HIST 4723

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - April 4, 2023 12:09PM EDT
  • Course Catalog - April 3, 2023 12:59PM EDT

HIST 4723
Scandal, Corruption, and the Making of the British Empire in India

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2022-2023.

As the English East India Company conquered vast Indian territories in the late 1700s, it was besieged with allegations of corruption against its leading officials. This course will examine the origins of modern imperialism through the lens of corruption, considering how corruption scandals generated new ideas of imperial sovereignty and law. Using parliamentary records and other primary sources, students will conduct research into one of the most famous corruption trials in eighteenth century Britain, the impeachment of Warren Hastings (1787-1795), former Governor of Bengal, for 'high crimes and misdemeanors'. Exploring how Hastings and his accusers debated the legal basis of imperialism, we will assess the impact of Hastings's trial and eventual acquittal on the forging of the modern British Empire.

When Offered Spring.

Breadth Requirement (HB)
Distribution Category (GLC-AS, HA-AS, HST-AS)
Course Subfield (HPE, HTR)
Course Attribute (EC-SAP)

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ASIAN 4465

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 17482 HIST 4723   SEM 101

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  • Instruction Mode: In Person