Program Description

The Scottish Enlightenment is widely recognized as a unique age of genius. In the period from 1720 to 1790, Scotland led the world in almost every area of human inquiry. The work of Adam Smith and David Hume, two of the most famous thinkers of the period, has had an extraordinary influence on the development of the modern world and how we think about it. Our 2008 trip will introduce you to several of the fundamental texts of the period, as well as the context in which those ideas took shape.

St Mungo Cathedral

The trip includes study in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews, the historic centers of the Scottish Enlightenment. We will meet and discuss primary and secondary texts with recognized experts in the field who make their scholarly homes in Scotland. In addition, there will be time and opportunities to enjoy the extensive cultural offerings of these beautiful cities.

Castle Aberdour

A significant element of the Scottish Enlightenment was economic experimentation. The final week of our trip will be spent in the Scottish Highlands and the coastal city of Oban, where we'll have an opportunity to reflect on how the context of 18th century Scotland and its particular level of economic development played an influential role in the development of capitalism and our understanding of the pros and cons of commercial societies.

Ben Nevis

Course description:

Hist 3xxx/Phil 3xxx, The Scottish Enlightenment: Texts and Contexts, (4 cr)

This course offers students the opportunity to study the philosophy and history of the Scottish Enlightenment in its original setting through the analysis and discussion of primary texts and scholarly interpretations, guest lectures and small-group discussions with recognized experts in the study of the Scottish Enlightenment, as well as visits to historically significant cities and sites.

Faculty/Staff Profile:

Dr. Mark Collier, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Minnesota, Morris, earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego.  He is a specialist on the work of David Hume, one of the primary thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment. His areas of interest and teaching include the History of Modern Philosophy, Cognitive Science, and Ethics.

Dr. Marynel Ryan, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Minnesota, Morris, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2006. Her research focuses on the history of economics as a field of knowledge and, in particular, on the political and institutional contexts within which economic knowledge is produced. She teaches broadly in the history of modern Europe.

Program Costs:

Program Fee: $4,550

Includes: airfare, lodging, ground transportation, program admission fees, insurance and tuition.

Estimated Additional Costs: $1,000

Includes: meals not covered by the program and personal spending money.

Application Deadlines:

Initial - Friday, December 14, 2007
- Receive a $150 program fee reduction
- Entered into a $500 fee reduction drawing

Early—Friday, January 25, 2008
- Receive a $100 program fee reduction

Final—Friday, February 15, 2008

Regardless of when you turn in your application, you may be eligible to apply for UMM scholarships worth up to $750. For scholarship applications, contact the Center for International Programs.