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John Maguire,
Scott Spurlock,
Neil McIntyre,
and
Jamie Kelly
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. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in the history of Scotland, but will be of particular interest to local historians and genealogists. You can use the hashtag #FLpalaeography to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
Read more
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. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in the history of Scotland, but will be of particular interest to local historians and genealogists. You can use the hashtag #FLpalaeography to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
Read more
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. Find out more This course is for anyone interested in the history of Scotland, but will be of particular interest to local historians and genealogists. You can use the hashtag #FLpalaeography to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
- Learn to read and interpret early modern manuscripts.
- Obtain specialist skills required to transcribe documents.
- Develop an understanding of how historical research is conducted.
- Knowledge of politics, religion and society in early modern Scotland.
- Become familiar with extant records stored in Scottish archives.
- Develop expertise in handling the kirk session records of the Church of Scotland.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/dor05g/early
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Reviews summary
Mastering early modern scottish records
According to students, this course is an invaluable and exceptionally well-structured resource for anyone serious about Early Modern Scottish Palaeography, particularly genealogists and historical researchers. Learners consistently highlight the incredibly knowledgeable and passionate instructors and the effectiveness of the practical exercises in developing deciphering and transcription skills. While providing comprehensive coverage of historical documents and contexts, some learners found the pace challenging for complete novices, suggesting it benefits those with some prior historical or Latin background. It's considered an intensive but highly rewarding experience.
Hands-on practice effectively builds transcription skills.
"The exercises really help to solidify your understanding of these difficult scripts. I finally feel confident tackling original documents."
"Fantastic course! The practical exercises are excellent and truly teach you how to decipher these old texts."
"The practical application of skills is emphasized, and the knowledge gained is directly transferable."
Instructors are highly knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, and the exercises really help to solidify your understanding..."
"The lecturers' passion for the subject shines through. I've been wanting to learn palaeography for years, and this course delivered."
"The course content is solid, and the instructors are experts."
Offers unique, in-depth skills for historical documents.
"Absolutely invaluable for anyone serious about Scottish genealogy or historical research. A true gem!"
"As an experienced archivist, I found this course remarkably well-structured and comprehensive. It's rare to find such specialized training online."
"As a genealogist, this course was exactly what I needed to break down brick walls in my research."
Requires a significant time investment to succeed.
"It’s a significant time commitment, but worth it."
"It's intensive but incredibly rewarding. The structured approach to teaching different hands is outstanding."
"I sometimes wished for more interactive elements or live Q&A, but the forums were active."
May be too fast-paced for those without prior background.
"My only minor critique is that some of the earlier examples were quite challenging for a complete novice. It definitely builds on itself."
"I came into this with very little background in historical documents... I found it moved very fast and sometimes felt overwhelmed."
"Too difficult for me as a complete beginner. I struggled from week one. The instructors assume too much prior knowledge."
Activities
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Early Modern Scottish Palaeography: Reading Scotland's Records.
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Career center
Learners who complete Early Modern Scottish Palaeography: Reading Scotland's Records will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dor05g/early
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
An overview of the historical research process, from finding sources to writing a paper. Lepore Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, and her book valuable resource for anyone interested in conducting historical research.
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A practical guide to historical research, focusing on the skills and techniques needed to conduct successful research. Frisch distinguished historian and educator, and his book valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the craft of historical research.
A concise and accessible guide to historical methods, covering everything from primary and secondary sources to oral history and archaeology. Cline leading historian and archaeologist, and his book is an ideal introduction to the field of historical research.
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A German-language textbook on historical research methods, covering a wide range of topics from historiography to source criticism. Rüsen leading German historian, and his book valuable resource for anyone interested in conducting historical research in German.
A comprehensive handbook on historical research, covering a wide range of topics from the philosophy of history to digital history. Boyd leading historian and editor, and her book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the latest trends in historical research.
A multi-volume history of historical writing, covering the development of historical thought from ancient Greece to the present day. Pocock leading historian of historiography, and his book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of historical research.
A comprehensive companion to historical methodology, covering a wide range of topics from the philosophy of history to digital history. Munslow leading historian and editor, and his book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the latest trends in historical research.
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A theoretical and methodological guide to historical research, focusing on the Italian tradition of microhistory. Levi leading Italian historian, and his book is an important contribution to the field of historical research.
This provocative work argues for the continued relevance of long-term historical perspectives in addressing contemporary global challenges. It advocates for a more engaged and public-facing history. is highly relevant to contemporary discussions about the purpose and application of historical research in the 21st century.
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A collection of essays on the future of historical research. Cannadine argues that historical research needs to be more global and comparative, and he proposes a number of ways to do this.
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A collection of essays on the impact of digital technology on historical research. Rosenzweig argues that digital technology is transforming the way that we do historical research, and he proposes a number of ways to use digital technology to improve our research.
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A handbook for public historians, covering a wide range of topics from museum exhibits to oral history. McHugh leading public historian, and her book is an essential resource for anyone interested in doing public history.
Serves as an excellent foundational text for anyone beginning historical research. It provides clear, step-by-step guidance on the entire research and writing process, including working with sources, structuring arguments, and citing correctly. It is commonly used as a textbook in undergraduate history programs and valuable reference tool for solidifying an understanding of basic historical methods.
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Based on his Trevelyan Lectures, Carr's book provocatively examines the relationship between the historian and the facts, arguing that historical facts are not objective but are selected and interpreted by the historian. This classic text that challenges readers to think critically about the nature of historical knowledge and is crucial for developing a broad understanding of historiography and the philosophy of history.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the aims, methods, and evolving trends in modern historiography. It is particularly useful for providing a broad understanding of the diverse approaches within historical research and how the field has developed over time. It can serve as a core text for undergraduate and graduate students.
Stanford's work provides a practical guide to conducting historical research, including navigating archives and using digital resources. It offers a solid introduction to the practicalities of historical research, making it valuable for those gaining a broad understanding of the research process in a modern context. It helpful resource for undergraduate students.
Offers a lively introduction to historical methodology and source criticism, focusing on how historians evaluate and interpret historical materials. It is excellent for building a broad understanding of the critical skills required in historical research, particularly for working with primary sources. It is often used as a textbook.
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This comprehensive anthology provides a deep dive into the theory, method, and application of oral history. It covers key debates, practical issues, and diverse examples from around the world. It is essential for those looking to deepen their understanding of this specific and increasingly vital historical research method and standard reference in the field.
A practical guide specifically focused on the process of conducting research in archives. It covers everything from locating archives to navigating finding aids and handling documents. is invaluable for deepening one's understanding of a crucial aspect of historical research and useful reference tool for anyone working with archival collections.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/dor05g/early
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Time
9 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institutions
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow
Instructors
John Maguire
Scott Spurlock
Neil McIntyre
Jamie Kelly
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