History of Science & Empire

Vintage map of the British Empire

Exploring science, medicine, and the material cultures of empire

Module details

  • Offered to 1st years
  • Tuesdays 16.00-18.00
  • 8 weeks (autumn term only)
  • Planned delivery: On-campus (South Kensington)
  • Non-credit only
How to enrol

From Captain Cook’s voyages of discovery in the 1760s and 1770s, to those of Charles Darwin in the 1820s and 1830s, the expansion of empire and the accumulation and application of scientific knowledge went hand-in-hand. This module examines the role of science, medicine, and technology in the expansion of empire from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. By exploring key themes in the history of empire via a series of objects, we will consider how examining the material culture of empire can cast new light on its history. For example, we will explore the central role of indigenous botanical knowledge in scientific endeavours and acknowledge how legacies of empire have been shaped by museum collection practices.

Information blocks

Boat at Sunset

On successful completion of this module, you will be better able to discuss key historical, intellectual, and developmental concepts in the history of science, technology, medicine, and empire; present group work to your peers; respond to questions and feedback from the facilitator and other learners, and apply key concepts, research, and feedback.
  • European and indigenous knowledge and collaboration
  • Transport, from the steam engine to the train
  • Warfare and military technologies
  • Sugar, spices, and the commodities of empire
  • Botany and medicine
  • Religion, science, evolution, and degeneration
  • Communication technologies and the role of photography
  • Museums and imperial legacies

Learning materials on this module will include interactive short lectures, historical articles, documentary films, class discussions, and work with a range of primary sources and objects. We will conduct activities that will help to develop your analytical and written skills during our timetabled sessions.

  • Coursework: Essay (1,300-1,500 words) (80%)
  • Coursework: Individual contribution to group presentation (10 minutes per group) (20%)
  • ECTS value: 0
  • Requirements: You must be prepared to attend all classes and to spend about an hour a week preparing for each session
  • This module is designed as an undergraduate Level 4 course. For an explanation of levels, view the Imperial Horizons Level Descriptors page.‌