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
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HIST 4710, HIST 6710
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is designed to introduce students to the growing field of Atlantic World studies. Combining traditional approaches in history with new perspectives that transcend previous divisions between European, American, and Latin American history, this course examines conflict and exchange in the period 1750-1900. A principal objective of the course is to teach students to think critically for themselves about the relationships between the past and the present, to learn to ask questions of the past that enable them to understand the present and mold the future, and to become attuned to both the limitations and possibilities of change. The course seeks to acquaint students with the ways in which past societies and peoples have defined the relationships between community and individual needs and goals, and between ethical norms and decision-making. In general students will be expected to: 1. read a wide range of primary and secondary sources critically. 2. polish skills in critical thinking, including the ability to recognize the difference between opinion and evidence, and the ability to evaluate--and support or refute--arguments effectively. 3. write stylistically appropriate and mature papers and essays using processes that include discovering ideas and evidence, organizing that material, and revising, editing, and polishing the finished papers.
Topical Outline
This course is divided into three sections: 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.