Geology and Culture in Scotland

Geology and Culture in Scotland   English 235N/Geology 235N  

Geology and Culture in Scotland explores the connections between Scottish geology and literature. Students learn the primary geological processes that have formed the landscapes of Scotland.  We read myths, folktales, and literature from Scotland, including Celtic and island myths, along with fiction and poetry by Stevenson, Burns, and Scott. Students will also be working with the local community on Skye in the development of the Museum in the Environment.

We discover how place and literature mutually inform each other. All students research and present an independent project focused on either geology or literature, in consultation with the instructors.  We have weekly evening meetings during the spring semester for a series of presentations and discussions focusing on the geology, history and literature of Scotland. 

We visit the Museum of Scotland, the Scott Monument, the Writers’ Museum and Edinburgh Castle.  We also explore literary Edinburgh and hike up Arthur’s Seat and the Salisbury Crags with a local geologist and a storyteller.

We travel to St. Andrews University and Cathedral, as well as the Isles of Lewis and Harris where we see the glaciated landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, experience Gaelic culture, and visit the Callinish Standing Stones.  On the Isle of Skye we work with The Museum in the Environment, linking archaeological, historical, cultural, geological, paleotological, and ecological sites of interest on the Staffin Peninsula. Students collaborate with members of the Staffin community to build trails and create interpretive sites. This project is part of an initiative by the Staffin Community Trust to improve the local economy and sustain its culture. Students also have opportunities to tour the geologically spectacular Red and Black Cuillins and attend workshops with local storytellers. Most student presentations will be on Skye.

For more information contact Dr. Stephen Henderson (shender@emory.edu) or Dr. Christine Loflin,(cloflin@learnlink.emory.edu).