Pirates, Guns, and Empires (262-0-1)
Instructors
Scott Andrew Sowerby
847/491-7356
Harris Hall Room 207
Meeting Info
Harris Hall 107: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
This class investigates the history of piracy from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. We will focus on piracy in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the China Seas. The history of piracy encompasses many different genres of history: maritime and imperial history, gender history, the history of race, labor history, and history from below. Although much of pirate history is about conflict, it is also about consensus and the rules that came to prevail on the high seas, both among pirate crews and in the relations between pirates and their antagonists. No previous background in History is required for this class; first-year students are welcome. Sources will include writings by Nanpo Bunshi, Alexander Exquemelin, and Elizabeth Marsh.
Learning Objectives
Students will learn how to interpret historical documents, how to frame a historical argument based on primary sources, and how to critique popular narratives about piracy.
Evaluation Method
Discussion; Paper; Midterm; Final exam
Class Materials (Required)
No books required for purchase. Materials on Canvas.
Class Notes
History Area of Concentration: Americas, European, Africa/Middle East, Asia/Middle East, Global
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Associated Classes
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-319: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-325: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Harris Hall L06: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - University Hall 312: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L28: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - University Hall 418: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - University Hall 112: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - University Hall 118: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM
DIS - University Hall 112: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - University Hall 112: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM