Course Description
On European imperialism in the nineteenth century in
relationship to capitalism, industrialization, and the nation-
state. Themes include the “scramble for Africa,” race, gender,
violence, metropolitan politics and popular culture, and key
concepts like “orientalism” and “informal empire.” Readings
range from colonial novels and travelogue to classic and
current scholarship.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In lieu of the required papers and exams, graduate students
will be required to undertake a semester-long research project
on a topic to be decided with the instructor that will result
in a substantial final research paper.
Athena Title
The Age of Imperialism
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
Any HIST or HONS or GRMN or POLS or INTL course
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of imperialism by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of imperialism has shaped diverse social and cultural identities, attitudes, and ideologies towards empire and colonization and encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to generate their own research question or topic, locate suitable primary and secondary sources, and synthesize their ideas in novel ways.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to initiate, manage, complete, and evaluate their independent research projects in stages and to give and receive constructive feedback through the peer review process.
Topical Outline
- 1. Basic elements of colonial discourse in the nineteenth century 2. Background: the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries 3. The eclipse of empire and the rise of free trade 4. The imperialism of free trade 5. The Ottoman Empire and differentials of imperial power 6. Origins of the new imperialism in Europe 7. The scramble for Africa 8. Orientalism 9. Empire and mass culture in the metropole 10. The Sepoy Revolt 11. The Dutch East Indies 12. Race, sex and class in the colonial situation 13. The apotheosis of colonial violence at the fin-de-siecle 14. Colonial and anti-colonial discourse 15. World War I 16: Conclusions; looking toward empire and decolonization in the twentieth century
