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Academic Year 2003/2004


European Imperialism, I
HIST 221 FA

This course is a survey of European activity overseas from c. 1400 to c. 1857. After a brief introduction to Spanish colonization of the Americas, the course will concentrate on three economic enterprises of early imperialism: the fur trade, with emphasis on French and English colonies in the Americas; the slave trade, assessing its impact on African societies and comparing slave societies in the Americas; and the spice trade between Asia and Europe, leading to the rise of British power in India and the evolution of the white-ruled society in South Africa. Some attention will also be given to global exchanges of diseases and the spread of ideas, especially through the agency of Christian missions. The main regions touched will be Canada, Brazil, the West African coasts, South Africa and India; however, students will be encouraged to write papers on other areas if they wish.

MAJOR READINGS

Alfred Crosby, THE COLOMBIAN EXCHANGE
C.A. Bayly, IMPERIAL MERIDIAN
Patrick Manning, SLAVERY AND AFRICAN LIFE
Anthony Reid, SOUTHEAST ASIA IN THE AGE OF COMMERCE
Eric Wolf, EUROPE AND THE PEOPLE WITHOUT HISTORY

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two short papers, mid-term exam, and take-home final

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

No extensions. No incompletes. This course overlaps substantially with HIST105. Students cannot gain credit for both courses. Students wishing to put their names on the course waiting list should drop a note to the professor; they should NOT use email or voice mail.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004


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