Course Description
Examination of how slavery changed, grew, and was increasingly
challenged during the “Dual Revolutions” that struck the
Atlantic world between 1790 and 1860. The Industrial
Revolution, and the democratic revolutions that created
independent, modern nation-states from France to Brazil, take
us to a phase beyond colonialism and mercantilism.
Athena Title
Atlantic World II
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of the Atlantic World between 1750 and 1900 by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of the modern Atlantic World shaped diverse social and cultural attitudes toward race and ethnicity, economic exchange and slavery, and agriculture and environment, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
- Section One examines Africa and the Atlantic slave trade, including the experiences of Africans in the Middle Passage and the rise of abolitionism. Readings include Olaudah Equiano, Interesting Narrative.
- Section Two turns to the African Diaspora, focusing on the role of African culture in the Americas, the Industrial Revolution, and forced servitude in North and South America. Readings include Tomich and Zeuske, “The Second Slavery.”
- Section Three addresses rebellion and emancipation in the Atlantic World, from the Haitian Revolution to independence movements in Latin America. Readings include Richard Graham, ed., The Idea of Race in Latin America.
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
