The Chimera: British Imperialism and Its Discontents, 1834-1919
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| HIST3060 | History | 3 | 40 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- HIST3060
- School
- History
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 40
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
By the mid-nineteenth century, Britain controlled one of the largest and most populous empires in history. Understanding the evolution of this empire, and the diversity of its societies, cultures, and economies across the nineteenth century, has posed an immense challenge for historians. In this module, we will examine some of the major events and dynamics that shaped the character of British imperialism, and the historical debates over them. We will pay particular attention to the relationship between London, the Imperial Metropolis, and India, South Africa, and the British colonies in the Caribbean. Beyond establishing the historical narrative of the British Empire in this period, we will interrogate the idea of imperialism itself and its various scholarly interpretations. In the latter, we will focus on post-colonial theory (e.g. Edward Said) and the New Imperial History. Both of these approaches encourage us to critically re-appraise the operation of imperial systems and to apply an interdisciplinary perspective to their study.
Target Students
Students must have taken HIST1001 or HIST1002.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 20 weeks
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 20 weeks
Assessment
- 30% Coursework 1: Individually assessed coursework item (3,000 words)
- 30% Coursework 2: Individually assessed coursework item (3,000 words)
- 40% Coursework 3: Individually assessed coursework item (3,500 words)
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
Topics to be covered in lectures and seminars include:The abolition of slaveryGender and imperialismThe imperial economy and labour systemsIreland and the white settler coloniesPopular imperialismLondon, the “Imperial Metropolis”Imperial wars, rebellion and colonial violenceOrigins of anti-colonial nationalismImperial cultureOrientalismLearning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding. By the end of the module, in their assessed work, students should be able to:
Explain and interpret the changing nature of British imperialism from 1834-1902
Demonstrate an understanding of the major events in this period
Identify and address key problems relevant to it
Interpret secondary sources upon it and be aware of differing historical interpretations of the subject matter
Intellectual Skills. By the end of the module students should be able to:
Think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter
Evaluate the forces of change and continuity at work within the period
Construct coherent and independent historical arguments of their own
Professional/Practical Skills. The module will develop students ability to:
Select, sift and synthesise information from a range of primary and secondary sources
Identify and compare key arguments in those materials
Demonstrate app