Opposition politicians voiced concerns after the Scottish Government revealed the new subject, which explores the country's history, literature, language and culture, would be compulsory.
Dr Alasdair Allan, the SNP's minister for learning and skills, outlined his vision for the course as a study was published showing 90% of the public support its introduction.
He said the topic, first unveiled in the SNP's 2011 election manifesto, would improve pupils' knowledge of Scotland and would be tested by an exam.
Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman Liz Smith insisted Scottish history was already adequately taught in schools and voiced fears about the "pseudo-nationalist undertones" of the subject.
"If this is going to be compulsory the first question is why and the second question is what will it be at the expense of?
Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesman Liam McArthur added, "It is important that Scottish children learn about their cultural, linguistic and historical heritage at school. But there will be a suspicion with this administration that ministers could be tempted to hijack the curriculum for their own political purposes. SNP ministers will need to reassure parents and the wider public that this suspicion is misplaced.
However, Dr Allan rejected the concerns about indoctrination. "The content of Scottish history is not particularly political and will be taught in an impartial way. The idea that presenting facts about Scotland is indoctrination is not taken particularly seriously today."
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