https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/L_GAMAGES038During their study in Colonialism and Decolonisation, students will:Develop their understanding of major themes in the theoretical, conceptual and methodological scholarship on colonialism and decolonisation,Develop skills in critically assessing the formation of relevant archives, Advance their skills in identifying, searching and evaluating relevant primary sources, Reflect critically on and practice specialised methods for interpreting primary sources,Independently build their own archives-based research topic and formulate an argument in written form.This is an advanced course on methods for researching histories of colonialism and decolonisation, focusing on key theoretical, conceptual and methodological approaches to the topic. The scope of the course extends from the seventeenth century to the present; from early-modern forms of colonialism to late imperialism and decolonisation as both a political development and a broad range of critical practices. Topics include war and conflict, politics, economics, labour relations, culture and social (re)production, resistance, colonial and anti-colonial thought, archival formation, archival silences and alternative archives. We focus on training advanced skills in handling theory, concepts and methods for historical research. The course combines study of key texts with intensive archival field work and primary source analysis. Students will be guided through studying Dutch case studies, but those who have other languages will be supported to research where their strengths and interests lie. We therefore offer choice and guidance with the development of the students’ own research projects.Two seminars per week. Students must be prepared to actively discuss in class the reading and work they were assigned.Research paper (70%), Reflective essay (20%), Participation (10%)This course is mandatory for students completing the Master in History: Global Perspectives.