Race, Imperialism, and Empire

Catalog description

This course is designed to introduce students to some of the key ideas and events associated with imperialism in the modern world, especially as these relate to notions of race. In particular, it will investigate the complex nature of imperialism, seeking to explore the “building blocks” upon which the European nations constructed their empires during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Accordingly, student in this course will consider the impact of imperialism upon both the European nations who constructed these empires, as well as those living in Africa, Asia, and the Americas who were challenged by the technological, economic, and military expansion of Europe. By comparatively considering factors such as migration, race relations, identity formation, and international power dynamics, students will gain a greater understanding of race and the role played by imperialism within a global context.