Courses

I picked my courses today and signed up for them. I'm doing Scottish Literature level 2, which focusses on ScotLit from the Middle Ages in the first semester, and on 16th to 19th century in the second semester. I will also be doing papers 5, 7 and 9. 5 is on Renaissance and Reformation, 7 on Scott to Carlyle and 9 on the Modern Scottish Renaissance (1920's&30's). Unfortuately my favourite stuff is taught next year (these are courses from the 2-year Honours course, and half is taught now, the other half next year). This means I'll have to study that by myself. That's fine though, as I already know a lot about it anyway from studying for my dissertation. I will not have to do the honours or level 2 exams or essays, but in stead I will have to do three 3500 word essays over the year (NOTHING!) on my favourite period, which in my case is 20th century, and 2 exams, one on Medieval literature and one on the 18th century-Victorian period. I will be able to focus on my favourite parts and will be allowed to ask for exam questions on a certain author or theme, and to write my essays on whichever author or theme I prefer. This means I have a lot of freedom to order my studies the way I want, which is great. I have however decided to just enrole in the honours and level 2 courses and attend most of their lectures and seminars to give me a backbone of my course. I was also given a list of all kinds of interesting seminar and lecture series, for instance one in Scottish Studies and one on literary theory, that I can attend if I feel like it. It's all very exciting!

Yesterday I had a meeting with my fellow Scottish Literature Postgrads. It was really interesting and it was nice to meet people with the same passion for Scottish Literature. There are people from all over the world, Chile, Japan, US, Netherlands (yes, a fellow countryman) as well as a lot of Scottish students. We went to the Postgraduate Club (excuse me, I should say Research club as it as called now) afterwards, whish was really nice. Talked about Scottish Literature all night and was treated to lots of pints. I got about 7 new phone numbers! Lots of new people to meet and things to do. We wanted to go to the QM after that, but unfortunately they wouldn't let us in as it was just after 1am (the curfue). Actually quite glad I went home after that, as I had a meeting with my supervisor today!

Tonight I'm going to see The Tempest at Gilmore Hill. Fiona got tickets. Good to go to the theatre, as I haven't been in ages.

I haven't joined the swimming club yet... Bad! Not sure if I really feel like it. I have joined the Stevie though, and will go swimming a lot.

Home now, as I'm starving!

Love