Looking beyond headlines: colonialism and contemporary conflicts
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- Start Date: 22 Oct 2025End Date: 12 Nov 2025Wed (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30OnlineFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00
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What is the course about?
This course provides a reflection on the colonial, post-colonial and neo-colonial aspects and underpinnings of contemporary conflicts.
We will be looking at several ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Israel, Ukraine, as well as Sudan. Particular attention will be brought to the ongoing role of colonialism, both in terms of the repercussions of ‘actual’ colonial enterprises (post-colonialism), but also of the practices in international relations and foreign policy today that uphold some of the key aspects of the colonial project and continue it under different settings (neo-colonialism).
We will also critically analyse the treatment (or lack thereof) of the significance of colonialism in contemporary conflicts by the media.
What will we cover?
- A historical overview of colonialism, with a particular focus on European imperial powers
- A survey of theoretical tools and lenses to understand what happened after decolonisation and under what forms can colonialism still exist today
- An in-depth look at specific case studies of contemporary conflicts through their media depictions and through the counter-narratives shedding light on the responsibilities of former colonising countries.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain the key historical developments of colonialism
- Possess key theoretical tools to go beyond generic accounts of colonialism and to shed light over the continuity and echoes of colonial processes today
- Critically analyse contemporary conflicts with regards to their colonial, post-colonial and neo-colonial aspects
- Critically analyse media reporting on contemporary conflicts, notably questioning the role of racism in reporting practices.
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 course will run in person and use a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and small groups. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the course website, and will include short extracts from key authors on colonialism, post-colonialism and neo-colonialism, as well as newspapers pieces on the various case studies we will be studying.
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 or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please ask your tutor for their additional courses and/or explore the politics sections on the website for similar and related courses.
Dr Salomé Ietter got her PhD in political theory from Queen Mary University of London in October 2023, advancing the concept of ‘anti-populism’ to study neoliberal responses to popular protests and social movements in the UK and France. She has taught students for 5 years at Queen Mary and King’s College and is now a lecturer at the University of Warwick, teaching on race and racism, the politics of gender in global politics. Her research is on race and class in Northern England and Northern France; and her teaching and research interests revolve around capitalism and colonialism, neoliberalism, populism and anti-populism, the politics of race and gender, and political discourses and ideologies. Her classes aim to be friendly, inclusive and participatory, to make education an empowering and social endeavour that enables everyone learn from each other as much as learn specific content and skills. She is very excited to start at City Lit and connect with City Lit learners. In her leisure time, Salomé enjoys theatre, music, and outdoor activities such as trail running, hiking, and triathlons.
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.