Aims & Objectives; Learning Outcomes; Class Arrangements

Module Aims and Objectives

The course aims to give students a thorough overview of themes, ideas and questions in the development of a broad range of Atlantic slave societies, particularly through the prism of space and human movement. It additionally aims to develop students’ comparative understanding of these themes through specific focus on two nineteenth-century slave societies. In so doing, it develops students’ ability to think comparatively and beyond national boundaries. It reinforces the aims of other School courses in fostering the attitudes and values of critical thinking, a research-led approach to learning, and thinking about history in terms of arguments and interpretations rather than as a set of objective truths.

Module Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the course will be able to demonstrate:
- A thorough understanding of themes and historiographical debates in the study of slave societies of the Atlantic World
- Nuanced knowledge of two main slave societies of the nineteenth century: Brazil and Cuba
- Advanced skills in comparative history, qualitative and quantitative approaches, macro- and micro-historical approaches
- Advanced skills in the critical evaluation of primary source materials
- Discussion and group presentation skills
- Advanced skills in independent research and academic writing

Arrangements for Class

All seminars will have readings and questions which you will be expected to prepare before the class. The amount you’ll get out of seminars is directly proportional to the amount you put in, so do read and come prepared to talk - and listen!
An indicative bibliography has been provided; do make use of this, but also, as final-year students, you’ll be expected to make use of your research skills to find articles and books that pertain to your topic.
One of the pieces of assessed work for this course will be an in-class presentation, normally undertaken during term 1. This is a great way of obtaining some informal feedback from the course tutor and from other students which will help with preparation of coursework, as well as helping you develop your skills in public speaking and presenting.