Topic for Spring 2026: Modern Imperialisms
Topic for Spring 2026: Modern Imperialisms
This seminar examines the histories of imperialism from the 19th century onwards. Both the actual histories of imperial practices as well as the way in which the meaning of the category itself changes over the course of two centuries will be investigated. As such, the course offers a comparative perspective on imperial practices of several states– including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and the United States – in Africa and Asia, and other theaters. Topics include: the connections between imperialism, industrialization, and new technologies; imperial efforts to refashion subject peoples and resistance to such efforts; changing ideas of gender and race; decolonization; the enduring significance of imperial legacies in the age of globalization. The overarching thrust of the course will be to examine the manner in which imperialism shaped not only the colonized peripheries, but the metropolitan centers as well. Sources include selections from contemporary critics of imperialism such as Lenin and Fanon, scholarly writings, films, and fiction.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: Normally open to juniors and seniors who have taken a 200-level unit in history and/or a 200-level unit in a relevant area/subject.
Distribution Requirements: HS - Historical Studies
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes: This is a topics course and can be taken more than once for credit as long as the topic is different each time.