Payback time: historical injustices and reparations

About this course

The course introduces the meaning and purpose of reparations before examining major schemes worldwide, including those addressing the Holocaust and the internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War. It considers international-law principles relating to state responsibility, as well as arguments about who should receive reparations, who should pay and what form they should take. Teaching combines lectures, slides, discussion and debate, with articles provided for consideration. The course also explores links between historical injustice, present-day marginalisation, race, national belonging and inequalities between the Global North and South.

What you'll learn

• Define reparations and explain their relationship to historical and ongoing harms.
• Compare major reparation schemes and the issues involved in structuring them.
• Explain relevant principles of state responsibility and reparation in international law.
• Evaluate arguments for and against reparations, including questions of responsibility, cost and inclusion.
• Analyse how race, national belonging and historical injustice inform contemporary reparations debates.

Is this course right for you?

This introductory course is open to everyone and does not require prior subject knowledge or specific skills. It involves listening to different views and taking part in discussion and debate. An interest in the subject and current affairs is encouraged, alongside a good grasp of English.

• Suitable for learners without previous study of politics or reparations.
• Includes discussion and debates involving differing views.
• A good grasp of English is required for the course content and discussions.

Before you go

• Articles will be available for discussion.
• Pen and paper may be brought for note-taking.