Colonialism and Slavery in World History

Calls for 'decolonization' have grown louder and more pervasive in recent years. Demands for the recognition of past involvement in historical slavery have equally gained traction. Such calls reverberate across a wide range of domains, including international relations, science, the arts, and popular culture. There is no doubt that colonialism and slavery have profoundly shaped the world we live in today. But how well do we know this contested past? And what are the key debates among historians of colonialism and slavery? This course surveys colonialism and slavery in a world historical perspective, focusing on the past five centuries. We start with broad foundational surveys of colonialism and slavery in world history, and a reflection exercise to activate students' prior knowledge and beliefs. The remainder of the course highlights five key themes in historical scholarship. In Week 2, we analyze the role of economic extraction and beliefs about racial hierarchy as foundational drivers of colonialism and slavery. In Week 3, we focus on the ways in which settlers, plantations and unequal trade shaped colonialism and imperialism. Week 4 discusses slavery, in particular forms of resistance and new forms of labor exploitation after slavery's abolition. In Week 5, we address how colonialism affected access to resources, with a focus on land rights, deforestation and mining. The final week addresses different forms and definitions of independence, decolonization and neocolonialism. Students complete the course with a richer and more complex understanding of colonialism and slavery in a global and historical perspective. The course is part of the minor "Decolonizing Science and Development"

• Identify the most important ways in which colonialism and slavery have shaped societies and their relations over the past five centuries

• Distinguish and compare different scholarly perspectives on key topics in the history of colonialism and slavery

• Appraise the differentiated history and legacies of colonialism and slavery

• Evaluate a chosen aspect of the history of colonialism and slavery in the form of an individual essay

• ? (40%) Individual paper (1500 words).
• ? (30%) Group/duo presentation.
• ? (10%)
• ? (20%) Reading questions.

The course is designed for advanced bachelor students and master students with a broad range of backgrounds. No specific knowledge or background is required, but students are expected to be able to actively and independently reflect on the relevance of colonialism and slavery for their studies and field of expertise. The course is part of the minor "Decolonizing Science and Development"