Bristol, United Kingdom

Black Humanities

Join Bristol’s world-leading Centre for Black Humanities as we examine the histories, creative production and intellectual legacies of Africa and its diasporas that weave through contemporary debates around race and the humanities.

Across this interdisciplinary summer school we will engage with key thinkers, issues and themes across a range of fields – from film, visual culture and music to history and literature. We will begin by asking ‘What is Black Humanities?’ before going on to address themes such as history and memory, Black feminisms and the cultural and intellectual legacies of Black radical thought.

Through these sessions you will gain critical insight into pressing questions in today’s society – from the contemporary resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement to debates around the legacies of the Transatlantic slave trade and the demonisation of Critical Race Theory.

Situated in Bristol, a city with roots deep in the histories of Transatlantic slavery and colonialism, radical thought and resistance and a vibrant cultural scene, the summer school invites students to explore the cycles and circuits that connect our city to broader national and global dialogues around race and the humanities.

Course leader

Dr Elizabeth Robles (PhD, MA, BA) - Lecturer in Contemporary Art, Department of History
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Elizabeth-Robles-27dec1a3-e851-4b32-8948-d429cf5335d8/

Target group

This programme is open to students from any academic background with an interest in learning about the rich and diverse artistic and intellectual histories of Africa and its diasporas. Hosted by the University of Bristol’s unique and world-leading Centre for Black Humanities, it invites students to engage with history, literature, visual culture, cinema and music to gain an understanding of the key developments, themes, moments and texts that form the bedrock of our field.

Course aim

During this summer school you will:

learn about the rich history of cultural and intellectual innovation across Africa and its diasporas through an interdisciplinary and humanities-based lens;
develop key transferrable research skills from critical reading and viewing to hands-on experience in archives;
engage key cultural sites in the city of Bristol and its environs;
understand important debates in society today are deeply rooted in histories of race and radical thought;
engage with important thinkers and texts in the Black Humanities;
examine historical constructions of race and racialised identities;
develop presentation, communication and teamworking skills.

Credits info

10 EC
Suggested as equivalent to 5 ECTS, or 3 US semester credits

Fee info

GBP 3295: All tuition, teaching materials and a transcript
Lab consumables, site materials, or community workshop costs when applicable
Single-room accommodation in a University of Bristol residence
A half-board meal package (breakfast and dinner) throughout your stay
A team of supportive student leaders available 24/7
An exciting social programme
Arrivals and departures day transfers within Bristol from Bristol Airport, Bristol Bus and Coach Station, or Bristol Temple Meads train station.

Scholarships

We offer a £300 discount for early-bird applicants, International Partnership Universities and Study Abroad student mobility partners (email global-summer@bristol.ac.uk if you are unsure about your status).