HST31023 Visions and Violence: race, empire and identity in mid-nineteenth-century Britain

Aims/Description: British expansion did not result from a single, coherent imperial strategy, or a fit of 'absence of mind'; it developed from specific cross-cultural encounters and competing colonial visions. Some saw the Empire as a place of adventure, others an opportunity for Christianisation, still others as a 'New World' in which to build a Greater Britain. These visions were always contested and challenged both overseas and in Britain. This module explores these contested visions and the impact of empire at home. It is structured around different 'visions of empire' including those of humanitarians; missionaries; settlers; travellers; scientists and the British public.

Restrictions on availability: Students must have taken 40 credits from HST202 - HST2999

Staff Contact: CLEALL ESME R

Teaching Methods: Seminars, Tutorials, Independent Study

Assessment: Formal Exam, Project/ portfolio

Information on the department responsible for this unit (History):

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Teaching methods and assessment displayed on this page are indicative for 2025-26.