Capitalism and Colonialism 1700-2000

Course goals

1. Knowledge of the origins, development and effect of institutions on a specific historical theme at an advanced level
2. The ability to analyze the origins, development and effect of these institutions by applying appropriate theories, concepts and methods.
3. Acquire the ability to read academic literature efficiently and critically.

Content

The relationship between colonialism and socio-economic development holds an important place across historical scholarship, informing our understanding of globalization, institutions and their legacies, environmental change and sustainability, as well as the design of development policy. The course will engage with this scholarship and revisit animated debates about the effects of colonial rule on the non-western world.
 
The course thematically analyses a turbulent chronology in Africa and Asia. We will consider the origins of colonial expansion, the relationship between slavery and annexation, the inner-workings of colonial state machineries, the winners and losers from unprecedented levels of global trade, migration and capital flows, as well as differences in development trajectories among emerging markets in the post-colonial era.

Bridging theoretical approaches with comparative history, this course will lead students to an informed view of colonialism as a force in shaping the modern world.

Labour market orientation: Students improve their feedback skills by commenting on the work of other students. The course reflects on present-day issues regarding economic development and inequality, and invites students to establish links between history and contemporary development.