HIS 3995-02 -Topics: European Imperialism in the 19th-20th Centuries - MW 12:30-1:45pm

Dr. Johnson

Theme: This lecture-discussion course is designed to explore aspects of the history of imperialism in various geographical areas (the Mediterranean and Middle East, Asia, Africa, etc.) and in various forms (cultural, economic, political, etc.) during the period from the 1830s to World War II, examined from the perspective both of the imperialists and of those subjected to imperialism. We will also read examples of the literature and propaganda of imperialism and anti-imperialism during this period.

Course Format and Work: The course will meet for two sessions per week, about half the time devoted to lectures and the rest to discussions of the readings or short oral reports by students. The oral reports will be based on two short papers. There will also be a midterm and final essay examination.

Books (still somewhat tentative list; there will be additional short readings on reserve):

Kipling, Rudyard. The Man Who Would Be King & Other Stories

Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness

Hobson, John A. Imperialism

Lenin, Vladimir I. Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism

Headrick, Daniel R. Tools of Empire

Conklin, Alice L., ed. European Imperialism, 1830-1930: Climax & Contradiction

Parsons, Timothy. The British Imperial Century, 1815-1914