History of ideas: abolition democracy - from the Black Panthers to Black Lives Matter

What is the course about?

In this course, you will be introduced and invited to think critically about the politics of abolition and its history across the 20th and 21s century, from WEB Du Bois’ conception of Abolition Democracy to the revolutionary abolitionist struggles of the late 60s and early 70s up to the revival of abolitionist discourse in contemporary movements such as #Black Lives Matter. In the hope of building a better understand of our present situation, we will explore how abolitionist struggles has been conceived, theorized and put into practice up to this day.

What will we cover?

• The concept of abolition democracy from W.E.B Dubois (1868–1963) to Angela Davis (1944 – present)
• Situating neo-abolitionism as a response to the promises and failures of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
• The Black Panthers, the theory that underpinned their struggle, and its relevance today.
• abolition feminism as a critical approach challenging liberal feminism.
• The question of prison abolition and its history.
• The abolition vs reform debate.

To get a general idea of some of the issues that will be covered and discussed in this course, you can have a look at the documentary called 13th (2016). Here is a link to a Guardian review of it: 13th review – fiercely intelligent prison documentary | Documentary films | The Guardian.

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

• To build a critical understanding of the meaning and sense of abolition(ism).
• To be able to critically engage with significant historical events from the prison movement of the early 1970s and the emergence of the Black Panthers in the US, to the more recent Black Lives Matter movement and its international impact.
• To be able to able to situate abolition democracy, both as a theory and practice, in the Black radical tradition.
• To be able to critically engage with some of the key ideas in philosophy and political theory which ground abolitionist discourse and practice.
• To get a better understanding of the idea of the links between abolition, anti-capitalism, feminism and environmentalism.
• To develop a critical understanding of the difference between abolition and reform.

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

This course is designed to accommodate various levels but a willingness to critically engage with concepts in political theory/ political philosophy is required. You will also be required to engage with some reading material in this field. You will be invited to read the material slowly and carefully ahead of each session to facilitate active, critical engagement with your peers in class. Pedagogical advice, support and guidance will be provided to help you with this.

An open mind and a willingness to listen to and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.

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

Each session will include an interactive lecture and discussion. The lecture will introduce you to the week's topic and help you get to grips with the reading material and the concepts and ideas you will encounter. The discussion seminar in the second half of the session will  prompt you to think, individually and in groups, about key problems linked to the topic.  Reading material will be provided ahead of each session, along with suggested further reading. 

Course tutor Denis Bosseau (PhD) is an experienced lecturer and seminar leader in the humanities, specialising in Modern European Philosophy (i.e., Modernity, Nietzsche, Existentialism, Marxism), and Socio-political Theory (e.g. Theories of Democracy and Democratic Practice; Socialism and Revolutionary Theory and Practice; Philosophical approaches to the concepts of emancipation, freedom, resistance and power). His research currently focuses on contemporary debates in the radical left surrounding the heritage of Leninism and its potential relevance today in the light the recent cycles of social movements and struggles. His research also touches on the relationship between Philosophy and Art, and debates surrounding the idea of ‘Engaged Literature’. Prior to joining CityLit in 2025, Denis held various teaching positions at the University of Sussex, Birkbeck College (University of London) and the University of Brighton.

Courses offered in 2025/26: Surveillance & Society: a critical introduction (Autumn); History of ideas: the concept of freedom (Winter); Abolition Democracy: from the Black Panthers to Black Lives Matter (Summer).

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

No extra cost. All you need to bring is a pen and some paper to write/ take notes on if you wish.

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

Please see the philosophy area - in the culture, history and humanities category - on City Lit's website, for details of forthcoming philosophy courses.