History taster: from one empire to another?
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HWH70
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
For a period, the British Empire was unrivalled in terms of global influence. Assuming this role in 1945, the United States has dominated global politics and economics to this day. Join us for a lecture and discussion on how to make sense of the British and American ways of seeking global dominance and the ways in which people have resisted as we see the (re-)emergence of China, India and Russia in global politics and economics.
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?
As an introduction to history where colonial, imperial and global history meet (politics), this course will explore: 1) the imperial worldmaking of the British Empire, 2) the (imperial?) worldmaking of the United States and 3) the (imperial?) worldmaking of China, Russia and India.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- connect the historical shift from agrarian empires to colonial and imperial powers and the more recent changes in global politics
- further develop your understanding of current affairs by way of history.
- strengthen your understanding of what studying world history is, and excite you to learn more.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is ‘introductory’ and does not require previous studies on the topic. However, curiosity and a willingness to discuss will help both your learning and class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The session will be a combination of teacher presentation and group 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 electronic device useful for notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will share with you a pamphlet with our provision, but please also explore our global history section for additional details and courses.
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.
