Key facts

UNE unit code: HIST513

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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In this unit you will examine the many ways societies and states have expanded their geographical, political, and cultural influence as a means of increasing their power and prosperity.

You will explore the concept of empire across a range of historical contexts drawn from the Ancient and Modern Worlds. This unit focuses on several themes including the idea of empire, the means of obtaining and keeping empire, the relationship between imperial expansion and ideas of nationalism, resistance to empire and the consequences of expansion both on the conquering and the conquered societies.

Key case studies include the Roman Empire, Byzantium and the Holy Roman Empire as well as the maritime empires of Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands and Britain. Also featured are the empire of the Habsburg dynasty, the various empires of France and the French and the rise and fall of successive German empires. The Russian and American empires round-out your study.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in a postgraduate award

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Richard Scully
Richard ScullyProfessor in Modern History, Modern History - School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. display an expert understanding of the concepts of empire as appropriate to the context of their chosen area of study;
  2. critically discuss historical issues and problems that specifically relate to the context of selected topic areas;
  3. select, evaluate and synthesise ideas from primary and other sources;
  4. present a coherent, sustained and properly documented argument which displays effective communication strategies; and
  5. demonstrate an advanced body of knowledge related to the historical empires and be able to apply its relevance to contemporary issues.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes50%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 3000

Assessment 2Yes50%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 3000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

The Age of Empires

ISBN: 9780500295496

Robert Aldrich (editor), Thames & Hudson paperback preferred 2020

Text refers to: All offerings

Empires in World History: Power and the Politics of Difference

ISBN: 9780691152363

Burbank, J., and Cooper, F., Princeton University Press 2011

Note: Your own hard copy is recommended but a free e-book is available:

Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)

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