Approaching the Sources of Imperial History - Single View

Please follow the "comment" link above for more information on comments, course readings, course requirements and grading.

The history of the British empire is full of stark contrasts: of settlement and expulsion, ‘free trade’ and exploitation, ‘progress’ and disruption, profit and famine. That history also is an integral part in the making of modern Britain as well as the modern world. The manifold legacies of Britain’s imperial past remain at the surface of present-day politics and society; they continue to be the subject of lively debate among scholars, politicians and the public.

The course aims to develop critical source analysis skills through the study of key documents on British imperial history dating from 1600 to the present day. The class may be taken in conjunction with the GK ”The British Empire: History and Memory from 1600 to the Present”, though this is not a requirement. In contrast to the GK, this class’ primary focus will be on the technical and interpretive aspects of studying history through primary sources.

Please note: The course will be offered in English, and its learning materials originate in the Anglophone world. It requires an appropriate level of language proficiency, especially in terms of reading comprehension and conversation skills.