shaped the modern world. Discoveries and inventions flowing out of
Scotland during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries included: the modern steam
engine, television, telephone, penicillin, flushing toilet, radar, refrigerator, tarmac, and
electromagnetism (the basis for mobile phones and wifi). Scottish culture remains prominent
through figures such Arthur Conan Doyle to J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, Ian Fleming’s James Bond and J.
K. Rowling’s Harry Potter.
You will learn how the re-awakening of Scottish national identity in the 20th and 21st centuries led
to the establishment of a Scottish Parliament in 1999 with some devolved decision-making powers
from the United Kingdom government; and to the Independence Referendum on 18 September
2014. In this Referendum, the Scottish people voted against Scotland becoming a separate nation by
a margin of 55 to 45 percent on a record turnout of 85 percent. This course will discuss the
aftermath of the Independence Referendum and the stunning victory the following year of the
Scottish National Party (SNP) in the 2015 UK General Election.
Why Glasgow?
• Are you interested in learning more about the small country which inspired America’s
founding fathers to write the United States Declaration of Independence?
• Are you intrigued by the real-life stories of Scottish heroes such as William Wallace
‘Braveheart’?
• Would you like to study in Glasgow; a city which was at the heart of the Industrial
Revolution which transformed the world?
• Are you fascinated by amazing ideas, discoveries and achievements which have changed
world history?
• Would you like to learn about Scottish politics and identity at the University which in 2014
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produced Britain’s youngest member of the UK parliament since 1667?
Would you enjoy studying on a course which took you on academically-relevant fieldtrips
to some of the most beautiful places in Scotland?
If your answer to all of these questions is ‘Yes’, this this course is definitely for you!
Learning goals and outcomes
This summer school course:
- examines the historical roots of Scottish nationalism and Scotland's unique contribution to
global development;
- introduces you to Robert Owen (1771-1858) and his workplace, social, and educational
reforms in the purpose-built village of New Lanark.
- will have leading political scientists to explain the current political relationship with the rest
of the UK under 'Devolution';
- explores the industrialisation and de-industralisation of the city of Glasgow
- examines the 'Yes' and 'No' debates on the Scottish Independence Referendum.
By the end of this course students will be able to:
- explain the origins of Scottish nationalism
- summarise Scotland’s contribution to major political, social, economic and scientific
achievements in the world from the 18th to 21st Centuries
- assess the Scotland’s political relationship with the rest of the UK under ‘Devolution’;
- discuss the enlightened reforms of Robert Owen
- explain the socio-economic development of the city of Glasgow
- represent and evaluate the main debates in the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns in the 2014
Scottish Independence Referendum
Teaching style
There will a mix of mini-lectures; seminar discussions; and fieldtrips with an emphasis on
independent learning on the part of the student. Students will be required to complete reading in
advance of attending classes.
Prerequisites
An enquiring mind and a love of adventure.
Topics covered on a weekly basis
Week 1 – Understanding the origins of Scottish Nationalism
This session explores the origins of Scottish Nationalism including the wars of independence against
England led by two of Scotland’s best known heroes William Wallace “Braveheart” and Robert the
Bruce. In 1320 the Declaration of Arbroath proclaimed Scotland’s status as an independent
sovereign state and is believed to have inspired America’s founding fathers to write the United
States Declaration of Independence.
Fieldtrip to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument: A full day trip to Stirling in the heart of
Scotland where you will learn about William “Braveheart” Wallace’s famous victory over King
Edward I of England at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. It will include visits to Stirling Castle and
the Wallace Monument.
http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/
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Week 2 - From the Union of Crowns until the Union of Parliaments
This session will introduce you to the social and political history of Scotland from the Seventeenth
through to the Nineteenth Century. The seminar will explore how Scotland moved from being an
independent Kingdom to being part of a political union. Along the way we will discuss the Union of
Crowns and the Union of Parliaments that created the United Kingdom, and the rapid social and
political change that took place in Scotland in the centuries that followed culminating in the
process of industrialisation and de-industrialisation.
Fieldtrip to the Riverside Museum, Glasgow: The multi-award winning Riverside Museum is home
to over 3,000 objects that detail Glasgow’s rich past from its days as maritime powerhouse to a
glimpse into daily Glasgow life in the early to mid 20th Century.
