Connections and Currents in the Early Modern Atlantic (V1491)
15 credits, Level 5
Autumn teaching
On this module, you’ll explore the transatlantic currents which forged connections between the material worlds, politics, and cultures of societies in Europe, Africa, and America.
You’ll examine the development of trade and colonisation in the Atlantic World, including the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. You’ll also look at how the movement of people and commodities can help us to understand the development of ideas about:
- taste and civility
- race and gender
- environment
- disease.
You’ll consider:
- how new social, economic, and political thinking emerged, leading to the Age of Revolution
- the role of marginalised and enslaved people in resistance
- the articulation of radical ideas about freedom.
To understand these key developments from a range of perspectives, including those of free and enslaved women, children, and men, you’ll work with a diverse set of primary sources including:
- travel writing
- material culture
- political pamphlets
- visual arts.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.
We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
Courses
This module is offered on the following courses: