Year
2019
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 2-hour seminar weekly
Enrolment not permitted
HIST2061 has been successfully completed
Assumed knowledge
This topic assumes a familiarity with the kind of knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills that would be acquired by the completion of at least 9 units of second level topics from the History major sequence.
Course context
Associated major: History
Topic description
Why have some states attempted to impose themselves politically, militarily and economically on others? When does hegemony turn into imperialism? How have those subjected to imperialist pressures reacted? Through an investigation of a number of empires in a variety of settings, this topic will demonstrate how imperialism has been experienced throughout history. It will employ a truly global approach, in an effort to demonstrate that, while European states have historically embraced empires as a means of ordering populations, other civilisations have also developed forms of imperialism.

As part of this investigation, students will scrutinise both primary and secondary sources, as well as conduct their own research into imperialism and reactions to it. They will also be exposed to differing historiographical methodologies.
Educational aims
  • A strong knowledge of differing perspectives on historical events and agents and how these perspectives contribute to historical discourse within the profession and more broadly
  • A strong knowledge of the disciplinary nature of history, its disciplinary history, its methodology, and its role in the community
  • The ability to undertake historical research and reporting
  • The ability to effectively communicate a nuanced knowledge and understanding of historical events and concepts in written and oral form
  • The ability to work independently and collaboratively
Expected learning outcomes
Students successfully completing this Topic should be able to:
  • critically reflect upon the nature of imperialism and how it has been represented and received
  • appreciate the complexities, characteristics and legacies of imperialism
  • develop their communication skills through discussion and reasoned argument
  • locate, collect, interpret and synthesise a range of historical sources to develop a coherent argument
  • plan, research and write an academic essay