Course overview

Does history matter? How does your view of the past affect your approach to the present? Whose interpretations can you trust? As debates rage about the legacy of the British Empire and the pulling down of statues, this course gives you an opportunity to take a more nuanced look at some of the issues involved. You will be able to look at case-studies, and to explore questions about the nature of history and the way we discuss it. The course will help you to form your own views on these controversial topics.

Course description

When a statue of slaveowner Edward Colston was pulled down in Bristol, the activists who removed it were accused of “erasing history”. But in the following weeks there was more debate in the media about the meaning of British history than there had been for years. History makes headlines – from disputes about the “Elgin Marbles” to debates about how children learn history in school to questionable historical analogies used by politicians who insult their opponents. If your head is spinning with all these debates, this course is a chance to explore some of these controversial issues in more depth. You will explore case-studies, asking for example how our understanding of World War Two affects attitudes to war today. You will consider questions vital to the way we approach the past: Can we ever be objective about history? Who benefits when certain events are remembered and others rarely mentioned? Can we learn from the past or will we keep repeating it? The course aims to help you reach your own conclusions about these controversies, rather than telling you what to think. This course is open to you whatever your knowledge of history and whatever your views on the issues involved.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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