Special Topics in Environmental Policy and Culture (390-0-21)

Topic

Small Things Big Empires

Instructors

Madeline E. White

Meeting Info

University Hall 112: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

Small Things Big Empires

Empires loom large in history, both theoretically and geographically. Rather than approaching them as monoliths, this course untangles the significance and impact of empire through the little things. Students will explore the development and expansion of imperial powers through a historiographical grounding in objects, and will be introduced to historical approaches including material culture and microhistory. Each session will focus on one small thing in order to explore big themes in global and imperial history such as disease, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the impact of technological and medicinal advancements in imperial expansion. Class topics will vary across mosquitos, spices, gunpowder, silver, cotton, and coal. In addition to secondary literature, students will be encouraged to explore primary source material in person and online.

Evaluation Method

Class participation, short essays/reflections, mini museum exhibit, final project outline, end of term project/paper

Class Materials (Required)

Course reading materials will be articles, excerpts, documents, and visual material posted to Canvas.

Class Notes

Major and minor concentration categories
Americas, English/European, Comparative history
Science and technology
Environment
Europe (including Britain)