Honors College 499AA - Colonialism and Empire

This is a one semester thesis seminar, focused on the topic of colonialism and empire. European colonialism (post-1492 C.E.), and the establishment of empires, were processes that shaped the modern world, setting in motion the political, economic and social changes that we live with today. In this class we will critically examine narratives of colonialism and empire, and the ways that colonial histories/ stories are told. We will read analyses from historiography, historical anthropology, and archaeology that challenge dominant colonial narratives. And we will read postcolonial thinkers and historians, and consider how the voices of colonized people change the ways we understand colonial efforts and exchanges. We will also explore the ways that colonial projects and empires have shaped all aspects of contemporary life?from our ecology to our economy, our culture and religion, ideas about sexuality and gender, and our architecture and material lives. All students will complete a Creative Portfolio thesis project in the form of a virtual museum exhibit. Students will curate an exhibit that reflects the multiple experiences of colonized people. We will talk in class about the role of the museum in creating an authoritative voice, and what it means to decolonize museums.

Instructor consent required. Students should contact Prof. Maxine Oland (moland@umass.edu) if interested in enrolling.