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University of Glasgow

The Scottish Highland Clans: Origins, Decline and Transformation

University of Glasgow via FutureLearn

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Overview

Discover the important history of the Highland clans

The Highland, Gaelic speaking clans are a vital part of Scotland’s history. They also shape how the world imagines Scotland today.

This course uses the expertise of University of Glasgow academics to explain the structure, economy and culture of the clans. It covers the centuries between the fall of the MacDonald Lords of the Isles in 1493 until around 1800, when the clans dissolved away as a result of social economic change. It then discusses how the legacies of clanship shaped global images of Scotland up until the present.

This course is for anyone interested in Scottish History, Gaelic culture, and the way Scotland is represented in the modern world. No prior knowledge is required; all learners are welcome.

Syllabus

  • Defining the clans
    • Introductions: the course and you
    • An introduction to Gaelic society
    • People and places
    • Clans and localities: a case study of the Morrisons of Lewis and Dùn Èistean
    • End of week learning summary
  • Clan society and culture
    • Week 2: introduction
    • Economy and society
    • Music, song and poetry in clan society
    • Feud
    • The crown and the clans
    • The beginning of the end? Social-economic change
  • The decline and transformation of the clans
    • Week 3: introduction
    • The clans and the Jacobite cause
    • After the clans: the Clearances and the romanticization of the Highlands
    • Re-creating the clans? Highland games, gaelic associations & clan societies
    • The clans in modern culture

Taught by

Andrew Mackillop

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Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 2 Class Central reviews

Start your review of The Scottish Highland Clans: Origins, Decline and Transformation

  • Profile image for Hibah Shabkhez
    Hibah Shabkhez @hibahshabkhez
    This is tremendous fun, especially if you grew up reading books set in the highlands. Among other things, I discovered the story of Mary Campbell MacGregor, which is decidedly horrible, and the Griogal Cridhe, which is beautiful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scc-XXZDvdE
  • Jennifer Mcevoy
    Wonderful course thoroughly enjoyed it, learnt so much and also now have a better understanding of my ancestors and the struggles that they endured.
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