Explore and contribute on how cultures across the globe have shaped innovation. Discover overlooked contributions, challenge dominant narratives, and reflect on the social and political forces behind technological progress — past and present.
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.
This course explores how innovation has shaped societies across time and cultures — from ancient engineering to modern scientific revolutions. You will examine how different regions and communities have contributed to technological progress, while critically analyzing the role of imperialism, exclusion and cultural bias in shaping dominant narratives of innovation.
What will we cover?
Defining innovation across cultures and historical periods
Case studies of technological and scientific breakthroughs from around the world
The role of empire, colonialism, and exclusion in shaping innovation narratives
Forgotten innovators and marginalised contributions
How innovation intersects with power, identity, and access
Reflections on contemporary innovation through a historical lens
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify key innovations and their cultural origins across global history
Analyse how historical narratives of innovation have been shaped by power and exclusion
Reflect on the social and political dimensions of technological progress
Engage in informed discussion about innovation and its global legacy
Recognize the contributions of underrepresented communities to scientific and technological development
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in history, science or global cultures. No prior technical or historical expertise is required.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently
• Read and respond to a variety of texts
• Participate in group discussion and reflection
• Give and receive constructive feedback
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities, and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from your own interests for discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.
Vina Theodorakopoulou is a passionate advocate at the intersection of technology, business and society. With a rich background including a PhD in behavioural economics and over 25 years in financial and professional services, she wears many hats: social entrepreneur, podcaster, multilingual educator and dedicated teacher at CityLit. Vina believes in shaping today’s workplace while paving the way for tomorrow’s. Her active allyship for accessible digital skills, financial literacy and lifelong learning fosters belonging and fuels collective progress. At CityLit, she teaches a range of thought-provoking subjects including Ethics in AI, Philosophy & Societal Purpose, History of Global Capitalism, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, Sustainability, as well as Modern Languages, encouraging learners to embrace communication as a tool for empowerment and cross-cultural connection. Beyond the classroom, Vina writes thought leadership articles exploring neurodiversity, the future of work, and the strength of individual purpose. In her spare time, she teaches dance and coaches Kids First rugby, embodying a values-driven life of polymathy, energy and community.
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/the-global-history-of-innovation2985818The Global History of Innovationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/intro-to-philosophy-1024.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The history of science228511771178134721228511771178<p>Explore and contribute on how cultures across the globe have shaped innovation. Discover overlooked contributions, challenge dominant narratives, and reflect on the social and political forces behind technological progress — past and present.</p>002985782The Global History of Innovation179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/intro-to-philosophy-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH300179179The Global History of Innovation143116179Vina Theodorakopoulouthe-global-history-of-innovation/hwh300-2526<p>Explore and contribute on how cultures across the globe have shaped innovation. Discover overlooked contributions, challenge dominant narratives, and reflect on the social and political forces behind technological progress — past and present.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-28 00:00:00<p>This course explores how innovation has shaped societies across time and cultures — from ancient engineering to modern scientific revolutions. You will examine how different regions and communities have contributed to technological progress, while critically analyzing the role of imperialism, exclusion and cultural bias in shaping dominant narratives of innovation.</p><p>Explore and contribute on how cultures across the globe have shaped innovation. Discover overlooked contributions, challenge dominant narratives, and reflect on the social and political forces behind technological progress — past and present.</p><ul><li>Defining innovation across cultures and historical periods</li><li>Case studies of technological and scientific breakthroughs from around the world</li><li>The role of empire, colonialism, and exclusion in shaping innovation narratives</li><li>Forgotten innovators and marginalised contributions</li><li>How innovation intersects with power, identity, and access</li><li>Reflections on contemporary innovation through a historical lens</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key innovations and their cultural origins across global history</li><li>Analyse how historical narratives of innovation have been shaped by power and exclusion</li><li>Reflect on the social and political dimensions of technological progress</li><li>Engage in informed discussion about innovation and its global legacy</li><li>Recognize the contributions of underrepresented communities to scientific and technological development</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in history, science or global cultures. No prior technical or historical expertise is required.