A new course at Bermuda College will explore how Friendly Societies shaped the island’s culture and institutions.

Ali Arouzi, Bermuda College’s vice-president of Academic Affairs, spearheaded the inclusion of the Special Topics in History course this autumn.

The college said the course “reflects a broader vision of bringing distinctly Bermudian subject matter into the academic environment, creating opportunities for students to examine their own community through research, critical inquiry and multidisciplinary study”.

It added: “Friendly Societies have played an important role in Bermuda’s social development, providing mutual support within communities and contributing to areas including social welfare, education, economic participation and community development.

“Their history also provides a point of connection to wider discussions around culture, identity, race, economics and the evolution of Bermudian society.”

The study involves political science, history, economics and other fields and “also opens the door to a much broader academic conversation at Bermuda College”.

The statement added: “Supporting materials developed around the initiative identify the Friendly Society story as a potential framework from which a wider, multidisciplinary Bermuda Studies offering could ultimately evolve.”

Kim Dismont-Robinson, the former Director of Culture; Michael Bradshaw, of the Bermuda Friendly Society Association; and researcher Cordell Riley will all facilitate the three-credit course, which will be held on Wednesdays starting at 6pm in room G301.

Dr Dismont-Robinson said: “This course provides an opportunity for students to engage with Bermudian history and culture in a way that integrates their experience of being members of our community with a deeper understanding of how the events of the past have shaped our present.”

Dr Bradshaw said the Bermuda Friendly Society Association’s motto, Strength in Unity, “speaks with a grand voice to the complex situations and events that encompass our post-slavery Bermudian society”.

He said understanding all of the island’s past would enable participants to better analyse and prepare for today and the future.

Mr Riley said: “Friendly Societies laid the foundation for not only the development of the formally enslaved but also for the development of Black businesses in general.

“This section of the course explores the link between the early work of Friendly Societies and the development of the tourism industry with Blacks as both service providers and consumers.”

Prerequisites are required for students who wish to earn credits for the HIS 2298 course, but members of the public can also participate without earning academic credit.

Visit college.bm or e-mail readytostart@college.bm for more information.