History reading group: political biographies

What is the course about?

This is not so much a course as a forum to explore British, European and World history through the lives of prominent political figures including revolutionaries and dictators.
At the first session there will be distributed a list of other biographies the group may find useful in selecting future books to discuss. Also suggestions from the group will be very welcome. Please note before suggesting a biography consider not only the biographer and subject but also the accessibility of the biography (availability, size, cost).

This course consists of four sessions on 1/10/24, 19/11/24, 14/1/25 & 11/3/2025

Before the first class, please read: The Man on Devil's Island: Alfred Dreyfus and the Affair that Divided France (2011) by Ruth Harris. As this was published a few years ago there are cheap 2nd had copies available.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

In each session, through discussion, we will cover 3 general areas. What does the biography tell us about:
1) the subject of the text- his/her character, achievements, legacy.
2) the era in which the individual lived
3) the biographer - his/her interests, bias,strengths, etc.

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

1) Read books you may not have considered before
2) Critically evaluate the character and achievements of the individuals explored in each session
3) Place these individuals in their historical context
4) Express your opinion clearly.

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

This is an introductory course- no previous knowledge of history is required. However the learners will need the following skills and attributes:
1) An enthusiasm for reading non fiction and disccussing texts in large and small groups
2) A willingness and abillity to do reading and preparation outside of the class. You will be expected to read the selected biography for each session.Please note that political biographies are generally at least 400 pages.
3) An interest in general history- British, European and World history.
4) An interest in, and ability to listen to, the responses of other students to the work discussed.

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

Each session will discuss a biography selected in the previous session (with the exception of the 1st session). The group will select another biography for the following session.
The course will be delivered on line using Zoom and Google Classroom. Details of meetings and materials will be sent after enrolment.

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

You will be expected to obtain a copy of the biographies to be read. The group will be encouraged to choose recent biographies available in paperback for a modest price.

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

Please see the City Lit website for details of other reading groups and history courses.