School of Humanities  
 
 
AMS-20073 The New World in Chains: Slavery and the Bonds of Race in America, 1619- 1877  
Co-ordinator: Dr Laura Sandy   Tel:33201  
Teaching Team: Mrs Jayne  Braddick, Mrs Amanda  Porritt, Dr James  Peacock, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts, Mr Jonathan  Bell  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
American Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
American Studies Minor (Level 2)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 2)
History Dual Honours (Level 2)
History Major (Level 2)
History Minor (Level 2)
History Single Honours (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Barred Combinations
None

Prerequisites
None
Description

This module is suitable for students who have already taken history modules and acquired a solid grounding in the methods of historical research, analysis, and writing. This module looks in detail at the development of Slavery in North America from settlement to emancipation. It covers a wide range of topics, notions of race and racism, slavery in Africa, the transition from white to black labour, the development of the slave trade, slave life and culture, punishment and resistance, plantation management and overseers, female slaves and plantation mistresses, the economics of slavery, slavery during the American Revolution and Civil War, the lives and position of free people of colour living in a slave society, the international abolition movement, and the effect of slavery on the social, cultural and economic development of North America. Learners will gain an in-depth familiarity of a variety of case-studies related to slavery and the slave experience in 18th and 19th century North America informed by the latest stage in the scholarly debate concerning the nature of slavery and race in American history. This module explores key moments in the history of western philosophy, disclosing the extent to which this history participates in the production of the concepts of race and racisms.

By the application of advanced historiographical methods of research students will be able to to piece together the narrative of slavery and the debate surrounding how slavery and race have evolved over time. Furthermore, they will gain a conceptual understanding that enables them to apply critically paradigms generated by historians and social scientists, some of which are at the forefront of debates over slavery in North America and comparative slave studies. Students taking this module will obtain the ability to evaluate the differing value of conflicting approaches, a process that throws into relief the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge but also the possibility of achieving methodological objectivity. They will also improve their time management skills and be able to manage their own learning by generating essay topics themselves, and make use of scholarly articles and primary sources relating to slavery in a way that goes beyond the insights available from secondary sources alone.


Aims
To conduct a detailed investigation of the development of Slavery in North America from settlement to emancipation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
recognise and explain the particular issues and debates associated with the history of slavery in the Americas and demonstrate the specific ability to cope with the methodological issues surrounding concepts of race and involuntary servitude. will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3
carry out a sophisticated analysis of primary source material with due regard to provenance, content, and interpretation. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
use source materials constructively both in evaluating primary and secondary accounts and in developing original interpretations fostering competence in the handling and analysis of evidence. will be achieved by assessments: 1
assess the relative merits of conflicting interpretations of significant events and phenomena, recognising the complexity and diversity of historical situations, events and belief systems. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
make persuasive, logical, and evidence-based analysis in written and in spoken form with due regard to achieving a fluent and coherent style, a high standard of presentation and an accurate use of language will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Study hours
12 weeks @ 2 hours seminar = 24 hours
12 weeks @ 3 hours seminar preparation = 36 hours
Document exercise/short paper preparation and execution = 30 hours
Essay preparation and submission = 60 hours
Total = 150 hours
Description of Module Assessment
01: Class Participation weighted 10%
Seminar participation including contribution to small group work
Participation is assessed according to effort as well as academic ability; i.e., evidence of preparation in response to set seminar topics, readiness to apply the preparation positively in class discussion, and quality to contributions. Tutor will keep a weekly record to support marks awarded. Encourages development of both individual oral presentation and team-working skills in seminars and workshops.

02: Short Paper weighted 30%
1000-1500 word analysis of a primary source
Following appropriate seminar preparation students will undertake a critical assessment of a primary source related to the topic areas covered by this unit in order to develop the students&© skills in analysing, evaluating, and interrogating primary source material. Students will select one source from a choice of three or four.

03: Essay weighted 60%
Essay of 2500-3000 words
One essay from a choice of eight questions. Students will be able to choose from a range of set titles concerning major topics relating to the history of American slavery that aim to enable them to demonstrate the module&©s main learning outcomes.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.