Courses / History

Global Geordies: The North East of England and the World

Get an introduction to the hidden history, culture and people of the North East of England.

Global Geordies: The North East of England and the World

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Overview
Topics
Requirements
Educators
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  • Duration 5 weeks
  • Weekly study 4 hours

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Explore global relationships, forged through trade, industry and culture

Where was the light bulb invented? What about the first steam locomotive, or hydroelectricity? They were all invented in the North East of England.

This course introduces you to the historical, technological and cultural connections between the people and places of the North East and the wider world.

You’ll learn how the region’s industry and trade inspired global innovations in science and engineering.

You’ll explore the rich history of diversity in the North East, and what it means to be “Geordie”.

You’ll learn about regeneration in the North East today, and how it will affect the future.

What topics will you cover?

Week 1 - The global impact of stereotypes associated with NE England and what it means to be a ‘Geordie’

Week 2 - The pre-modern north east and how it flourished infrastructurally, culturally and economically as it moved increasingly towards full industrialisation

Week 3 - The industrial north east and its global connections between 1800 and 1960

Week 4 - The social, political, economic and cultural impact of the region’s rapid deindustrialisation as northeasterners came to terms with their post-industrial future between 1960 and 1999

Week 5 - The position of the region in a global context in its recent history, present and future (from 2000 onwards) and how dramatically this compares to previous eras

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Demonstrate a greater appreciation of the diverse history, economic development, and cultures of the North East over time and in national and global contexts.
  • Explain how the North East has impacted on the economy, cultures and politics of the world
  • Interpret the significance of global forces in shaping North East history
  • Explore the causes and consequences of industrialisation and deindustrialisation in the North East and, with that historical understanding, improved understanding of contemporary regional identity.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at anyone interested in the history and culture of the North East.

Who will you learn with?

Brian Ward

Brian Ward

I am Northumbria University’s first Professor in American Studies and my teaching and research focuses on the modern US South, the African American Experience, and popular music.

Leona Skelton

Leona Skelton

Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellow in Humanities, Northumbria University. Environmental historian of water exploring relationships between people and rivers, reservoirs and sanitation infrastructure

Who developed the course?

Northumbria University Institute of the Humanities

Northumbria University is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence.