HIS-20099 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

How do we explain empire in the modern world? Did empire improve the world, give it democracy and civilisation or did it consolidate and perpetuate global inequality? We will explore these questions by focusing on the British empire from its heyday in the 19th century through to decolonisation in the decades after the second world war. We will look at its origins in early capitalism and global warfare, then turn to the effects of empire on the colonised world and back home in the metropolis. We will explore how empire contributed to racial, ethnic, sexual and religious identities. And we will explore the enduring legacy of empire in our world today.

To analyse the infrastructure, mechanics and dynamics of Imperial rule; to explore a range of case studies which illustrate the different modes of Imperial action; and to evaluate imperial thought and ideologies during the colonial period, in order to advance students' historical and historiographical knowledge using a wide variety of primary and secondary sources.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse the political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of imperialism in the modern era: 1,2
demonstrate the ability to evaluate and use texts and other source materials, both critically and with empathy, while addressing questions of genre, content, perspective and purpose: 1,2
analyse how the histories of Africa and the Indian sub-Continent have been profoundly shaped by imperialism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: 1,2

Study hours

12 lectures, 12 whole cohort workshops, 12 seminars, 60 hours seminar preparation, 54 hours lecture consolidation and assessment preparation & completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment