This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
One of the defining features of public life in many countries is the critical re-evaluation of the role of nation-states and other social institutions in historic injustice and abuse of rights. Alongside the critical re-appraisal of the past in societies moving from totalitarian to democratic systems of government, and beyond past violent conflict, there has also been an increasing interest in questions of redressing past wrongs in 'established democracies'.
This module is designed to explore key issues in debates concerning the contemporary re-appraisal and restitution for past harms inflicted by governments and other civil society organisations. Building on a series of case examples, the module examines the role that ethical reflection, historical research and legal processes play within them, raising challenging issues about how past injustice can adequately be understood and responded to. Case topics covered in the module may vary, but would, for example, include the African slave trade and Western colonialism, systemic rights abuses under totalitarian governments in Latin America, institutional abuse in twentieth-century Ireland, child migration programmes and sexual abuse in the Christian Church.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Total Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Essay (2,000 words) – 40%
Blog Piece (600 words) – 20%
Examination (2 hours) – 40%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (3,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Understand debates about the context and significance of attempts to re-appraise, and provide restitution for, historic injustice and rights abuses and to articulate their own arguments about the value and effects of such initiatives.
2 Recognise different processes and approaches to responding to past injustices and rights abuses by governments and other social institutions and critically evaluate these in relation to specific case examples;
3 Appreciate the role of historical research in supporting more adequate understandings of historic injustice and more informed approaches to restitution for past wrong;
4 Analyse ways in which legally-based initiatives such as public inquiries, commissions of investigation, and national truth and reconciliation commissions can support or impede public understanding and restitution for past wrong;
5 Make effective use of concepts and debates explored across the module to analyse a specific case of historic injustice and contemporary responses.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on a range of textual sources, data and arguments;
2 Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly in forms appropriate for academic and wider public audiences;
3 Demonstrate the capacity to develop arguments that use theoretical concepts to interpret and analyse specific social and historical contexts;
4 Demonstrate a broad understanding of the ways in which academic research can contribute to wider forms of the public and civic good;
5 Reflect on how the discipline or subject area in which they have primarily been trained in their degree programme can contribute to, and benefit from, engagement with other academic disciplines.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
