History: Imperialism and Culture – MA/PgDip/PgCert

This distance learning course examines the relationship between imperialism and culture from the period of European expansion and colonialism to the post-colonial era.

In recent years academic interest in imperialism has moved beyond the traditional focus on economic and political concerns. There has been more interest in cultures of imperialism and their legacy in the post-colonial era.

You examine• the role of the state in the development, evolution and maintenance (ideologically and politically) of empire
• the cultural impact of empire in Europe
• the historical roots of Britishness, nationalism and national identity
• industry and empire
• Western concepts of the Orient, especially India
• Soviet imperialism
• Nazism, war and genocide, 1939–1945

The course provides a theoretical and empirical understanding of the nature of imperialism and the relationship between imperialism and culture. It encourages critical interrogation of concepts, theories and current key debates and develops an advanced level of understanding of the political, cultural and social consequences of colonial rule.

You receive booklets for each of the modules taken containing expert analyses, guided exercises, extracts and documents and guides to further reading. You study one module at a time, up to a maximum of three a year. Each module takes 12 weeks to complete.

Contact with teaching staff is via e-mail and phone but you can meet with your tutors during a weekend conference held annually in Sheffield. Our website provides information to aid study and a forum for communication.

The library offers a full support service with dedicated staff for distance learning courses. The course leader is also your personal tutor and acts as your mentor throughout your study.

We have students scattered around the world in North America, Europe and the Far East.

The Finch Prize
The Finch Prize for academic achievement is an annual prize of £200 for a graduate from this course. This was made possible by a generous donation from a former student in recognition of how much he had enjoyed it.