</p><p>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:</p><p>• Speak English fluently</p><p>• Read and respond to a variety of texts</p><p>• Participate in group discussion and reflection</p><p>• Give and receive constructive feedback</p><p>This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities, and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from your own interests for discussion.</p><p>No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.</p><ul><li>HHS07 <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/everybody-hurts-the-history-of-emotions-mindsets-and-mentalities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">'Everybody Hurts': The History of Emotions, Mindsets and Mentalities</a></li><li>HHS13 <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/healers-health-care-and-hospitals-from-the-romans-to-the-late-20th-century" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Healers, health care and hospitals from the Romans to the late 20th Century</a></li><li>HHS16 <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/south-asian-heritage-month-south-asia-s-contribution-to-mathematics-and-science" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Asian Heritage Month: South Asia’s Contribution to Mathematics and Science</a></li><li>HMI72 <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/science-in-the-islamic-golden-age/hmi72-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Science in the Islamic Golden Age</a></li></ul><p>Please see our website for additional courses. </p>HistoryThe history of sciencevirtual143179116HWH300NONETue28/04/26 - 02/06/2615:00 - 17:0015:0017:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetVina TheodorakopoulouBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities179179The Global History of Innovationthe-global-history-of-innovation/hwh300-2526<p>Explore and contribute on how cultures across the globe have shaped innovation. Discover overlooked contributions, challenge dominant narratives, and reflect on the social and political forces behind technological progress — past and present.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-28 00:00:00<p>This course explores how innovation has shaped societies across time and cultures — from ancient engineering to modern scientific revolutions. You will examine how different regions and communities have contributed to technological progress, while critically analyzing the role of imperialism, exclusion and cultural bias in shaping dominant narratives of innovation.</p><p>Explore and contribute on how cultures across the globe have shaped innovation. Discover overlooked contributions, challenge dominant narratives, and reflect on the social and political forces behind technological progress — past and present.</p><ul><li>Defining innovation across cultures and historical periods</li><li>Case studies of technological and scientific breakthroughs from around the world</li><li>The role of empire, colonialism, and exclusion in shaping innovation narratives</li><li>Forgotten innovators and marginalised contributions</li><li>How innovation intersects with power, identity, and access</li><li>Reflections on contemporary innovation through a historical lens</li></ul><ul><li>Identify key innovations and their cultural origins across global history</li><li>Analyse how historical narratives of innovation have been shaped by power and exclusion</li><li>Reflect on the social and political dimensions of technological progress</li><li>Engage in informed discussion about innovation and its global legacy</li><li>Recognize the contributions of underrepresented communities to scientific and technological development</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in history, science or global cultures. No prior technical or historical expertise is required.</p><p>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:</p><p>• Speak English fluently</p><p>• Read and respond to a variety of texts</p><p>• Participate in group discussion and reflection</p><p>• Give and receive constructive feedback</p><p>This is a discussion-based course with case studies, group activities, and reflective exercises. You may be encouraged to read short articles or bring examples from your own interests for discussion.</p><p>No. There are no extra costs apart from your own note-taking materials.</p><ul><li>HHS07&nbsp;<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/everybody-hurts-the-history-of-emotions-mindsets-and-mentalities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">'Everybody Hurts': The History of Emotions, Mindsets and Mentalities</a></li><li>HHS13&nbsp;<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/healers-health-care-and-hospitals-from-the-romans-to-the-late-20th-century" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Healers, health care and hospitals from the Romans to the late 20th Century</a></li><li>HHS16&nbsp;<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/south-asian-heritage-month-south-asia-s-contribution-to-mathematics-and-science" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Asian Heritage Month: South Asia’s Contribution to Mathematics and Science</a></li><li>HMI72&nbsp;<a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/science-in-the-islamic-golden-age/hmi72-2526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Science in the Islamic Golden Age</a></li></ul><p>Please see our website for additional courses.&nbsp;</p>HistoryThe history of scienceconfigurable
134721178The history of sciencehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/the-history-of-science1/2/285/1177/1178/134721/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The history of science
