Europe and the World, 1500-1900

Undergraduate

This course draws on historical sociology and comparative legal history to examine European overseas empires and global ordering between 1500 and 1850. It evaluates theoretical approaches to the study of empires and uses case studies to analyze global processes such as early modern state formation, raiding and captive taking, the rise and rule of trading companies, and the exercise and limits of patrimonial power. Other themes receiving in-depth attention include legal frameworks for imperial-Indigenous and inter-imperial relations, and revolts and rebellions by enslaved and Indigenous peoples. The course is global but not comprehensive in scope, and readings and lectures address problems in both primary and secondary sources. HU HTBA