Examines special topics in history. "Things Fall Apart: The Ends
of Empires from the Ancients to the Moderns" Are empires
destined to fail? What happens when they collapse? This course
takes a different perspective on imperial history. Instead of
looking at moments of expansion and success, we will look at the
history of imperial decline and fall from the ancient Romans to
more recent incarnations of empire in the late 20th century. We
will focus on the collapse of the European empires - and the
consequences of this collapse for the rulers and the ruled - but
will look at examples from multiple sites and eras. Authors will
range from Virgil to M.K. Gandhi and Frantz Fanon; we will also
watch films about the process of decolonization, such as Gillo
Pontecorvo's "Battle of Algiers." Student learning goals General
method of instruction Class assignments and grading Two papers
(one 5-6 pages, and one 10-12 pages) Papers plus participation
in weekly meetings