General
Program Description
Discover the writer, collector and cultural icon who remains one of Scotland’s most enduring literary legends.
Explore literature that shaped the heritage and national identity of the Scots
Walter Scott is one of Scotland’s most significant figures and is famous around the world.
On this course, you’ll get to know the man behind the monuments and books. You’ll explore and discuss selections of Scott’s work, whilst reflecting upon his cultural impact and enduring literary legacy.
You’ll understand Scott’s significance as a poet and novelist, and will be familiar with some of his best-loved work; such as Waverley and The Heart of Mid-Lothian. You’ll also gain an understanding of how and why he was inspired to write, and how literature can shape heritage and national identity.
What topics will you cover?
- The work and legacy of Walter Scott.
- Scott as a collector.
- Relationship between Scott’s home at Abbotsford and storytelling.
- Connections between Scott’s work and landscape, history and nationhood.
- Curating Scott’s legacy.
When would you like to start?
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts.
- Available now
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to:
- Engage with a selection of texts by Walter Scott.
- Reflect on the cultural impact and legacy of Walter Scott.
- Investigate the relationships between literature and national identities.
- Explore how Scott uses his collection at Abbotsford as a springboard for a story.
Who is the course for?
This course would suit those with an interest in Romantic and Scottish literature or the history of the novel. It would also appeal to the Scottish diaspora, for both its literary content and focus on cultural heritage. It may also be of use to people interested in wider issues around literary heritage and tourism.
Who will you learn with?
Ali Lumsden Alison Lumsden (Ali) Holds a chair in English Literature at the University of Aberdeen. She is the director of the university's Walter Scott Research Centre and also Honorary Librarian at Abbotsford. |
Kirsty Archer-Thompson Kirsty is Collections and Interpretation Manager for the Abbotsford Trust. She is responsible for the collections, interiors and built heritage of Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). |
Who developed the course?
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is the 3rd oldest Scottish and 5th oldest UK University. With 14500 students from 120 countries, it is a world leader in medical research, energy, environment, law and business.
The Abbotsford Trust
The Abbotsford Trust aims to preserve and protect Abbotsford for future generations and act as a guardian of Walter Scott’s legacy by continuing to educate the public about his home and his work.
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