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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for anyone with an interest in imperial history. It doesn’t require any reading before you start or previous experience of studying the subject. You can use the hashtag #FLEmpire to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for anyone with an interest in imperial history. It doesn’t require any reading before you start or previous experience of studying the subject. You can use the hashtag #FLEmpire to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The relationship between Empire and money
  • The nature of violence within Empire
  • The connection between race, religion and British imperialism
  • The role of women in Empire and how attitudes to sex influenced British imperialism
  • The significance of British imperial culture
  • British decolonisation and the concept of ‘neo-imperialism’

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Reviews summary

Controversies of british imperialism

According to learners, this course offers a critical exploration of the controversies surrounding British imperialism. Many appreciated the thought-provoking content and found the lectures informative, providing valuable insights into a complex history. While considered a solid introduction for those new to the subject, some reviewers felt the course presented a particular perspective that could be perceived as biased. Others noted that the depth of coverage might be insufficient for learners seeking advanced academic detail. Overall, it appears to be a well-received, accessible course for understanding key debates.
Excellent starting point for beginners.
"Great course if you're new to the history of British Empire."
"Provides a good overview without requiring prior knowledge."
"A solid foundation for further study on the topic."
Appreciated for clarity and insight.
"The lectures were clear, concise, and easy to follow."
"Instructors presented the material in an engaging way."
"Found the explanations of complex issues very helpful."
Challenges views on British imperial history.
"This course really made me think differently about the history I thought I knew."
"The topics covered are important and handled with necessary gravitas."
"Provides a critical perspective on historical events that is much needed today."
Could benefit from more detailed analysis.
"While good, I felt it could have gone into more depth on some topics."
"Those with existing knowledge might find it a bit basic."
"Perhaps too brief on certain historical periods or events."
Some noted a lack of balanced historical views.
"I felt there was a strong bias towards a certain narrative."
"Would have preferred a more neutral presentation of the history."
"The course seemed to focus heavily on negative aspects without sufficient balance."

Career center

Learners who complete Empire: the Controversies of British Imperialism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 30 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Empire: the Controversies of British Imperialism.
Fanon's seminal work analyzes the psychological and societal effects of colonization and the role of violence in decolonization struggles. must-read classic for understanding the relationship between violence, oppression, and liberation, particularly in post-colonial contexts. It offers a powerful perspective on the justified use of violence by the oppressed.
Galtung's concept of structural violence is fundamental to understanding how social structures and institutions can cause harm and inequality. This foundational work is crucial for grasping a broader definition of violence beyond direct physical acts and is highly influential in peace and conflict studies.
By Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri argues that the traditional concept of empire is no longer adequate to describe the global political order.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning book from historian Bernard Bailyn provides a sweeping overview of the British Empire from its origins to its decline.
By Ann Laura Stoler examines the ways in which empire has shaped our understanding of race, gender, and sexuality.
Alexander argues that the US criminal justice system acts as a contemporary system of racial control. is vital for understanding systemic violence embedded within legal and carceral structures and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. It widely discussed contemporary work.
Zimbardo examines the social and situational factors that can lead individuals to engage in acts of violence and cruelty, drawing on the Stanford Prison Experiment. is crucial for understanding the power of context and system dynamics in perpetrating violence. It widely read and discussed work in psychology and sociology.
Gilmore analyzes violence through the lens of state policies and economic systems, particularly austerity measures. offers a contemporary perspective on structural violence and how economic policies can inflict harm. It is highly relevant for understanding the broader societal and political dimensions of violence.
Foucault's work foundational text in understanding the historical development of power and its relationship to punishment and control, which are often intertwined with state violence. While not exclusively about physical violence, it provides essential background for understanding the mechanisms of power that enable and shape various forms of violence. It classic in critical theory and widely used in academic settings.
This historical account details the brutal violence and atrocities committed during King Leopold II's rule in the Congo Free State. It serves as a powerful case study for understanding state-sponsored violence, colonial exploitation, and the human cost of unchecked power. It provides valuable historical context for contemporary discussions on systemic violence.
Rejali provides a historical and comparative analysis of torture in democracies, examining its methods and justifications. offers a deep and often disturbing look at state violence and the normalization of torture. It significant contribution to the study of political violence and human rights.
This textbook provides a broad overview of various forms of violence, including interpersonal, collective, and state violence. It useful resource for gaining a general understanding of the topic and is likely used in undergraduate courses. It covers theoretical perspectives and empirical data on violence.
Collins offers a detailed sociological theory of how violence occurs in face-to-face interactions. is valuable for deepening understanding by providing a micro-level analysis of violent encounters. It widely cited academic text that contributes significantly to the sociological perspective on violence.
Goldstein examines the pervasive nature of violence in everyday life in Latin America, linking it to social inequality and exclusion. provides valuable regional focus and explores how violence becomes normalized in certain contexts. It is relevant for understanding the social and economic drivers of violence.
Grossman examines the psychological impact of killing on individuals, particularly in military and law enforcement contexts. is valuable for understanding the personal toll of engaging in violence and the psychological conditioning involved. It is relevant for those interested in the practical and psychological aspects of violence.
Drawing on his experiences as a war correspondent, Hedges explores the psychological and societal allure of war and violence. offers a critical perspective on how war isNarrated and the impact it has on individuals and societies. It is particularly relevant for understanding collective violence and its cultural significance.
Fromm provides a psychoanalytic and social critique of human aggression and destructiveness. offers a deep dive into the underlying psychological and societal roots of violence, contributing to a more profound understanding beyond surface-level explanations. It classic in psychological and social theory.
Provides a philosophical examination of violence against women, exploring ethical and theoretical dimensions. It is essential for understanding gender-based violence from a critical and philosophical standpoint, complementing sociological and psychological analyses.
Said's influential book examines the Western portrayal of the East and how this has been linked to imperial power dynamics. While not solely focused on physical violence, it provides crucial context for understanding how discourse and representation can be a form of symbolic violence and justify physical aggression and domination. It foundational text in post-colonial studies.
By Odd Arne Westad examines the Cold War from a global perspective.
A foundational text in the psychology of aggression, this book explores the psychological factors underlying violent behavior. It is valuable for understanding the individual-level dynamics of violence and key resource in psychology and criminology programs.
This ambitious work challenges conventional narratives of human history, including those about the origins of inequality and violence. While not solely focused on violence, it provides a broad historical and anthropological context for understanding its emergence and variations across societies. It recent and thought-provoking contribution.
This novel tells the story of a Palestinian woman navigating violence and displacement. While fiction, it offers a powerful and personal perspective on the human experience of political violence, occupation, and resistance. It complements theoretical and historical texts by providing an empathetic understanding.

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