Taster: History and memory work as democratic practice?
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- Start Date: 05 Dec 2025End Date: 05 Dec 2025Fri (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
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What is the course about?
This course is introductory and meant to give you a sense of the how both history and memory work as ways of engaing the past and the history courses offered at City Lit.
What will we cover?
We will touch upon different aspects of how societies around the world engage the past through history and memory.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Our emphasis will be on connecting and discussing a range of topics with their deeper histories to showcase the value of thinking about, with and through history and memory.
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 class will be a combination of some sections of teacher presentation and class discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you might find a notebook or an additional electronic device useful for notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The tutor will share with you a list of courses. Please also explore the history section for courses that might captivate you.
Martin Ottovay Jorgensen is a historian by education (BA, MA and PhD in Denmark and Belgium). As a teacher in higher ediucation and further education, he has taught courses on world and global history; African history, Asian history, imperial and colonial history; the history of international organisations; peace and conflict; global issues and international relations as well as how memory is an active dimension in community-building, society, politics, international relations, conflict as well as corporate branding. At City Lit, Martin heads the Department of History, Politics, Philosophy and Sience and teaches across history and politics. He strives to promote history as a socially relevant way of thinking and to give each class and course a horizon beyond itself. Perhaps more importantly, Martin sees the active promotion of robust historical thinking as a democratic practice of vital importance to both the workings of our democracy and the embracing and valuing our multi-cultural and diverse society.
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.