About This Course
This one-day short course explores the rich history and contemporary debates surrounding protest in Wales through an interdisciplinary lens. Delivered entirely in Welsh, the course brings together historians, legal scholars, philosophers, and social scientists to examine protest as a social, ethical, and legal phenomenon.
Language
All 4 sessions will be delivered through the medium of Welsh. There will not be any translation service available.
Structure
The day is divided into four lectures, each offering a distinct disciplinary perspective:
1. Rural and Industrial Protest in Wales - Lecturers: Dr Mari William and Dr Lowri Rees
Summary:
This module provides a historical survey of Welsh protest movements from the early 19th century to the present day. It begins with rural uprisings such as the Rebecca Riots, moves through the rise of industrial and miners’ protests, and ends with late-20th and early-21st century movements. We will examine how socio-economic pressures, community networks, and cultural identities fuelled collective action.
Key Themes
- Causes and consequences of the Rebecca Riots
- Rural vs. industrial organising traditions
- The role of Nonconformist religion and local leadership
- Trade unionism, strikes, and community solidarity in coal and steel areas
- Cultural memory: how Welsh protest movements are remembered and represented
2. Philosophical Debates on the Ethics of Protest – Lecturer: Dr Gareth Jones Evans
An exploration of moral arguments for and against protest, considering civil disobedience, justice, and democratic responsibility.
Summary
This module introduces key philosophical theories relating to protest, civil disobedience, and moral responsibility. Students will consider arguments from thinkers such as John Rawls, Martin Luther King Jr., and contemporary theorists, applying them to Welsh and global contexts.
Key Themes
- Justifications for civil disobedience
- When (if ever) is breaking the law morally permissible?
- The balance between individual conscience and democratic decision-making
- Ethical questions surrounding violence, property damage, and direct action
- Responsibilities of citizens in unjust societies
3. Protest and the Law - Lecturer: Lois Nash
Summary
This module explores the legal context of protest in Wales, focusing on the rights to assembly, expression, and political participation, as well as the limits imposed by public order legislation. Learners will analyse how recent laws affect activist strategies and public policing of dissent.
Key Themes
- The legal basis for protest in the UK (Human Rights Act, common law traditions)
- Public order legislation and its impact in Wales
- Policing powers, injunctions, and protest restrictions
- Case law relevant to Welsh activism
- Emerging issues: digital activism, surveillance, and protest bans
4. Protest and the Welsh Language Movement
A sociological and cultural discussion of language activism, its strategies, and its role in shaping national identity - Lecturers: Dr Cynog Prys and Dr Rhian Hodges
Summary
This module examines the Welsh Language Movement and its broader cultural, political, and sociological significance. Students will explore how linguistic activism evolved from symbolic acts to organised campaigns, and how it contributed to shaping modern Welsh national identity.
Key Themes
- The origins and development of the Welsh Language Movement
- Strategies of activism: nonviolent direct action, media campaigns, institutional lobbying
- Cymdeithas yr Iaith and its legacy
- Language, identity, and community in contemporary Wales
- Debates around bilingualism, cultural rights, and nationhood
Date and Time
TBC
Location
TBC
Contemporary Context
Each session situates these debates within current social movements and protections in Wales, fostering critical reflection on the role of protest in a democratic society.
Learner Outcomes (Overall Aims of the Course)
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand the historical significance of protest in Wales, including key movements such as the Rebecca Riots and their social impact.
- Critically evaluate philosophical arguments surrounding the ethics of protest and civil disobedience.
- Gain insight into the legal frameworks governing protest in Wales, including rights and restrictions.
- Explore the role of protest in cultural and linguistic activism, particularly the Welsh language movement.
- Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to contemporary social movements and debates about democratic participation in Wales.
Benefits of the Course
- Unique Welsh-language delivery with a focus on Welsh contexts, making it culturally relevant and accessible.
- Interdisciplinary approach combining history, law, philosophy, and social science for a holistic understanding.
- Engagement with contemporary issues, linking past protests to current social movements and rights in Wales.
- Expert-led sessions from leading scholars in multiple fields, offering diverse perspectives.
- Critical thinking and debate opportunities, ideal for learners interested in politics, culture, and social justice.
Application
Please register your interest below and we will be in touch with further information.
Register your interest in the course