Course Credits (3)
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? Empires covered may include Assyria, Rome, Han China, Sassanian Persia, the 'Abbasid Caliphate, the Mongols, Mughal India, Mali, Inka, Aztec, Spain, Ottoman, Britain and America.
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.