Might as well count it as four days, though, shouldn't I?
An update from the American side of the pond, probably for the last time until this blog officially transitions to bonnie Scotland for the next year. All of my clothes are packed and I've kept out what I want to take with me to the airport - I just need to pack the odds and ends, boots and books, pictures and things I still need to get through the next five days. I also found out that including myself, there are nine people in my programme, which makes it just the right size for someone who is used to the small, liberal arts setting!
If you're curious how my year academically is going to line up, here's a low down of my courses:
In the fall, I'll be taking my Approaches to Celtic and Viking Archaeology module, which will introduce course themes and topics to consider as well as sort of "set in" the basic historical context and archaeological theory and themes relevant to our field of research. I've spoken with my programme convenor Dr. Colleen Batey, who is a fantastic lady as I've gathered from our emails, and she has told me that this course will take place on Fridays, from 2-4 pm. Not too shabby, if I don't say so myself! I'm really excited for this course, as it'll give me the chance I've been waiting for to delve into the spectrum of history and archaeology that I've had to research on my own during undergraduate. I only hope that a possible dissertation on the Scottish medieval church or the Isle of Iona will be revealed as something I can definitely research through this module.
Additionally, I'll be taking another module, a Research Skills module which will teach me what I need or don't already know about writing grant proposals, research proposals, using the relevant databases needed in my field, etc. I'm not that excited about this one as I am about my other course, but hey - I'm still excited to learn! Especially if it means helping me secure a job, research position, or another degree down the road.
The Spring Semester is pretty much left up for grabs at the moment. I know I have to take three courses, and these are my optional courses I get to choose from a list. Right now, I've got my eye set on Medieval Weapons and Warfare - a course from another programme, Viking and Late Norse British Isles, and Early Christian Monuments of Scotland. But I also may ask if I can audit a few other courses so I can get my fill and learn as much as I possibly can. I may also audit an undergraduate elementary Gaelic course in the fall.
I will also be spending the summer in Scotland, doing my own research for a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words. My undergraduate thesis' maximum word limit was this dissertation's minimum, so basically, I just have to do it all over again! I am actually excited about my research potential in Glasgow; I'll have access to so many things I wouldn't have access to otherwise, even for course research (for example, for Medieval Weapons and Warfare we will have access to Glasgow Museums armor collections).
As if the classes weren't exciting enough, here's a glimpse at some prime field trip locations for the fall semester with both International Orientation and my programme orientation! During International Orientation, I'll be taking an all day trip to Falkland Palace in Fife, Scotland as well as to St Andrews.
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| Falkland Palace, Fife, Scotland |
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| St. Andrews, Scotland |
During the fall semester for my course modules, I'll be going to various locations such as these:
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| Kilmartin Glen, Scotland |
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| Callander, Scotland |
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| Inchmahome Priory, Perth and Kinross, Scotland |
Well, now you're informed. I've got mostly everything packed. I just need to tie up loose ends, see and spend time with my family (and my dog!) and double-check that everything's a-okay for the journey. This is most likely the last blog post from the American side of the pond, so I guess I'll see you next on the other end! :)
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