Comparative Empires and Material Culture

The political, military, and cultural unit of "empire" has, by now, been the subject of numerous and varied studies. This seminar will explore the tangible effects of empires, that is, the art and architecture created when societies are engaged in what can be viewed as asymmetrical power relationships. In order to understand how conditions specific to empire influence the creation, dissemination, and reception of material culture, this course will examine the artifacts of four different empires - the Roman, the Chinese, the British, and the American - and their unique political, social, and cultural contexts. The creation of a "virtual exhibit" of a range of illustrative artifacts is currently envisioned as an outcome of the class.