History, memory and mental wealth: why we need to talk about empire
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- Start Date: 17 Oct 2025End Date: 17 Oct 2025Fri (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
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What is the course about?
Formally, European imperialism ended decades ago. Yet, the different legacies still affect the world and many societies today. In this session, we focus on why and how British society, as it is dominated and defined by its majority white population, would do well to reflect on how different communities are impacted by the legacies and memories of empire, how this links to public health and mental health and why thinking through mental wealth can offer positive ways to engage.
What will we cover?
- Imperial legacies and current problems
- From problems forced on communities to mental wealth and policies
- Ways forward: Linking past, present and future.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Link legacies of imperialism to current problems
- Reflect on possible ways to link past, present and future with a view to positive change
- See mental wealth as both a collective responsibility and opportunity.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
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 session will entail lecture, group discussion and Q&A. The slides will be shared.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for notes. The slides will be shared.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will share related courses with you.
Martin Ottovay Jorgensen is a historian by education (BA, MA and PhD in Denmark and Belgium). As a teacher in higher ediucation 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 as well as corporate branding. At City Lit, Martin heads the Department of History, Politics, Philosophy and Sience 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 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.
