The Power of Persuasion: Propaganda in Renaissance and Reformation Scotland

(7.5 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The Reformation created divisions throughout Europe: with the religious schism persuasion became a tool to bring souls to salvation. In Scotland, this combined with political shocks such as the wars of the 1540s and deposition of Mary, Queen of Scots, to prompt an unprecedented outpouring of public polemic. We will explore the circumstances which prompted this wave of vitriol and the range of strategies by which the crown and other political actors sought to cajole, prompt and persuade others to adopt certain beliefs and behaviours. Tackling a wide range of sources requires an interdisciplinary approach, we will explore the rich range of genres, media and rhetorical strategies employed, exploring the boundaries between fact and fiction, news and lies.