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SOC30800

Academic Year 2025/2026

Sociology of Empire (SOC30800)

Subject:
Sociology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Sociology
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Steven Loyal
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.



This module explores the social structures, power dynamics, and cultural narratives underpinning imperial systems. It examines how empires organize governance, labor, and knowledge to sustain dominance, and how colonial legacies shape contemporary inequalities. Topics include theories of imperialism, race and identity formation, resistance movements, and the role of capitalism in expansion. Comparative case studies—from ancient Rome to modern colonial powers—highlight continuity and change. Students will analyze primary sources, critical theory, and ethnographic accounts to interrogate the lived experiences of both rulers and the ruled. The module fosters critical engagement with empire as an enduring sociological phenomenon.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Through taking the course, students should be able to:
*Demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of empire
*Describe the main contributions of different theories of empire
*Use the theories and concepts appropriately and in a clear and competent manner to explain the dynamics of empire
*Describe and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of theorisations of empire
*Place the theories and and understandings of imperialism and empire within the field of sociology and understand how they relate to modern life

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

125
Total

147

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
No AI should be used

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): This module will be assessed through examination only End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes
100
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 10:00 - 11:50
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