[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ WesMaps Archive ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]
Academic Year 2005/2006

European Imperialism, I
HIST 221 SP

Clusters: African Studies Southern Asia and Indian Ocean

This course surveys Europe¿s interaction with the peoples, lands and resources beyond its borders from c. 1450 to c. 1850. It focuses on the origin and development of imperial systems that served as circuits for exchanges of peoples, ideas, products, and technologies. Although the empires of Britain and Spain are emphasized, Portuguese, French and Dutch overseas expansion also receive attention. The course addresses several vital themes: early maritime exploration; colonial governance; interactions between Europeans and indigenous peoples; the slave trade and slavery; ideologies of empire; the rise of mercantile capitalism and the emergence of a world economy; the independence movements which transformed colonies into nations in the Americas; and imperial rivalry as a factor in European politics. The main regions discussed shall be South and North America (including the Caribbean), West African coasts, and South Asia; however, students will be encouraged to write papers on other areas if they wish.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

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-30-2006

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459