Perhaps you have found yourself wandering through an old castle or ancient ruin and wondered what it would have been like for the people who lived there many years ago.
This course takes you back to Scotland in the 13th century: it looks at the places and people who were around at that time and it examines the key events which shaped Scotland's history. You will also discover what happened to set the scene for the emergence of the well known figures of William Wallace and Robert Bruce.
You will find the past coming to life as you think about these early medieval times. Also, you will develop some key skills in the study of history.
Outline
There are six topics in this course, one per week. They are:
1. Approaches to Studying History
This topic explores some popular myths about the study of history and then goes on to consider some appropriate historical approaches to the study of history. It provides some ideas to keep in mind as we study Scotland in the 13th century.
2. What was Scotland like in the 13th Century?
This topic begins with looking at the images of 13th century Scotland as depicted in the Hollywood film Braveheart. We then explore what life was really like in the countryside and in the towns, including the influence of the church. The topic finishes with a quiz which takes you on a tour of some key historical sites from the period under study.
3. The Movers and Shakers in 13th Century Scotland
In this topic you will be introduced to the rule of the three Scottish kings William I, Alexander II and Alexander III. You will look at the kind of Scotland they ruled over and the political problems they had to contend with.
4. The Relationship between Scotland and England
This topic looks at the complex relationship which developed between Scotland and England from the time of the Norman conquest of England to the end of the 13th century. We look at the mixed loyaities of some 13th century families and consider how the kings of Scotland and England tried to resolve their differences.
5. The crisis in the Scottish throne 1286 - 1296
This topic looks at the circumstances surrounding the death of Alexander III and explores the reasons behind the involvement of the English King Edward I discussions over who should be the next king of Scotland.
6. The short reign of King John and the emergence of William Wallace
This final topic takes us towards the end of the 13th century looking at the rise and fall of John Balliol. The figure of William Wallace is briefly introduced as he raises an army in defence of the Scottish realm and in support of the deposed Scottish king.
Who should take this course?
The course is aimed at anyone with an interest in learning about the past, whether as a leisure interest or as a prelude to more formal studies.
It would also be of interest to those who are interested in tracing their Scottish family tree and wish to know about the kind of Scotland their ancestors lived in.
The only real pre-requisite is an enquiring mind and a keen interest in history, particularly Scottish history. No previous experience of studying history is necessary as the course will introduce you to some of the methods of historical study.
Follow on
This course takes learners to the point where William Wallace enters the scene. Future New Curiosity Shop courses will take the story forward by looking at the contributions of both Wallace and Bruce to Scotland's past, and other Scottish History topics may also be developed.
The skills gained in working through the course will be a useful preparation for anyone planning to study history or any of the other social sciences at more advanced levels.
You will need
Browser:
PC: Netscape version 4.5 and above, Internet
Explorer 5 and above
Mac OS: Netscape version 4.5 and above, Internet Explorer
5 and above, or Safari. Browser must be set to enable cookies.
Other browsers should work as well: enrol on the free Fire Balloon course if you are unsure.
Plug-ins: Flash Player and Quicktime.
Network connection: 56K modem minimum.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
How long is this course?
About duration hours, and we suggest you set aside about 4 hours week - but it's up to you!. You will have tutor support for ***months*** months. You wil have access to your course for a year.
Your tutor
Your tutor for this course is 
Peter Lanigan.
You can find out more about her on
the Tutors page.
Further information
Read a leaflet for this course
Do you have any further questions? Visit our Contact Us page and ask away.
