City Lit Silver Sunday: what is history and memory and who is it for?

Silver Sunday is a day dedicated to older people which takes place every autumn. Fun and free activities are held across the UK where older people can make new friends, visit new places, try new activities, and connect with other generations in their local communities. This year’s City Lit Silver Sunday will be taking place on Sunday 13th September, and we'll be offering a diverse selection of workshops and tasters.This day is...

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  • Start Date: 13 Sep 2026
    End Date: 13 Sep 2026
    Sun (Daytime): 10:00 - 11:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: HWH333
    Full fee £0.00 Senior fee £0.00 Concession £0.00
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In stock
SKU
253168
Full fee £0.00

What is the course about?

Join this session to discuss history, what it is, what it allows us to do and how we can all use it for excitement, learn new things and expand horizons! History is much more than you think!

What will we cover?

history and memory: what is the difference?
- history and memory as democratic practice: can it be done?
- history and memory in heritage landscapes
- history and memory in politics
- history and memory in public debate
- history and memory in popular culture

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • appreciate the way in which history and memory can be used
  • be to examine the use of history and memory by prominent figures and groups
  • make a case for doing history and memory work as a democratic practice.

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

This day is aimed specifically at ‘older people’ but everyone is welcome to join in, as connecting generations forms an important of this event

  • This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
  • However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
  • Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The class will be a combination of some sections of teacher presentation and class discussion.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

This is a free session and there are no additional course costs.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Your tutor will share additional course options with you. You can also find more here: Global history for beginners | Online Course | Culture, history & humanities | City Lit and World History | Online Courses & In London | City Lit

Martin Jorgensen

Martin Ottovay Jorgensen is a historian by education (BA, MA and PhD in Denmark and Belgium). As a teacher in higher education and further education, he has taught courses on world and global history; African history, Asian history, imperial and colonial history; the history of international organisations; peace and conflict; global issues and international relations as well as how memory is an active dimension in community-building, society, politics, international relations, conflict and corporate branding. At City Lit, Martin heads the Department of Humanities and teaches across history and politics. He strives to promote history as a socially relevant way of thinking and to give each class and course a horizon beyond itself. Perhaps more importantly, Martin sees the active promotion of robust historical thinking as a democratic practice of vital importance to both the workings of our democracy and the embracing and valuing of our multi-cultural and diverse society.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.