In large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.
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It is well documented that in many of the Global South countries, corruption is not an exception; it is the rule. It is also costly. It reduces access to basic services like health, education and even justice and increases the risk of conflict and violence. It is also a fundamental problem for development.
This course will provide a brief introduction to the historical origins of corruption in developing countries. It will show that the roots of corruption in these countries go all the way back to their colonial experience. By using a global comparative perspective, the course will examine the multi-layered nature of corruption in different European empires (Great Britain, Spain, France and the Netherlands) and its institutionalization. In addition, it will discuss how the legacy of colonial rule has led to higher levels of corruption in the Global South and has made eradication of corruption so difficult.
What will we cover?
• The changing conceptualization of corruption • Corruption as an important characteristic of colonial rule and the colonial economy • Cultural and moral arguments used in justifying corruption • The way colonial rule and decolonization shaped the institutionalization of corruption • The impact of colonial legacy on today’s anti-corruption measures.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand the concept and practice of corruption during the colonial era • Examine the role of corruption in the emasculation of colonial economies • Analyse corruption across both time and space • Reflect critically on the link between colonial corruption and the current state of affairs in Global South countries.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and no prior knowledge is required. An open mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to engage in class discussion is all that is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught with lecture, slide presentations and discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
Tariq Hassan is an associate professor and has taught at several universities in London, the US, Pakistan and Ukraine. He has a background in economics and political science with degrees from London School of Economics and the University of California in Los Angeles alongside a long career as a consultant across several sectors. At City Lit, Tariq teaches courses that link politics, economics and history, exploring big questions with deep histories with a focus rooted in the Global South.
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.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/corruption-and-colonialism-how-the-past-affects-the-present341465Corruption and colonialism: how the past affects the presenthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/corruption-and-colonialism-how-the-past-affects-the-present-1080.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/vm/Issues Facing Our World2285117716721677170012285117716771653In large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.153062875Corruption and colonialism: how the past affects the present7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/corruption-and-colonialism-how-the-past-affects-the-present-1080_3.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-10-31T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC2177979Corruption and colonialism: how the past affects the present635179Tariq Hassancorruption-and-colonialism-how-the-past-affects-the-present/hpc217-2627In large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.0000-Available|2026-10-31 00:00:00<p>It is well documented that in many of the Global South countries, corruption is not an exception; it is the rule. It is also costly. It reduces access to basic services like health, education and even justice and increases the risk of conflict and violence. It is also a fundamental problem for development.</p><p><br>This course will provide a brief introduction to the historical origins of corruption in developing countries. It will show that the roots of corruption in these countries go all the way back to their colonial experience. By using a global comparative perspective, the course will examine the multi-layered nature of corruption in different European empires (Great Britain, Spain, France and the Netherlands) and its institutionalization. In addition, it will discuss how the legacy of colonial rule has led to higher levels of corruption in the Global South and has made eradication of corruption so difficult.</p>In large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.• The changing conceptualization of corruption<br>• Corruption as an important characteristic of colonial rule and the colonial economy<br>• Cultural and moral arguments used in justifying corruption <br>• The way colonial rule and decolonization shaped the institutionalization of corruption<br>• The impact of colonial legacy on today’s anti-corruption measures.• Understand the concept and practice of corruption during the colonial era<br>• Examine the role of corruption in the emasculation of colonial economies<br>• Analyse corruption across both time and space<br>• Reflect critically on the link between colonial corruption and the current state of affairs in Global South countries.This is an introductory course and no prior knowledge is required. An open mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to engage in class discussion is all that is required.The course will be taught with lecture, slide presentations and discussions.<p>No additional but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View our otherPolitics, Economics and Current Affairs Courses in London & Online</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Give a friend £20 off their first course</strong></a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsEconomicsvirtual637951HPC217NONESat31/10/26 - 07/11/2610:30 - 13:1510:3013:152 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetTariq HassanBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-31T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities7979Corruption and colonialism: how the past affects the presentcorruption-and-colonialism-how-the-past-affects-the-present/hpc217-2627In large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.0000-Available|2026-10-31 00:00:00<p>It is well documented that in many of the Global South countries, corruption is not an exception; it is the rule. It is also costly. It reduces access to basic services like health, education and even justice and increases the risk of conflict and violence. It is also a fundamental problem for development.</p><p><br>This course will provide a brief introduction to the historical origins of corruption in developing countries. It will show that the roots of corruption in these countries go all the way back to their colonial experience. By using a global comparative perspective, the course will examine the multi-layered nature of corruption in different European empires (Great Britain, Spain, France and the Netherlands) and its institutionalization. In addition, it will discuss how the legacy of colonial rule has led to higher levels of corruption in the Global South and has made eradication of corruption so difficult.</p>In large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.• The changing conceptualization of corruption<br>• Corruption as an important characteristic of colonial rule and the colonial economy<br>• Cultural and moral arguments used in justifying corruption <br>• The way colonial rule and decolonization shaped the institutionalization of corruption<br>• The impact of colonial legacy on today’s anti-corruption measures.• Understand the concept and practice of corruption during the colonial era<br>• Examine the role of corruption in the emasculation of colonial economies<br>• Analyse corruption across both time and space<br>• Reflect critically on the link between colonial corruption and the current state of affairs in Global South countries.This is an introductory course and no prior knowledge is required. An open mind, a positive attitude and a willingness to engage in class discussion is all that is required.The course will be taught with lecture, slide presentations and discussions.<p>No additional but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View our otherPolitics, Economics and Current Affairs Courses in London &amp; Online</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Give a friend £20 off their first course</strong></a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsEconomicsconfigurable
16721677Economicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/economics1/2/285/1177/1677/16721/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics
