This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
When it comes to the history of the British Empire, matters of intimacy were matters of state (Stoler). Colonial governments, communities and individuals were all voyeuristically involved in the politics of intimacy – from the bedroom to the bazaar. Inspired by the approaches of New Imperial History, feminist history and cultural studies, this module explores the history of empire by examining its impact upon the intimate, everyday lives of those involved in Britain's colonial project. Individual seminar topics will touch upon issues of empire and sexuality, interracial intimacy, colonial violence and affective economies using primary source analysis, secondary reading and independent research.
12 two-hour seminar sessions
The module will be assessed by 100% coursework.
Students will be expected to deliver one twenty-minute formal presentation worth 20% of the final mark. Oral presentations demand that a student reveal the same qualities of source analysis and the ability to deploy them in a fluent verbal argument, which can be accompanied by suitable audio/visual material.
Essays: Two essays of 3000 words. Each of these essays will demand close engagement with both primary and secondary sources and will be worth 40% of the final mark.
• Ballantyne, T. and Burton, A.M., 2009. Moving subjects: gender, mobility, and intimacy in an age of global empire. University of Illinois Press.
• Camiscioli, E., 2013. Women, Gender, Intimacy, and Empire. Journal of Women's History, 25(4), pp.138-148.
• Jackson, W. and Manktelow, E.J., 2015. Introduction: Thinking with Deviance. In Subverting Empire (pp. 1-21). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
• Matsuda, M.K., 2004. Empire of love: Histories of France and the Pacific. Oxford University Press.
• Smith, V., 2010. Intimate strangers: friendship, exchange and Pacific encounters. Cambridge University Press.
• Stoler, A.L., 2001. Matters of intimacy as matters of state: A response. The Journal of American History, 88(3), pp.893-897.
• Stoler, A.L., 2006. Haunted by empire: Geographies of intimacy in North American history. Duke University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Critically assess the idea of intimacy in historical contexts.
2. Demonstrate a broad and deep understanding of British imperial history.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theoretical and practical tools for exploring that history.
The intended generic learning outcomes:
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Undertake independent research and learning.
2. Critically analyse a diverse range of primary source materials.
3. Present to an audience in a clear and confident manner.
4. Construct critically nuanced and original coursework in an independent manner.
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