Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
September 24, 2003
U of G to host Scottish history conference
The University of Guelph will host its semi-annual Scottish studies colloquium Oct. 4 in Room 102 of Rozanski Hall. Members of the public, the media and the academic community are welcome to attend.
Speakers from several universities, including keynote speaker Richard Rodger from the University of Leicester, will share their thoughts on the theme "Scottish History: New Perspectives."
"This year, we're taking a look at some exciting new developments in the study of Scotland's past, including the often-neglected modern history of its capital city, and the influence of Scots on Irish and North American intellectual and cultural history," said history professor Kevin James, who organized the colloquium. "In anticipation of the appointment of a new chair in Scottish studies, we hope to highlight some of the innovative research being undertaken in the field."
The colloquium begins at 10 a.m. with a lecture on "David Hume's Impact on the American Revolution" by Mark Spencer of Brock University. At 11:15 a.m., Wesley Jameel Hampton of Queen's University will discuss "Montrose and the Convenanters: A Reappraisal," and Ryan O'Connor of Queen's will present "Building the Case for the Island Prophet, the Reverend Donald McDonald." At 1:15 p.m., Guelph history professor Gary Peatling will discuss "Scotland, Ireland and Ulster: Historians, Pasts and Futures."
Rodger, who received the 2003 Frank Watson Prize for his book The Transformation of Edinburgh: Land, Property and Trust in the 19th Century, will present "The Making of Urban Scotland" at 3:15 p.m.
The university library's annual book sale of copies from its Scottish collection will take place in the conference venue. The library contains one of the largest collections of Scottish material outside Scotland.
The fee for the conference is $37 general, $30 for seniors and members of the Scottish Studies Foundation. Because lunch is provided, participants are encouraged to register by Sept. 30. To register, contact June Pearson at (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53093, or send e-mail to jpearson@uoguelph.ca. For more details about the colloquium, visit the Scottish studies Web site at www.uoguelph.ca/scottish/news.shtml.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
