Ideas about racial groups anddifferencesbetween peoplesare built on myths, lies and pseudoscience- yet they continue to shapepolitics and society. Join us to learnhow to debunk harmful narratives.
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.
Refugee Weekis the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
For Refugee Week 2026, City Lit is offering a series of one‑off workshops that promote inclusion, understanding and shared creativity. Led by our expert tutors, the sessions will focus on lived experiences of displacement, bringing together students, staff and the local community for storytelling, skill‑sharing and cultural exchange. You can find out more aboutCity Lit's journey to becoming a College of Sanctuaryhere.
Adopting approaches from anthropology and a critical historical lens, this course will examine how ideas about race, and processes of racialisation, have shaped patterns and policies of migration to and from Britain over the past century. Our aim is to understand how these histories are still felt today, and how we can draw on scientific and culturalknowledgeto debunk harmful narratives.
What will we cover?
Cultural,linguisticand physical differences across cultural contexts
Thehistoricalinvention of race and development of scientific and social theories to support racism
Howracialisation and racism have been used toestablishpower and inflict harm
The connections (and differences) between xenophobia and racismand how racism has shaped migration policy over centuries
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain how - and why - racial identity categories were invented
Understand and debunk the myth of biological ‘racial’ difference
Explain how ideas about nationalism and belonging have been historically constructed in relation to these myths
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This session 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.
Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage in group and class discussions with respect and a willingness to learn from others - and potentially ‘unlearn’ ideas that have been held as truths.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This class will be taught through a mixture of lecture, small group activities, individual reflection, and whole group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are noadditionalcosts, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking
Siobhán McGuirk is an internationally experienced researcher, lecturer, journalist and filmmaker. She has a PhD in Anthropology and her specialisms include migration, LGBTQ+ rights, social justice movements and US history. As a teacher and researcher, she uses creative and collaborative methods designed to bring people together and positively shape the ways we think and act in the world.
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/refugee-week-at-city-lit-roots-of-racism3040099Refugee week at City Lit: Roots of racismhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/r/e/refugee_week_at_city_lit_roots_of_racism_-_hpc343_copy.jpg1010GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics228511771677135421228511771677<p>Ideas about racial groups anddifferencesbetween peoplesare built on myths, lies and pseudoscience- yet they continue to shapepolitics and society. Join us to learnhow to debunk harmful narratives.</p>003040093Refugee week at City Lit: Roots of racism1010https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/r/e/refugee_week_at_city_lit_roots_of_racism_-_hpc343_copy_1.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3431010Refugee week at City Lit: Roots of racism8710Siobhan McGuirkrefugee-week-at-city-lit-roots-of-racism/hpc343-2526<p>Ideas about racial groups anddifferencesbetween peoplesare built on myths, lies and pseudoscience- yet they continue to shapepolitics and society. Join us to learnhow to debunk harmful narratives.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-18 00:00:00<p><a href="https://refugeeweek.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee Week</a>is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.</p><p>For Refugee Week 2026, City Lit is offering a series of one‑off workshops that promote inclusion, understanding and shared creativity. Led by our expert tutors, the sessions will focus on lived experiences of displacement, bringing together students, staff and the local community for storytelling, skill‑sharing and cultural exchange. You can find out more about<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/college-of-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit's journey to becoming a College of Sanctuary</a>here.</p><p>Adopting approaches from anthropology and a critical historical lens, this course will examine how ideas about race, and processes of racialisation, have shaped patterns and policies of migration to and from Britain over the past century. Our aim is to understand how these histories are still felt today, and how we can draw on scientific and culturalknowledgeto debunk harmful narratives.</p><p>Ideas about racial groups anddifferencesbetween peoplesare built on myths, lies and pseudoscience- yet they continue to shapepolitics and society. Join us to learnhow to debunk harmful narratives.</p><ul><li><p>Cultural,linguisticand physical differences across cultural contexts</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Thehistoricalinvention of race and development of scientific and social theories to support racism</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Howracialisation and racism have been used toestablishpower and inflict harm</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The connections (and differences) between xenophobia and racismand how racism has shaped migration policy over centuries</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Explain how - and why - racial identity categories were invented</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Understand and debunk the myth of biological ‘racial’ difference</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Explain how ideas about nationalism and belonging have been historically constructed in relation to these myths</p></li></ul><p>This session 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.