The Atlantic World, 1492-1900
Themes in the Atlantic World, 1492-1900 Linking the Americas with Europe and Africa, the Atlantic has been a major conduit for the movement of peoples, ideas, technology, foods, and customs. This course will explore four themes from the rise of European imperialism and African Slavery to the dawn of national consciousness and minority rights across the Americas. We will study four major themes: (1). Comparative European Colonization and the First Peoples; 2) Comparative Slavery and the Black Experience (3) Decolonization, National Consciousness, and Ideas of Freedom; and (4) Pseudoscience, Migrations and Creolization. We will draw on primary and secondary sources from the Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Hispanophone worlds to give us a broad comparative perspective. Pre-1800. 2hr/disc. with periodic film screenings.
Themes in the Atlantic World, 1492-1900 Linking the Americas with Europe and Africa, the Atlantic has been a major conduit for the movement of peoples, ideas, technology, foods, and customs. This course will explore four themes from the rise of European imperialism and African Slavery to the dawn of national consciousness and minority rights across the Americas. We will study four major themes: (1). Comparative European Colonization and the First Peoples; 2) Comparative Slavery and the Black Experience (3) Decolonization, National Consciousness, and Ideas of Freedom; and (4) Pseudoscience, Mi …Read more
I really liked the course content and how Professor Davis presented the information. However, I would say that he was quite disorganized which often made the class confused and not fully grasp what was going on at all times. I think that if our lessons had been more structured, I could have gotten more out of the class. As well, the fact that the midterm was 50% of the grade and the final was only 15% put a disproportionate weight on the first half of class content. Ultimately though, I would say I learned a lot about Spanish and Portuguese Latin colonialism, the Atlantic world slave trade, and the formation of democracy in France and America.
I really liked the course content and how Professor Davis presented the information. However, I would say that he was quite disorganized which often made the class confused and not fully grasp what was going on at all times. I think that if our lessons had been more structured, I could have gotten more out of the class. As well, the …Read more
The only complaint I have about this course was that Davis was not the best with technology, but other than that, he was absolutely fantastic. His passion about the history of the Atlantic world was completely contagious, and he involved the class to the maximum degree in discussion. Great class
Overall I have really enjoyed this course. Lots of reading but not overwhelming. The professor is great and put an emphasis on understanding the material rather than just working for an A. He is a fair grader who assigns minimal work. This was a low stress, high value class that I enjoyed. However, you may find the material boring or repetitive if you studied colonization of North/South America in high school.
Overall I have really enjoyed this course. Lots of reading but not overwhelming. The professor is great and put an emphasis on understanding the material rather than just working for an A. He is a fair grader who assigns minimal work. This was a low stress, high value class that I enjoyed. However, you may find the material boring or …Read more
Professor Davis is a really nice guy who is very (perhaps a little too) passionate about the topic. I know that sounds odd, but we were very grateful to have a professor who knew so much and was so passionate about teaching a 100 level class. I never thought that I would actually enjoy a 100 level class as a junior, but I learnt so much about the Atlantic World, and I feel so much more knowledgeable on this topic.
Professor Davis is a really nice guy who is very (perhaps a little too) passionate about the topic. I know that sounds odd, but we were very grateful to have a professor who knew so much and was so passionate about teaching a 100 level class. I never thought that I would actually enjoy a 100 level class as a junior, but I learnt so m …Read more
well done course - be ready to lead discussions and come to lecture. the finals and the midterm were not bad and could be done well just by doing the weekly reading. If you like history you will enjoy this class
As a person who is highly organized, this class was extremely frustrating. Even with frequently reading the syllabus, I never knew what was going on. Although he is evidently passionate about these topics, his teaching style was ineffective due to his disorganization. He tried implementing fun activities, but they often fell short due to the class' confusion.
I really enjoyed taking this course and the prof was very relaxed with the lectures and the amount of work he gave. We only had a couple readings a week, and throughout the class we only had a couple essays that were all easily graded.