131-025 Empire, Race and Human Rights: 1800-2000

Usually 12.5 points of first-year history.

This subject examines issues of human rights during the development of the British Empire in the 19th century and the period of decolonisation in the 20th. It focuses in particular on power, subordination, governance and the construction of ideas of race, including whiteness, in such sites as Australia, Canada, the African colonies, India, Papua New Guinea and the West Indies. Topics include slavery and its abolition, the expropriation of indigenous peoples' land, resources and labour, rebellions in the West Indies and India, policies of exclusion/assimilation in the white Dominions, Australian strategies of empire in the Pacific, Indigenous political rights, land rights and reconciliation. On completion of the subject students should develop an understanding of the construction of ideas of race in the former British empire; the movements of resistance (political and otherwise) of colonised peoples against their positions of subordination; the changing ideas of human rights and racial theories, especially after World War 2, and their impact on developments in these 'postcolonial' societies.

• demonstrate critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument

• develop research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources

• be able to present their findings orally to a class, and produce effective written prose for assessment

A research essay 2500 words, 50% (due mid semester), a review essay 1500 words, 40% (due end of semester) and tutorial participation 10%