Ileana M. Rodriguez Silva
Examines special topics in history.
THE IMPERIAL FIELD AND PRACTICES: TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE IN THE MAKING OF CONTEMPORARY EMPIRES
This course focuses on the struggles and negotiations conforming the organization of the U.S. empire at the turn of the 20th century in order to explore in depth global transformations in imperial governmentality. Our analytical lens will constantly move between an investigation of ongoing debates and events within the boundaries of the U.S. "national" territory to an exploration of similar issues in the new possessions.
The class is designed to challenge students to analyze the complex interplay (and fragile balance) among outright repression, disciplinary reforms, armed opposition, and partial consent that shaped U.S. colonial rule and culture. Students will have the opportunity to study together two regions of the world many scholars perceive as radically distinct. In so doing, students will acquire the necessary knowledge of the cultural, historical and ideological contexts to comprehend the negotiations over and challenges to colonial rule that took place during the period.
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