The Scottish Enlightenment (U02697)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-U02697

This course examines the intellectual history of the Scottish Enlightenment, from the early eighteenth to the beginning of the nineteenth century. It will focus mainly on the development of moral philosophy in the writings of authors such as Francis Hutcheson, David Hume, and Adam Smith, and on the distinctive 'stadial' histories developed by the Scots, in particular the writings of Adam Smith, Adam Ferguson, and William Robertson. The course will, however, also involve the discussion of authors, such as George Anderson or John Witherspoon, who are less well-known now, but who played an important role in debates of the mid-eighteenth century. The changes in intellectual culture will also be related to the broader political and social background of eighteenth century Scotland.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A PASS IN ANY FIRST LEVEL HISTORICAL COURSE OR EQUIVALENT AND ANY SECOND LEVEL HISTORICAL COURSE OR EQUIVALENT. Visiting students should normally have 3 to 4 History courses at grade B or above. Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admissions Secretary to ensure that a place is available (tel. 503783).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The aim of this course is firstly to introduce students to the study of intellectual history in general. In particular, it is intended as an introduction to the main debates within the Scottish Enlightenment and their contexts. There will be a strong emphasis on reading and interpreting primary sources critically, and on the use of contextual information to inquire into the meaning of these sources. Students will be encouraged to consider broader questions about the Scottish Enlightenment, such as its distinctiveness, compared to the Enlightenment in other parts of Europe, or the nature of the Enlightenment in general.

Assessment Information

The course will demand one 3,000-word essay (week 10) and one two-hour exam (May 2006). The essay will make up one third of the final assessment. The exam will be worth two thirds of the final assessment. Students can expect written feedback and written consultation on their work.