Pre-university: Humanities

Dr John Gordon is a Lecturer in Humanities in the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning, where he has taught philosophy and the humanities since 1989. John received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh in 1998. He has a particular interest in interdisciplinary study, and the connections between philosophy, literature, art and music. As an experienced teacher, John has helped a wide range of students engage with challenging academic material in an accessible and appealing way. John has written and taught a range of courses for the University, ranging from ancient literature and history to contemporary philosophy.   

This interdisciplinary course will introduce Humanities subjects such as literature, philosophy, history and art history. Students will learn to analyse and interpret a range of texts and artworks, drawing on a range of concepts and theoretical perspectives from across the Humanities. Interdisciplinarity will be fostered by intertextual reading (exploring the relationship between texts) of the works studied. The course will develop students’ academic skills related to the Humanities. In addition, there will be guided visits to some of Scotland’s national galleries and museums, and walking tours of historical Edinburgh. 

The pre-university Humanities course is for students who are interested in the interpretation and understanding of philosophical texts, historical events, literary and artworks. Examples from Scottish philosophy, literature, history and art history will be used to examine concepts and perspectives that are used in the study of these disciplines. Through lectures and tutorials, students will develop their skills in comprehension and analysis within a Humanities context. Lectures will frame texts and artworks within the cultural and historical context of the West, and through class discussion and group work, students will learn to compare these works from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students will also reflect on the role of the Arts and Humanities in contemporary society. 

This course is designed to provide students with a study experience similar to what they will encounter in undergraduate study. Using a blend of text, audio and video, the course is intended to equip students with a range of skills to enhance independent learning in the Humanities. Classes will combine seminars, group work and academic skills sessions. Reading will be set in advance of each class, and students will be encouraged to discuss their understanding of these readings with the class. 

This course will include walking tours of central Edinburgh. These may involve walking along crowded cobbled surfaces with steep inclines. Every effort will be made to make alternatives available for students with restricted mobility. Students with additional support needs can contact us to agree suitable adjustments.

Week 1 and Week 2 

Mon - Fri (10:00-13:00)

Sample timetable for information - please note that we will share a final timetable with students prior to arrival.  

View sample timetable

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the Humanities and an ability to think intertextually.  
2. Identify research and critical thinking skills which are integral to studying the Humanities. 
3. Appraise the role and importance of the Humanities in Western culture. 
4. Examine some key concepts and perspectives employed in the Humanities. 
5. Demonstrate development of key academic skills required for study of the Humanities at undergraduate level. 

We want all Pre-university students to have an enjoyable experience in Edinburgh. We have robust safeguarding measures in place to support students, and look after their safety and welfare during their stay.  

Please visit our safeguarding page for full details

The course fee  includes accommodation during your study. Please see our Accommodation section for more information. 

To ensure your experience at the University of Edinburgh's Summer School is memorable, we encourage all students to embrace the city and its culture and take part in the variety of social activities available.

More about our social programme activities >

Applications have now closed for 2024.