The aim of this course is to introduce students with conceptual and theoretical approached to the study of imperialism in Asia as well as to explore significant aspects of the history of Asian empires created in and upon Asia. We will critically examine seminal works that treat the subjects of imperialism and colonialism and review more recent contributions to the debate of the nature and transformation of empire. A fundamental objective of the course is to develop a broad comparative historical perspective and to investigate the historical experiences of imperialism and the process of social, political, economic, and cultural change that empires wrought. Emphasis also will be placed upon examining the practices, agents, and techniques of imperial rule. In the last part of the course, we will explore some of the post-colonial theoretical literature and study the lasting legacy of imperial and colonial rule in both post-colonial and imperializing nation-states. Format: seminar/discussion. Requirements: class participation, three short to medium length essays, and a final research paper. No prerequisites. Open to all.

Hour: J. LEE