Course content

This course, "Comparative Colonialism" will focus on the world-wide activity of European imperial states from mid-19th to mid-20th centuries (c1850-c1960). This approximate periodization covers the phase of European expansion and global reach that is often referred to as ‘new imperialism’.

The methodological approach will be comparative; and the geographical focus will be Asia and Africa (but references may also be made to the Americas and ‘neo-Europes’ elsewhere).

In general, the course will cover two broad alternative thematic areas: (a) the establishment of overseas empires and colonies (imperialism and colonialism) and (b) the dismantling of colonial empires (decolonization). This means that the course may focus on one of the two thematic area from year to year.

Thematically, the course will be organized as follows:
- Theoretical and conceptual Issues (imperialism, colonization, colonialism and sovereignty, nationalism and self-determination, imperialism and globalization; hegemony vrs coersion)
- Historiography of imperialism and colonialism
- Imperial States: Britain, France, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Portucal, italy, etc
- The colonial project: motives, nature, and implication
- The dynamics of interaction: sites of power and contestation - state and civil society and culture; colonial economy and development; etc.
- Decline and dismantling of colonial empire: varied responses in colonized societies
- Imperialism and globalization

Learning methods and activities

The goal of the course is to provide a comparative insight into the central historical developments with respect to European imperialism, colonization and social change in the colonized world.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved presentation

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

BA in history or a related field

Course materials

See reading list