HIST 405-03, Emancipation in the Atlantic World, Fall 2008

Abstract

Beginning with the Haitian revolution in the 1790s and ending with the abolition of slavery in Brazil in the 1880s, this course will examine the history of emancipation in the Atlantic World. Students will read primary and secondary sources that explore the local circumstances and global interactions on all sides of the Atlantic that shaped the origins, trajectory, and consequences of slave emancipation in the nineteenth century. While attention will be paid to the first and second emancipation in the United States, students will learn about the revolutionary changes that took place in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa as well.History is the study of change over time. And, while this course will not focus on rote memorization, gaining factual knowledge about the major events, people, and ideas that shaped this period in history is essential to understanding how and why these changes occurred.Much of our understanding of history relies on our ability to interpret past events. Students will be required to learn the theories and explanations historians have used to explain the social, political, and economic changes taking place in the nineteenth century.By critically analyzing others points of view, theories, and challenging their ideas and conclusions students will be encouraged to develop their own vision of history by studying primary and secondary sources.Students will be graded on their ability to demonstrate their knowledge of the period, understanding of historical theories and theses, and ability to think critically in writing and orally.