Step into the courtroom of history and put one of the world’s most legendary-and controversial-figures under the spotlight. Was Genghis Khan a ruthless conqueror or a visionary leader who reshaped the world? In this lively taster course, you’ll take on the role of historical detective, weighing evidence and forming your own verdict on the founder of the Mongol Empire.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
We will explore the legends and realities surrounding Genghis Khan by examining two contrasting contemporary sources. Through these accounts, you’ll uncover how different writers portrayed him-either as a brutal destroyer or a brilliant and disciplined ruler. Along the way, we’ll consider how and why these views differ, and what they reveal about the cultures that produced them. Expect lively discussion, surprising insights, and a few myths turned on their head!
What will we cover?
Compare and contrast two primary sources, identifying key similarities and differences in how Genghis Khan is portrayed.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand how historians use evidence to build interpretations of the past.
Develop your confidence in analysing historical texts and forming your own opinions.
Appreciate the complexity of Genghis Khan’s legacy and why he continues to fascinate people today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This introductory taster course is suitable for beginners and curious learners alike. No prior historical knowledge is necessary-just an interest in exploring the past and a willingness to share ideas.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The session will include a short, engaging presentation supported by visuals, followed by group discussion of two contemporary texts. You’ll be encouraged to share your thoughts in a relaxed and supportive environment. There is no required work outside the class, although you may find yourself wanting to explore more afterwards!
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. Simply bring note-taking materials if you wish-and your curiosity.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Continue your journey with Vanessa’s 6-week course: Meet the Mongols, where you can dive deeper into the people, culture, and impact of this extraordinary empire.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/history-taster-genghis-khan-on-trial3063109History taster: Genghis Khan on Trialhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/GLE538_1.JPG1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history/Courses/Online courses228511771178121017311228511771178<p>Step into the courtroom of history and put one of the world’s most legendary-and controversial-figures under the spotlight. Was Genghis Khan a ruthless conqueror or a visionary leader who reshaped the world? In this lively taster course, you’ll take on the role of historical detective, weighing evidence and forming your own verdict on the founder of the Mongol Empire.</p>003063097History taster: Genghis Khan on Trial1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/GLE538_1.JPGInStockDaytimeTueOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-09-08T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH3171919History taster: Genghis Khan on Trial151219Vanessa Kinghistory-taster-genghis-khan-on-trial/hwh317-2627<p>Step into the courtroom of history and put one of the world’s most legendary-and controversial-figures under the spotlight. Was Genghis Khan a ruthless conqueror or a visionary leader who reshaped the world? In this lively taster course, you’ll take on the role of historical detective, weighing evidence and forming your own verdict on the founder of the Mongol Empire.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-08 00:00:00<p>We will explore the legends and realities surrounding Genghis Khan by examining two contrasting contemporary sources. Through these accounts, you’ll uncover how different writers portrayed him-either as a brutal destroyer or a brilliant and disciplined ruler. Along the way, we’ll consider how and why these views differ, and what they reveal about the cultures that produced them. Expect lively discussion, surprising insights, and a few myths turned on their head!</p><p>Step into the courtroom of history and put one of the world’s most legendary-and controversial-figures under the spotlight. Was Genghis Khan a ruthless conqueror or a visionary leader who reshaped the world? In this lively taster course, you’ll take on the role of historical detective, weighing evidence and forming your own verdict on the founder of the Mongol Empire.</p><p>Compare and contrast two primary sources, identifying key similarities and differences in how Genghis Khan is portrayed.</p><ul><li>Understand how historians use evidence to build interpretations of the past.</li><li>Develop your confidence in analysing historical texts and forming your own opinions.</li><li>Appreciate the complexity of Genghis Khan’s legacy and why he continues to fascinate people today.</li></ul><p>This introductory taster course is suitable for beginners and curious learners alike. No prior historical knowledge is necessary-just an interest in exploring the past and a willingness to share ideas.</p><p>The session will include a short, engaging presentation supported by visuals, followed by group discussion of two contemporary texts. You’ll be encouraged to share your thoughts in a relaxed and supportive environment. There is no required work outside the class, although you may find yourself wanting to explore more afterwards!</p><p>There are no additional costs. Simply bring note-taking materials if you wish-and your curiosity.</p><p>Continue your journey with Vanessa’s 6-week course: <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/global-encounters-meet-the-mongols/hwh123-2627" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong><em>Meet the Mongols</em></strong></a>, where you can dive deeper into the people, culture, and impact of this extraordinary empire.</p>HistoryGlobal & imperial historyvirtual151912HWH317NONETue08/09/2614:00 - 15:3014:0015:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayOnlineOnlineVanessa KingBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-08T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities1919History taster: Genghis Khan on Trialhistory-taster-genghis-khan-on-trial/hwh317-2627<p>Step into the courtroom of history and put one of the world’s most legendary-and controversial-figures under the spotlight. Was Genghis Khan a ruthless conqueror or a visionary leader who reshaped the world? In this lively taster course, you’ll take on the role of historical detective, weighing evidence and forming your own verdict on the founder of the Mongol Empire.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-08 00:00:00<p>We will explore the legends and realities surrounding Genghis Khan by examining two contrasting contemporary sources. Through these accounts, you’ll uncover how different writers portrayed him-either as a brutal destroyer or a brilliant and disciplined ruler. Along the way, we’ll consider how and why these views differ, and what they reveal about the cultures that produced them. Expect lively discussion, surprising insights, and a few myths turned on their head!</p><p>Step into the courtroom of history and put one of the world’s most legendary-and controversial-figures under the spotlight. Was Genghis Khan a ruthless conqueror or a visionary leader who reshaped the world? In this lively taster course, you’ll take on the role of historical detective, weighing evidence and forming your own verdict on the founder of the Mongol Empire.</p><p>Compare and contrast two primary sources, identifying key similarities and differences in how Genghis Khan is portrayed.</p><ul><li>Understand how historians use evidence to build interpretations of the past.</li><li>Develop your confidence in analysing historical texts and forming your own opinions.</li><li>Appreciate the complexity of Genghis Khan’s legacy and why he continues to fascinate people today.</li></ul><p>This introductory taster course is suitable for beginners and curious learners alike. No prior historical knowledge is necessary-just an interest in exploring the past and a willingness to share ideas.</p><p>The session will include a short, engaging presentation supported by visuals, followed by group discussion of two contemporary texts. You’ll be encouraged to share your thoughts in a relaxed and supportive environment. There is no required work outside the class, although you may find yourself wanting to explore more afterwards!</p><p>There are no additional costs. Simply bring note-taking materials if you wish-and your curiosity.</p><p>Continue your journey with Vanessa’s 6-week course: <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/global-encounters-meet-the-mongols/hwh123-2627" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong><em>Meet the Mongols</em></strong></a>, where you can dive deeper into the people, culture, and impact of this extraordinary empire.</p>HistoryGlobal & imperial historyconfigurable
12101178Global & imperial historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/world-history1/2/285/1177/1178/12101/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Global & imperial history
