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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."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Empire: the Controversies of British Imperialism. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

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 haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
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By Odd Arne Westad examines the Cold War from a global perspective.
By Ann Laura Stoler examines the ways in which empire has shaped our understanding of race, gender, and sexuality.
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