Presenter(s): Caroline Richelsen − History, Political Science
Faculty Mentor(s): Ian McNeely
Oral Session 3SW
Research Area: Social Science, History
In the aftermath of the Second World War, universities in Britain were tapped as a potential training ground for the next generation of experts who could support the British Empire, as it transitioned from a Great Power to a decolonized state.
This project seeks to examine the possible correlation between changes in British foreign policy and development in higher education; analyzing how the demands of the British Empire informed the curriculum and direction of new disciplines in British Universities. To do so, this project uses SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), of the University of London, as a case study to showcase the interaction between the political agenda of the British government and the institution itself. In terms of formatting, the findings will be presented in an essay estimated around 70 to 80 pages, excluding a reference list and infographics, and relies on the consultation of primary sources such as government reports, financial- and personal accounts. Early findings have confirmed a direct correlation between the development of new departments and the needs of the state, as the transition from the post-war environment to the Cold War created a demand for experts well-versed in Oriental and East European languages and culture. The subject of this inquiry is of value because it illustrates how certain academic traditions are rooted in the political ambitions of states seeking to use knowledge to impose their worldviews on overseas territories; creating disciplines with predetermined biases which remain prevalent in institutions today.