Empires have been an enduring phenomenon for more than 4,000 years, from the rise of Akkad in Mesopotamia to the American invasion of modern Iraq. How and why do empires emerge? How do empires work? Why do empires endure (or collapse)? This class will study the origins, structures and consequences of imperialism, by comparing ancient and modern empires from all over the world. In addition to a study of the political aspects of imperialism, we will analyze the cultural and economic facets of imperialism, particularly acculturation, cultural hybridity and issues of identity. We will analyze a wide-range of data, including art, administrative and historical records, novels and films. Do we stand at the “end of empire?” Or is the United States simply another imperial power?
Given the format of this course, its success depends on you: students must come to class having read the assigned material and prepared to actively participate in debate and discussion. You will write two papers for this class. The first will be a short, 5-7 page paper which will seek to answer “what is imperialism” with reference to the most important theorists on this subject during the past two centuries. A major research paper devoted to some aspect of imperialism and colonialism (10-15 pages). The third assignment will be a mini-conference during which you will present short versions of your papers in a series of panels devoted to particular topics.
About Professor Al Kuntar
Lecturer Assistant Professor - Classics
PhD in Archaeology, University of Cambridge (2009)
Research Interests: The archaeology and heritage of the Middle East exploring a wide variety of themes such as ancient economy and urbanism, forced migration, modern identity and historic narratives, conflict and iconoclasm.