I will be teaching three courses this fall at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies including a new course about The History of Scotland. Everyone is welcome!
Course Description: When Peter became czar in 1682, Europe was foreign to Russia, an insular and tradition-bound nation. The West fascinated Peter, and he was determined to transform Russia into a great European power. Discover the traditional Russia of Peter’s childhood, his Grand Tour of Europe and his subsequent dream of building St. Petersburg, a new city to match his vision of the country. With images of the city and accounts of his cruel drive to create it, we’ll see how the city emerged as a symbol of his power and of Russia’s hopes. Click here for more information and to register!
The Nordic nations – Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway – are consistently among the top 15 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index. Their societies and culture are admired around the world. But prior to this success is a long, turbulent history. Learn about the history of the Nordic nations, including Vikings, warrior monarchs, the Second World War and immigration to North America. We’ll explore how the countries of northern Europe emerged from poverty and political upheaval to become some of the most successful countries of the 21st century. Click here for more information and to register!
Course Description: Learn in what ways, for centuries, Scotland and the Scots have had an outsized impact on the popular imagination, and political and cultural developments in Britain and the wider world. With Carolyn Harris, we’ll discuss the Scottish wars of independence that brought Robert the Bruce to the throne, the reigns of the Stuart monarchs including the life and tragedy of Mary Queen of Scots, the emergence of a united Great Britain, the Jacobite Rebellions, and modern devolution. We'll examine the impact of John Knox and the Scottish Reformation on Scottish society and the outpouring of philosophy and invention that accompanied the Scottish Enlightenment. We’ll see the political and social importance of Scottish emigration to the wider world, including Canada. The appeal of Scottish history endures in popular culture from Shakespeare's Macbeth to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. Click here for more information and to register.