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/riverside/about/Pages/default.aspx
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Week 3 – Scotland’s contribution to global development and scientific achievement
The historian Arthur Herman once claimed that the Scots 'invented the modern world,' this
seminar will examine the major achievements in literature, philosophy, science and technology
over the last 250 years, ranging from early advances such as James Watt's work on the steam
engine to more recent scientific achievements such as the first successful cloning of Dolly the
sheep. Many of these remarkable historical Scottish figures will be discussed from James Watt and
Adam Smith to Robert Burns and Andrew Carnegie.
Fieldtrip to the Robert Burns Museum and Heritage Park, Alloway: You will spend a full day
exploring The Scottish poet, Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759. The day of his birth is
celebrated today throughout the world as Burns Night, with Burns Suppers, poems and songs, and
remembrance of Scotland’s National Bard. The celebrations go further than a simple appreciation
of Burns poems and songs – great as they may be. Burns has come to be a symbol for Scotland and
a global brand for the Scots themselves. His birthplace is situated close to some of Scotland’s most
beautiful coastal scenery just 40 miles outside of Glasgow in Alloway near the coastal town of Ayr.
http://www.burnsmuseum.org.uk/
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Week 4 – Utopian Idealism in Scotland: Robert Owen and New Lanark
You will be introduced to the unique Scottish educational system and its commitment to the
idea of progress and social justice which led to major achievements in science and technology.
You will be presented with the case study of the utopian idealist Robert Owen (1771-1858) who
instituted a wide range of workplace, social, and educational reforms in the purpose-built village of
New Lanark. Owen reduced the length of the working day to 10.5 hours and abolished the practice
of employing orphans in the mills, supporting this through the provision of the world’s first
nursery. In addition to workplace reforms, Owen also aimed to improve the living conditions of his
workers and promote a sense of community responsibility that made the village a happy and
peaceful place to live.
Fieldtrip to the New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site: New Lanark is an exceptional example
of a purpose-built 18th Century mill village, set in a picturesque Scottish landscape near the Falls of
Clyde, just outside Glasgow, where in the early years of the 19th Century, Robert Owen inspired a
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model industrial community based on textile production. It was there that Owen first applied his
form of benevolent paternalism in industry, building on the altruistic actions of his father-in-law,
David Dale. Owen formulated his Utopian vision of a society without crime, poverty, and misery.
New Lanark prospered under his enlightened management. The imposing cotton mill buildings, the
spacious and well-designed workers’ housing and the dignified educational institute and school still
testify to Owen’s humanism.
http://www.newlanark.org/
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Week 5 – The Road to Scottish Devolution and the Creation of a Scottish Parliament
In the 1800s, Scotland’s economy strengthened, its cities boomed and its citizens took a leading
role in the British Empire. However, proposals to give Scotland some form of “home rule” within
the UK have been alive since William Gladstone’s era as Liberal leader in the 1880s. After several
failed attempts notably in 1913 and 1979, a Scottish parliament was finally re-established in 1999
in Edinburgh with wide-ranging policy making and legal powers but dependent on a direct grant
from London. This session will examine devolution in the United Kingdom. We will look at how
devolution has worked across the UK with a focus on Scotland.
Fieldtrip to the Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park: The collection is named after its donor, the
shipping magnate Sir William Burrell. It’s one of the greatest collections ever created by one
person, comprising over 8000 objects. Sir William Burrell (1861-1958) was a successful shipping
agent in Glasgow. Upon the early death of his father, William and his elder brother, George, took
over management of the family firm, Burrell & Son, which expanded rapidly to a position of
international standing. By 1918, the brothers decided to sell off almost the entire Burrell shipping
fleet. William devoted the rest of his long life to amassing the bulk of his art collection. William
Burrell's interest in art began in his teens and, by 1900, he was an important and respected
collector.
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/burrell-collection/Pages/default.aspx
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Week 6 – An Insider’s View of the Scottish Parliament and how Issues are turned into Policy
This session will explore differences in policy approaches in Scotland following devolution
compared with England. The powers assigned to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 coupled with
significant growth in resources available allowed government in 2000-2007 to create new provision
and develop some distinctive policies in health, education, justice, and social inclusion. Despite the
change of government in 2007 and the impact of austerity, many of these policies have been
continued subsequently, although the focus in Scottish politics is on the independence
referendum. This session and the linked workshop explore the reality of policy making in Scotland.
Fieldtrip to The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh: The visit will comprise a guided tour of the
Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh including a Q&A session with a Member of the Scottish
Parliament. This will be followed by free time to explore the city of Edinburgh.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/
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Week 7 – The city of Glasgow: Empire, Culture, Music and Politics!
