On 30/06/11 08:00, Wallace asked: > Some questions: > > a. How do you, as instructor, define "northern Scotland?" You did > mention it on the Angus forum - does it include Angus? Aberdeen University calls the course Northern Scotland, but as far as I am concerned, it applies to anywhere in Scotland. The examples used tend to be from Angus northwards ( I have Angus ancestors), but the students often have links to other parts. Last session one had mainly English ancestors, and I was able to offer appropriate advice in that instance. > b. How "beginner" is the material? We assume minimal knowledge, as some students may be from America, etc., but the course goes into some depth at times, and I am able to give guidance with specific problems. I find that even Scottish students have large gaps in their historical knowledge of Scotland! > c. Would someone taking the course from North America be at any kind of > a disadvantage? No. Anything you don't understand (for whatever reason), you simply ask, and I will explain/elucidate/enlighten/blether back. We have a discussion area where students can talk to each other about their progress, and I chip in where neccessary with additional info. The course happens mainly on the webct website, and you submit your coursework through that too. I mark the work, and the University has an outside assessor who double-checks that the marking is fair. My biggest complaint is students who submit work without first reading over what they have written! All the best, Gordon.