Archived Version

The Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study has been formulated as a dynamic online publication in order to provide the most up to date information possible. Master versions of the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study incorporating all changes to date are archived twice a year on 1 September and within the first three University working days prior to the start of Semester 2 in January. Please note that some of the data recorded about this course has been amended since the last master version was archived. That version should be consulted to determine the changes made.

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The Picts (U02507)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-4-PICT

The principal objective of the course will be to explore the many historiographical challenges that characterise Pictish Studies. Particular aims will be understanding the different methodologies that may be brought to bear upon the surviving evidence pertaining to the Pictish peoples, subjecting assumptions and scholarly models to critical scrutiny, and assessing such concepts as ethnicity and culture within this particular context. In keeping with the nature of the 4MA course, student handling of primary evidence will be maximised, including literary sources (read in translation), material art historical/artefactual evidence, and a certain amount of linguistics. The field has experienced an uncommonly high level of scholarly attention in recent years, and the course content will endeavour at all times to remain as close to the cutting edge of current research as possible.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : A pass in a third level historical course or equivalent.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Scottish History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Other subject areas

Ancient History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 22 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course students will have acquired considerable experience of evaluating critically different types of primary source material and current scholarly literature in the light of new research. They will have reflected upon different strategies and methodologies that may be employed in interpreting such evidence, and will have been encouraged to think outside the traditional boundaries of historical study to consider the support available from other disciplines. In so doing, they will have developed a practical awareness of the complex nature of 'Dark Age' studies and the historical societies under investigation. In addition, through presentations and seminar discussion, students will have further developed their skills in presenting and defending their ideas and findings in a critical environment.

Assessment Information

2 individual essays of 5000 words each; and 2 two-hour Degree Examinations in the May diet. One final mark will be reported, composed of an essay mark, weighted at 33% of the final mark and an exam paper, weighted at 67% of the final mark. In both cases the mark will be the AVERAGE of the two marks earned in each category. The final mark reported to Registry will be DOUBLE-WEIGHTED.