This course explores the concept of decolonisation from various perspectives and theoretical frameworks. From a historical approach, decolonising means ending the colonial structures imposed during Europe's imperialist expansion to create independent states with autonomous political and social projects. However, in the current social and political context, decolonising has also become an ideological concept and an epistemological shift that is reflected in the rewriting of history, restructuring academia, and new forms of protest for cultural and literary diversification and inclusion. From historical processes to cultural changes, students in this course will be engaged in a current and relevant debate for European Studies in the 21st century.
Decolonisation; colonisation; Eurocentrism; indigenous cultures; history
By the end of the course and with participation in the proposed activities, students will:
· have knowledge of the concepts of colonization and decolonization in the context of European history;
· be able to critically reflect on the consequences of the colonial era on colonised peoples;
· have developed an understanding of decolonization in its various aspects;
· have been confronted with contemporary movements reflecting epistemological transformations.
Introduction and definition of key concepts
Decolonization as a historical process (some cases)
Indigenous peoples and the impact of colonisation and decolonisation
The impact of language and culture on decolonization
Decolonizing the curriculum: meanings and consequences
Intellectual and student movements for decolonization
The future of decolonization
Review of key concepts
Bhambra, Gurminder K. 2021. Decolonizing Critical Theory? Epistemological Justice, Progress, Reparations. Critical Times. 4 (1): 73–89
Fanon, Frantz. The Wretched of the Earth. Grove Press, 2005.
Gopal, Priyamvada. “On Decolonisation and the University.” Textual Practice, 35,6: 2021, pp. 873-899. DOI: 10.1080/0950236X.2021.1929561
Thiongʼo, Ngũgĩ wa. Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. Boydell & Brewer, 1986.
Said, Edward. Orientalism. Vintage, 1979.
Tuck, Eve; Yang, Wayne K. “Decolonization is not a Metaphor.” Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society. Vol. 1, No. 1, 2012, pp. 1-40
The course follows an e-learning regime where the entire teaching-learning process is conducted in a virtual classroom, with material provided through texts and multimedia, spaces for debate and the of sharing reflections, and interactive resources.
To be defined by the instructor at the beginning of the course.