Walter Scott: The Man Behind the Monument

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.

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.

• Introducing the Work and Legacy of Walter Scott
• Getting to Know Each Other
• Scott as a writer
• Introducing Scott and his Significance to Scotland
• Summing Up Week 1
• Scott, Collecting and Storytelling
• Scott as a Collector of Objects and Stories
• Scott the Collector of Ballads
• Scott’s Palace of the Imagination
• Collecting and Story
• Summing Up Week 2
• Scott and Scotland
• Creating Scotland: Scott and Landscape
• Scott, History and the Historical Novel
• Summing up Week 3
• Curating Scott’s Legacy
• Looking after Scott for the Future
• Curating a Legacy: Abbotsford
• Conclusion