HIST 315
British Empire (EU, GL) (WI)
1. Catalog Entry
HIST 307
British Empire (EU, GL) (WI)
Credit hours (3)
Prerequisite: Three hours of History at the 100-level
This course will trace a 500-year history of British imperialism from the passing
of Poynings’ Law in Ireland in 1494 to the lowering of the Union Jack in Hong Kong
in 1997. The scope will be global, and topics will range from politics, war, and economics
to science, environment, and culture. Major themes will include the causes of imperialism,
the mechanics of British expansion, the impact of empire on both the mother country
and the colonies, and the reasons for decolonization.
Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
2. Detailed Description of Course
This course will provide students with a chance to become acquainted with the history
of the British Empire, helping them to acquire knowledge and understanding of a global
imperial project that was a manifestation of and determinant of our modern world.
The course will attempt to create awareness of why the British Empire was founded
and spread, how it had an impact on both the colonizers and the colonized, why it
came to an end, and what its lasting legacies are. Major topics include:
(1) The Creation of the United Kingdom
(2) The Trade Post Empire of Trade
(3) European Competition and the First Great War of Empire
(4) Colonies in North America to the War of American Independence
(5) Settler Colonies after the War of American Independence
(6) India and Indian Subimperialism
(7) Empire and Industry, Environment, and Gender
(8) The New Imperialism in Africa and Asia
(9) Resistance to Empire
(10) Decolonization and Aftermath
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will combine lectures, class discussions based on assigned readings, media
presentations, diverse writing assignments, and in-class exercises. In all cases,
the course will be learner-centered. The course will also offer research opportunities,
as students will be able to explore in greater depth topics of special interest through
secondary and primary source readings. The course will provide the academic support
services that students need in order to succeed.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
(1) Students will practice thinking critically and analytically about historical issues,
acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of pertinent historical events
and processes, and cultivate a familiarity with the concepts of historical argument
and interpretation.
(2) Students will develop disciplinary research skills by designing strategies to
locate and analyze primary and secondary source evidence, processing and organizing
the resultant data, and composing proper citation and bibliographical entries.
(3) Students will apply their critical thinking, research, and compositional skills
to the creation and presentation of thesis driven essays that discuss, for example,
historical social, economic, political, and/or cultural developments and that address
issues such as the causes and consequences of historical change and continuity.
(4) Students will acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of key issues,
themes, personalities, and events in the history of the British Empire across its
duration and global scope.
5. Assessment Measures
Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course will be measured
using an array of assessment tools that may include, among other things, class attendance
and participation, written examinations, formal writing assignments of various types,
and informal writing assignments. All exercises are designed to expand the student's
ability to evaluate historical events and to develop his or her ability to compose
persuasive arguments.
6. Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
March 2020 Reviewed and Approved by Sharon A. Roger Hepburn, Chair
March 01, 2021