About This Course
This 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.
Who is this course suitable for?
This is a community course and is open to everyone who is interested in Welsh history, politics, and culture.
From rural uprisings to language activism and global solidarity movements, the course considers how protest shapes and is shaped by Welsh society.
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.
Week One
Protest in Welsh Society: From the Rebecca Riots to the Beasley Family
March 16th, 2026
Historical Protest in Wales
A historical overview of Welsh protest movements, highlighting their social and cultural impact, with particular focus on the Rebecca Riots as a case study of rural protest.
Dr Lowri Rees (Senior Lecturer in History)
Protest and the Welsh Language Movement
A sociological and cultural analysis of language activism, its strategies, and the Beasley familys campaign for language rights.
Dr Cynog Prys & Dr Rhian Hodges (Senior Lecturers in Sociology and Social Policy)
Week Two
Law, Conscience and Welsh Protest Movements
March 23rd, 2026
Protest and the Law
Analysis of the legal frameworks governing protest in Wales, including rights, restrictions and recent legislative developments.
Lois Nash (Lecturer in Law)
Welsh Conscience? From Capel Celyn to Palestine
From the flooding of Capel Celyn to contemporary global solidarity movements, this session explores how communities appeal to conscience against political decision-making, asking what justice, responsibility and legitimacy demand of citizens.
Dr Gareth Evans-Jones (Lecturer in Philosophy and Religion)
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 (What Will Attract Learners?)
- 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.
Language
All 4 sessions will be delivered through the medium of Welsh. There will not be any translation service available.
Date and Time
Monday 16 March 6:00 PM 8:00 PM & Monday 23 March 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Location
Drama Rehersal Room, Main Arts, College Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG
Application
Please register your interest below and we will be in touch with further information.