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This session will show how the ‘second city’ of the British Empire has changed as a result of the
shift to post-industrialism. It will discuss Glasgow's urban challenges and how these have been
tackled by public policy. The cultural renaissance of Glasgow occurred in the 1980s and 1990s and
has been sustained into the new millennium. This former European City of Culture has a wealth of
cultural attractions, impressive architecture, fantastic shopping and a year-round programme of
world-class events. As the UK’s only UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is host to around 130 music
events every week.
Fieldtrip to the People’s Palace and Glasgow Green: The People’s Palace, set in historic Glasgow
Green, is home to a collection of historical artefacts, photographs, prints and film, which gives an
unrivalled insight into how Glaswegians lived, worked and played from the 18th to the 20th
Century.
http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/peoples-palace/Pages/default.aspx
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Week 8 – The Scottish Independence Referendum and its Aftermath
In May 2011, the Scottish National Party (SNP) won an historic landslide victory giving the
SNP a majority of seats in the Scottish Parliament, mandating the First Minister, Alex
Salmond, to legislate for a referendum on Scottish independence. In the Independence
Referendum on 18th September 2014 the Scottish people voted against Scotland becoming a
separate nation by a margin of 55 to 45 percent on a record turnout of 85 percent. The following
year the SNP won a landslide election victory in Scotland in the 2014 UK general election winning
56 out of 59 seats in Scotland. Among the SNP candidates who won seats was 20 year old Mhairi
Black leading her to become Britain’s youngest Member of Parliament since 1667. (She
contested the election while a Politics student at the University of Glasgow and graduated with a
first class honours degree just a year later.) This session will cover a number of legal and
political issues arising from the referendum including the new rejuvenation of grass roots
politics in Scotland especially among young people
Contact hours
In total there will be approximately 28 contact hours comprising mini-lectures, seminars and courserelated fieldtrips. There will also be one ‘drop-in’ hour per week where students can ask questions of
lecturers and tutors.
Estimated/expected independent study and homework hours
For this course students should expect to work 9-10 hours per week on average independent of
contact hours. In total across the three courses of the UCEAP Summer School students should expect
to have a full 40 hour working week.
Reading lists (required)
Arthur Herman The Scottish Enlightenment: The Scots’ invention of the Modern World, London:
Fourth Estate, 2001, Ch. 12, pp. 305-328.
McCrone, David (2012) 'Scotland Out of the Union? The Rise and Rise of the Nationalist Agenda', The
Political Quarterly, 83(1):69-76.
A reading pack and guidance on further readings will be provided in advance of the UCEAP Summer
School. There is no need to purchase any textbooks.
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Assessment information
You are encouraged to focus on a topic of your choice for assessment purposes. You are not
required to specialise on every single topic presented in the course. There is a wide variety of course
topics to choose from and it is hoped you will find two topics that interest you particularly which you
may specialise on for the purposes of your two assessments. The course assessment is:
• 70% essay on a given topic related to the course (1,200 words)
• 10% participation in group presentation
• 20% short written report based on reflections of contribution to the group presentation (500
words)
Examples of essay and group presentation titles are:
1) Discuss why EITHER William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace OR Robert the Bruce led the wars of
independence against England.
2) Why do you think the founding fathers of the United States of America were inspired by the
Declaration of Arbroath (1320)?
3) Discuss some of the major scientific or cultural achievements or discoveries which have
emerged in Scotland and the ways in which these have impacted on global development.
You should discuss THREE examples.
4) What was the ‘Scottish Enlightenment’? When answering this question you should present a
case study of at least ONE influential enlightenment figure.
5) Why did Scotland enter into a political union with England in 1707?
6) Who was Robert Owen? What was unique about the New Lanark model industrial
community which he established in the 18th Century?
7) Why was Glasgow known as the Second City of the British Empire from the 19th Century?
8) Why was a Scottish Parliament re-established in Scotland in 1999?
9) Discuss the powers which the Scottish Parliament has under the current Devolution
Settlement.
10) Answer either question A) or question B) :
A) Why do you think Scotland should become an independent country?
OR
B) Why do you think Scotland should remain part of the United Kingdom?
11) To what extent has the city of Glasgow undergone a cultural renaissance since the 1980s?
You are also free to design your own essay or presentation title in consultation with the course
convenor.
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