This course is an introduction to Atlantic history and the political, socio-cultural, and material connections forged between Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the early modern era. The course examines the character of those connections – the reasons for their formation, convergence, and impact over time. Key themes include: how historians study premodern American peoples; why, and to what extent, many of these peoples were conquered by Europeans; European interactions with (changing) Native American and African societies; the rise of slavery and racism; the consequences for early modern European societies of global expansion.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse primary sources;
- Articulate their understanding of the past and explain how that understanding relates to the wider historiography as well as present-day concerns;
- Construct evidence-based arguments about the consequences of the "discovery of the New World" for European, American, and African peoples;
- Evaluate continuity and change over time, with particular reference to globalization, a process often said to define modernity;
- Identify and transcribe sources from the period, using them to reconstruct beliefs, ideas, and attitudes; and,
- Design and execute a research project in early modern Atlantic history.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial participation (10) [LO 1,2]
- Topical Essay, 2000 words (Students will be free to select their question from the related tutorial schedule. Essays will be due 1-2 weeks after class discussion) (30) [LO 2,3,4]
- Research Proposal, 750 words (Due mid-semester) (10) [LO 5,6]
- Research Essay, 3500 words (As this task takes the place of a final exam it will be due in the first week of the scheduled examination period) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorial and tutorial-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
An e-brick consisting of primary material and scholarly essays will be compiled and made available on Wattle.Assumed Knowledge
Students are expected to be able to reflect critically on primary historical evidence and to apply the work of historians, or scholarship from related disciplines, in interpreting it. A background of undergraduate study in one or more of the following disciplines is desirable: archaeology, anthropology, history, (Latin) American or European studies.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $5700 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
