Overview

The module will explore a variety of topics in detail, such as: defining slavery and the transatlantic world, the nature of the Middle Passage, life in the ‘New World’, slave narratives and slave songs, the relationship between the slave trade and religion (especially Christianity), the abolition movement and the gradual decline of the slave trade, as well as the nature and impact of reparations, in addition to a consideration of the situation of newly emancipated slaves in the latter part of the 19th century.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold --D / 40%>Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: - Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. - Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. - Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. - Draws on a relatively narrow range of material. -good --B (50%>)Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: - Very good structure and logically developed arguments. - Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. - Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. - Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style. -excellent --A (70%>)Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: - Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. - Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. - Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions. -another level-Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates:•Good structure and logically developed arguments. •At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. •Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. •Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to address historical problems in depth, involving the use of contemporary sources and advanced secondary literature.

• Demonstrate an ability to interrogate, read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon primary and secondary sources, including historical writings and the interpretations of historians regarding the transatlantic slave trade.

• Demonstrate an appreciation of the complexity of reconstructing the past, and the problematic and varied nature of historical evidence.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the varieties of approaches to understanding, constructing, and interpreting the past; and, where relevant, a knowledge of concepts and theories derived from the humanities and social sciences.