</p><p>Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage in group and class discussions with respect and a willingness to learn from others - and potentially ‘unlearn’ ideas that have been held as truths.</p><p>This class will be taught through a mixture of lecture, small group activities, individual reflection, and whole group discussion.</p><p>There are noadditionalcosts, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/refugee-week-at-city-lit-rhetoric-and-refugees-in-politics-pop-culture-and-the-press/hpc296-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee week at City Lit: Rhetoric and Refugees in politics, pop culture and the press</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/refugee-week-at-city-lit-climate-change-food-insecurity-and-refugees/hpc273-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee Week at City Lit: Climate change, food insecurity and refugees</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/refugee-week-at-city-lit-refugees-entrepreneurship-and-business/hmi46-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee week at City Lit: refugees, entrepreneurship and business</a></p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual8107HPC343NONEThu18/06/2612:15 - 14:1512:1514:151 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSiobhan McGuirkBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-18T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities1010Refugee week at City Lit: Roots of racismrefugee-week-at-city-lit-roots-of-racism/hpc343-2526<p>Ideas about racial groups anddifferencesbetween peoplesare built on myths, lies and pseudoscience- yet they continue to shapepolitics and society. Join us to learnhow to debunk harmful narratives.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-18 00:00:00<p><a href="https://refugeeweek.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee Week</a>is the world’s largest arts &amp; culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.</p><p>For Refugee Week 2026, City Lit is offering a series of one‑off workshops that promote inclusion, understanding and shared creativity. Led by our expert tutors, the sessions will focus on lived experiences of displacement, bringing together students, staff and the local community for storytelling, skill‑sharing and cultural exchange. You can find out more about<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/college-of-sanctuary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit's journey to becoming a College of Sanctuary</a>here.</p><p>Adopting approaches from anthropology and a critical historical lens, this course will examine how ideas about race, and processes of racialisation, have shaped patterns and policies of migration to and from Britain over the past century. Our aim is to understand how these histories are still felt today, and how we can draw on scientific and culturalknowledgeto debunk harmful narratives.</p><p>Ideas about racial groups anddifferencesbetween peoplesare built on myths, lies and pseudoscience- yet they continue to shapepolitics and society. Join us to learnhow to debunk harmful narratives.</p><ul><li><p>Cultural,linguisticand physical differences across cultural contexts</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Thehistoricalinvention of race and development of scientific and social theories to support racism</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Howracialisation and racism have been used toestablishpower and inflict harm</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The connections (and differences) between xenophobia and racismand how racism has shaped migration policy over centuries</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Explain how - and why - racial identity categories were invented</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Understand and debunk the myth of biological ‘racial’ difference</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Explain how ideas about nationalism and belonging have been historically constructed in relation to these myths</p></li></ul><p>This session 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.</p><p>Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage in group and class discussions with respect and a willingness to learn from others - and potentially ‘unlearn’ ideas that have been held as truths.</p><p>This class will be taught through a mixture of lecture, small group activities, individual reflection, and whole group discussion.</p><p>There are noadditionalcosts, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking</p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/refugee-week-at-city-lit-rhetoric-and-refugees-in-politics-pop-culture-and-the-press/hpc296-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee week at City Lit: Rhetoric and Refugees in politics, pop culture and the press</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/refugee-week-at-city-lit-climate-change-food-insecurity-and-refugees/hpc273-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee Week at City Lit: Climate change, food insecurity and refugees</a></p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/refugee-week-at-city-lit-refugees-entrepreneurship-and-business/hmi46-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugee week at City Lit: refugees, entrepreneurship and business</a></p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
