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Last modified: 02 Apr 2026 11:16
The course explores how empires were formed and sustained by examining political power, economic systems, and cultural exchanges from the early modern period to the present. It examines how slavery, migration, and trade helped empires expand, and how knowledge and representation were used to justify control. The course also covers anti-colonial/post-colonial movements and the changes that followed the end of colonial rule. In doing so, it considers how the legacy of empires continues to shape today’s global systems, identities, and ways of thinking.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
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| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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The course examines the structures, ideologies, and legacies of empires from an international and interdisciplinary perspective. It investigates how imperial power was created, maintained, and challenged across different regions and historical contexts, exploring the intersections of political authority, economic systems, cultural exchange, and intellectual traditions. Students are encouraged to analyse empire not as a static institution, but as a dynamic and contested process that has shaped international relations, economies, and ideas from the early modern period to the present.
The course highlights how empires functioned as complex systems of governance and exploitation, drawing attention to how capitalism, slavery, migration, and trade underpinned imperial expansion. It also examines how knowledge, race, gender, and culture were used to legitimise domination and, in turn, how these same forces fuelled opposition and reform. Through lectures, seminars, and guided discussions, students will engage with a range of historiographical debates and interpretive frameworks that connect political, economic, and cultural history.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Timed online exam, adaptive release (2 hours with extra time for students with provisions), students chose their own start time across a 1-week window. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Individual return and discussion of essays, and feedback on presentations; time set aside in at least one seminar for discussion of assessment, and in at least one lecture for course related issues; staff-student consultative committee. |
Word Count | 2500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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