Analysing photographs of the Welsh American explorer Henry Morton Stanley and his enslaved adopted child Kalulu (c. 1872) via Raoul Peck’s Exterminate All the Brutes (2021). 

Chinua Achebe’s critique of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. 

Readings: 

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness 

Achebe, Chinua. 1977. “An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness” (in Norton’s edition of Heart of Darkness) 

The role of visual and verbal media in shaping public perceptions of race, civilisation, and empire. Introducing Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. The “Scramble for Africa”.  Reading verification (thematic and structural). 

Readings: 

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness (pref. Norton ed.) 

19th-century context (from Norton ed.) 

General feedback on overall performance in the mid-term examination, identifying recurring issues and key areas for improvement. 

Assessment criteria used in evaluating the mid-term:  

  1. Critical thinking and originality – 30%   

  2. Contextual knowledge – 20%   

  3. Argumentation and structure – 25%   

  4. Engagement with source material/course materials – 15%   

  5. Language and style – 10% 

Grading structure and correction key: 

I. Riz Ahmed’s “Airports and Auditions” 

  - Interpretation of the “necklace of labels” metaphor   

  - Analysis of identity, discrimination, and the representation of ethnic minorities in the UK   

  - Connections with broader debates on cultural restitution (e.g., the Koh-i-Noor diamond) 

 II. The Secret of England's Greatness 

  - Historical analysis of a Victorian painting   

  - Discussion of Victorian ideologies including imperial power, national identity, religious justification for colonialism, and gender dynamics   

  - Visual and contextual analysis reflecting cultural and historical frameworks 

Expectations for analytical and critical writing, with emphasis on academic skills such as argument construction, evidence integration, and depth of engagement with course materials. 

Forthcoming tasks and key dates: 

- 24 and 29 April: In-class reading verification exercises and discussion of thematic and structural elements of Heart of Darkness (Pass/Fail assessment, included in Attendance and participation [10%]) 

- 29 April, 18:45–20:45 (room C251.A):   

A recovery test will be offered to students wishing to improve their mid-term exam performance. Eligibility is conditional on a minimum of 75% attendance. This optional assessment provides a second opportunity to demonstrate mastery of course content. The higher of the two marks will be considered, contributing 50% to the final grade, in line with the course’s assessment items.   

- 08-27 May: Group presentations / student-led discussions on Antoinette Burton’s The ABCs of Victoria’s Empire (20% of the final grade) 

- 29 May: Submission of individual projects via email (20% of the final grade)