Colonial histories and postcolonial theory: concurrences as historical methodology
7.5 creditsThings happen simultaneously in the same or different places and are perceived differently depending on who is experiencing them. Yet, history writing has long been dominated by a ‘Western’ or European approach to narrating and making sense of the past. This course we will discuss postcolonial and global-history theories that set out to challenge this Eurocentrism. It will in particular discuss the challenges facing history writing when it comes to illustrating people’s varying experiences and the stories that originate from European colonialism and expansion. Credits in history and some previous knowledge of historical methods and historiography are required.
Join a global community at an international university!
This course is an elective course within the master's programme in Colonial and Postcolonial Studies. The programme is designed to meet the societal and academic need for a discerning and critical analysis of the impact and consequences of colonialism in history and today. A special focus lies on how the modern world has been shaped through the colonial exercise of power, discourse, networks, and knowledge, and how these factors continue to impact economic, social, cultural, and political relations in postcolonial contemporary society. There is a close collaboration with the international research centre Concurrences.
Image source: View of the great mine of copper of Fahlun in Dalecarlia, from a drawing by Johan Fredrik Martin of Stockholm, 1822, in E. D. Clarke, Travels in various countries of Europe, Asia and Africa. Scandinavia bd. 3:2 (Cambridge, 1823)
Distance – study where you are
Distance learning can be structured in different ways – it may be entirely online, or include a few on-campus sessions or meetings at one of our learning centres. The common factor is that most of the learning happens online.
You communicate with your teacher and fellow students through a learning platform, which provides access to discussion forums, group work opportunities, and digital meetings. In many cases, you also have access to recorded lectures via the platform.
The advantage of distance learning is its flexibility – ideal for those who want more freedom to decide when and where to study. However, keep in mind that some mandatory elements of your programme may take place during working hours, even if they are conducted online.
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