Scotland the What? Contemporary Scottish Literature and Identity

The only requirement is interest in Scottish writing and culture. This course examines the literary and political currents shaping contemporary Scottish identity, introducing students to key twentieth- and twenty-first century texts. We encounter and explain a range of cultural debates concerning language, class, democracy and nationhood in Scottish writing. With attention focused on the question of independence, recent debates concerning Scottish culture and identity gain a heightened political charge. Literature has not only reflected but actively shaped such debate. What role has writing played in political change, and to what extent has Scottish culture escaped its own stereotypes?

Excursion: There will be an excursion to Edinburgh, including a visit to the Scottish Parliament building and Scottish Writers Museum.