Summer School: City and Empire. Colonial and Postcolonial London

From the seventeenth to the middle of the twentieth century, London was at the centre of a global empire and was, thus, the epitome of the imperial city. Consequently, with the end of the British Empire, it was also at the crossroads of Britain’s decolonising experience/s. London can thus be studied as much as an imperial-global as a postcolonial-global city. What was the city’s relationship with empire? How did its ordinary people and its elites benefit from the political economy and the racial-cultural structures and ideologies of imperialism? How did they live, project, and display this identity? How was London’s urban geography shaped by empire? Similarly, how did the city experience decolonisation and migration from the former colonies? How did these migrant communities, products of empire and decolonisation, shape London and its public culture? How was London able to retain its status as a global city through both imperialism and decolonisation? In what ways can we study and understand London as a postcolonial urban space? And to what extent has the material, intellectual and symbolic legacy of the imperial era remained visible and tangible in London to this day? These are some of the questions that our tutors will examine at this summer school.

The summer school is a part of the on-going collaboration between the German Historical Institute London and the LMU Munich. It will take place from 21 to 24 July 2026 in London. The course convenors are Professor Johannes Großmann (LMU Munich) and Dr Indra Sengupta (GHI London). 10 of the 20 places available are reserved for MA history students at LMU. Participation in the summer school is only possible in combination with an advanced course (Aufbaukurs), for which four compulsory block sessions are scheduled in the summer semester (Friday 24 April, Friday 12 June, Friday 26 June and Friday 17 July, from 2–6 p.m.).

To participate in the summer school and the advanced course (Aufbaukurs), please submit a one- to two-page letter of motivation explaining why you wish to participate, along with a list of your previous courses and exams, by 27 March 2026. Send these by email to johannes.grossmann@lmu.de. You will be notified of the outcome of your application on 31 March. The organisers will bear the cost of accommodation in London and sandwich lunch will be provided on the days of the summer school. LMU also offers a travel subsidy of up to € 100 per person.

Please note: Selected participants will be expected to attend all the classes. The advanced course (Aufbaukurs) includes mandatory readings and the usual examination requirements (presentation and term paper). The summer school will be taught in English and participants will be required to study the mandatory readings (around 15 chapter/article length pieces) to prepare for the classes. These readings will be sent out a few weeks ahead of the summer school.

For any enquiries, please contact Professor Johannes Großmann (johannes.grossmann@lmu.de).