What is the course about?
This course will explore the shameful history of racial science and the role it played in justifying oppressive regimes and colonialism, turning racism into a structural component of societies in many countries, segregation and many other dark moments of the last few centuries. We will discuss how to engage with these difficult histories and how the approaches have changed over the past century.
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?
• What is anthropometry and how not to use it.
• Colonialism and pseudoscience
• What does race as a social construct mean?
• Where all the goodies in British Museum came from and is it ethical to display people’s heads in the exhibitions?
• But was it all so long ago?
•Race thinking and 20th century regimes
• Is it still the same? Where is the science at now?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand the evolution of race thinking within the sciences
• Discuss the origins of many of the problems we still face
• Understand the disastrous consequences of mixing ideology with science.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory level course and is open to all, no prior knowledge of the subject is required. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course and to be able to participate in the discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught in several ways including presentation with visual examples, discussion and practical exercise.
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 your notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please look in the science and nature and history areas for more courses on race and science as well as science and empire.
