It is aimed at graduate students with fields in American, world, or European history. The course is organized roughly chronologically. We will begin by looking at slavery as it existed in the ancient Rome and then in Africa. The majority of the course explores slavery as it was instituted the various European colonies of America during the 16th - 19th centuries. Toward the end of the course we will read about the comparative history of slavery's abolition in the first half of the 19th century and several slave narratives.
Several works are comparative while others focus more narrowly on a single nation or community.
Slave narratives will be discussed in light of the historiography we have read as well as the context of their production. All readings are on 2-hour reserve at Holland library and most may also be purchased at the Bookie. Writing Each week students will write a 1-2 pp. Students should also make photocopies of their reviews and bring them to class to give to other students. A certain degree of informality is acceptable, provided that there is evidence of careful thought as well.