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HIS-20137 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

HIS-20137 - Colonial legacies: the inconvenient histories of individuals, families, and communities since 1800.
Coordinator: Shalini Sharma Room: CBB1.060 Tel: +44 1782 7 33206
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

na

Barred Combinations

na

Description for 2026/27

Modern Britain has been shaped and developed by its empire. This module explores the impact of Britain's colonial legacy on the lives of individuals, families, and communities since the nineteenth century. This is a history that contradicts conventional, textbook accounts, as you will discover through 'archival silences' that mask these histories. This second-year module will enhance your critical thinking ability and develop independent research skills.

Aims
This module will explore the ongoing legacy of the British empire. Each week we will look at the entanglements between British individuals, families and communities with their counterparts across the British empire. These are histories that are often inconvenient and forgotten. This module aims to draw on a variety of case studies and different types of historical method to understand the persistent affects of empire in the modern world. This will provide an opportunity to research, critically examine and reflect on local, family and international history. Through this students will develop their ability to evaluate evidence, make decisions and articulate results in an effective manner.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse the typical features of personal narratives related to empire: 1,2
Critically evaluate about different types of archives and sources related to legacies of empire: 1,2
Recognise and explain the relationship between popular and academic histories of empire: 1,2

Study hours

12 hours lectures
12 hours seminars
42 hours seminar preparation
42 hours presentation research and design
42 hours portfolio research, reflection and writing

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Reflective Diary weighted 50%
Reflective diary
A weekly reflective exercise (c.450 words) on one individual, family, community, or archive collection. The best 5 will make up the final mark.

2: Group Assessment weighted 50%
10 minute Group presentation
A 10 minute group presentation on one of a given list of 5 methodological approaches that can be used to excavate hidden histories. Students will be asked to submit a c.250- word reflection on the process of presentation idea, design and delivery. This will mean each group participant will obtain an individual mark.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026