Introduction to Robert Burns

Session dates and times:

• Wednesday 7th January, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Wednesday 14th January, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Wednesday 21st January, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Course tutor:

Robert-Louis Abrahamson

25th January is traditionally known as Burns Night, a celebration of the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. But how much do most of us know about the man and his writings? This three-session Introduction will offer a glimpse into his troubled, heroic life and his justly famous songs and poems, as well as his status as Scotland’s national poet.

What will this course cover?

The first session will look at Burns’s early life and his early satirical poems, which led to his celebrity welcome in Edinburgh. The second session will focus on his later poems, including the narrative poem ‘Tam o’Shanter’. The final session will not only look at some of Burns’s songs, but will also listen to some of them, including ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘My Love Is like a Red, Red Rose’ and ‘A Man’s a Man for A’ That’.

Some people are daunted by Burns’s use of Scots, but most editions provide notes, and it does not really take long before we become quite used to this close relative to English.

Editions of Burns are not hard to find, and digital versions of most of his work can be found on various sites on the Internet.

What will I get out of this course?

You will gain a richer understanding of Robert Burns’s life, poetry, and songs, exploring both his early satirical works and his later masterpieces.

You’ll develop confidence in reading and appreciating his use of Scots, while discovering why Burns remains such a powerful voice in Scottish culture and beyond.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills or experience?

This is an entry level course, no particular skills or experience are needed - simply an interest in Robert Burns and Scottish poetry.

What do I need to bring with me?

You do not need any equipment, but you may wish to bring a pen and notepad to write down your thoughts.

Since 1903 the WEA have been delivering on our charitable mission - to bring lifelong learning within reach of everybody who needs it.

Today, we continue to empower adults by delivering great teaching across England and Scotland, reaching tens of thousands of learners each year.

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