Rethinking Imperialism (950M1)
Rethinking Imperialism
Module 950M1
Module details for 2021/22.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This course examines the historical practices and theoretical debates on imperialism. It is divided into three sections. Section I sets out the problems and issues raised in the current revival of the term imperialism in relation to contemporary world politics. It then discusses classical conceptions of imperialism drawing on Marx, Weber, Schumpeter, Lenin, Luxemburg, Kautsky, etc. whose writings informed the evolution, past and present, of the debate. This establishes the fundamental theoretical parameters of the topic. In Section II we study different practices of imperialism in historical context from the early modern colonial empires, via British free trade imperialism, to fascist imperial autarchy. Each session combines historical survey readings with influential contemporaneous and contemporary interpretations of the period we study. This will establish the intellectual resources, empirical and theoretical, to move in Section III towards an assessment of the current debates and forms of neo-imperialism, notably in relation to US policy. What can the history of imperialism and its rich theoretical discourse teach us about the causes, nature, and consequences of neo-imperialism in current world politics?
Module learning outcomes
Students should gain a systematic and critical understanding of the core concepts and debates around the topic of imperialism, past and present.
They will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the history of imperialism from the 16th to the 21st century.
They will learn how to evaluate the explanatory potential and limits of a range of theories of imperialism to different historical case studies.
They will further develop their ability to compose and write a substantial piece of academic work that conforms to professional scholarly standards.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mx Emilia Moscardini-Powers
Assess convenor
/profiles/214700
Dr Anne Roemer-Mahler
Assess convenor
/profiles/285395
Dr Melanie Richter-Montpetit
Assess convenor
/profiles/349663
Prof Benno Teschke
Convenor
/profiles/127274
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.