Decolonising History Beyond the Curriculum: Student Participation and the Local Lens Towards a ‘Reparative History’

O'Connell, Christian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5546-8389 (2025) Decolonising History Beyond the Curriculum: Student Participation and the Local Lens Towards a ‘Reparative History’. In: Innovations in Decolonising the Curriculum: Multidisciplinary Approaches. Emerald Publishing, pp. 182-195. ISBN 9781836089131

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Abstract

This chapter discusses a case study of undergraduate History students engaged in decolonisation activity outside the classroom. It focuses on the ‘Legacies of Slavery in Gloucester’ project where students have been directly involved in research and public engagement activities working in collaboration with external partners and community groups. By undertaking research and producing public facing exhibitions, students have been involved in uncovering hidden or underappreciated stories that trace numerous tangible and intangible legacies of empire, colonialism, and slavery at the local level. These represent the possibilities of the local lens and Public History as effective ways to ‘bring slavery home,’ as well as the potential for student participation in ‘reparative history.’ Going beyond the theoretical identification and critique of Eurocentrism, it showcases a more active and transformative engagement with the means of knowledge production and exchange which disrupts the effects of imperialism on historical narratives at the local level. The chapter argues this form of reparative work has become far more significant following the events and clashes of 2020. The projects and initiatives discussed here propose a means of decolonisation in practice for the discipline of History via student-centred active learning, engagement with local resources and stakeholders, and a focus on public engagement with the local community. Furthermore, these case studies not only highlight the importance of harnessing universities as an ‘anchor institutions,’ but provide useful examples for the deployment and development of a number of transferrable skills for students.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Chapter 13
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2361 Curriculum
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Arts, Culture and Environment
Depositing User:	Christian O'Connell
Date Deposited:	10 Dec 2025 10:31
Last Modified:	11 Dec 2025 08:00
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15633

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