Description

This course explores aspects of the complex, dynamic relationship between imperialism and religion in the early modern and modern periods. In what ways did religion motivate and justify empire building? In what ways did it influence those who critiqued imperial practices? How did imperialism change religions or led to the creation of new religions? What policies toward religions did imperial governments adopt? Are empires, by nature and by necessity, cosmopolitan entities that tolerate religious diversity? Though we could investigate religions in a wide range of empires (and empire through a variety of religions), course readings and discussions will focus on the British Atlantic world between the seventeenth and early nineteenth centuries, with some time devoted to comparisons with the Spanish Empire. Topics include ideologies, identities, managing diversity, slavery, evangelicalism, abolition, and mission.

Objectives

The primary objective of this intensive seminar on imperialism and religion is to expose upper-level history majors to “what historians do.”  It might be helpful to think of this course as an extended workshop that will pursue a number of inter-related goals.  Students will get a sense of the historical profession by:

• Discussing historiographical issues and debates
  
  
• Identifying research topics
  
  
• Pursuing research in secondary and primary sources
  
  
• Developing writing skills
  
  
• Developing oral communication skills
  
  
• Engaging in the peer review process

• Carla Pestana, Protestant Empire: Religion and the Making of the British Atlantic World (Univ of Pennsylvania Press, 2009)

• Jorge Canizares-Esguerra, Puritan Conquistadors: Iberianizing the Atlantic, 1550-1700 (Stanford University Press, 2006)

• Mark Noll, The Rise of Evangelicalism (InterVarsity Press, 2003)

• Sylvia Frey and Betty Wood, Come Shouting to Zion: African American Protestantism in the American South and the British Caribbean to1830 (University of North Carolina Press, 1998)

• Mary Ann Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History (Bedford, 5th or 6th edition)

• readings on the web and on ARES (Smathers Library reserves)

Policies and expectations

History classes are most rewarding when students interact with the texts, each other, and the instructor on a sustained basis. Readings provide the raw material for class discussion, where much of the learning takes place. Effective class participation (see below) is therefore essential. Students can expect a respectful atmosphere in which to express their opinions. Attendance is mandatory. Please make every effort to apprise the instructor of adverse circumstances that prevent you from attending class or completing assignments on time.

In writing papers, be certain to give proper credit whenever you use words, phrases, ideas, arguments, and conclusions drawn from someone else’s work.  Failure to give credit by quoting and/or footnoting is PLAGIARISM and is unacceptable and will be penalized. Please review the University’s honesty policy.

Please do not hesitate to contact the instructor during the semester if you have any individual concerns or issues that need to be discussed. Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office.  The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting accommodation.

Assignments and Grading

Participation (30%)

• attendance: if you miss a class without notifying the instructor and/or presenting documentation, your overall grade will be deducted by three points.
  

• contributions to class discussions and writing workshops: effective class participation entails sharing your impressions of the reading, exploring authors' arguments, offering critiques, and engaging in debates with other students.  It also involves offering feedback on other students' writing.
  

• project reports and conference presentation: occasionally you will be asked to report informally on your research project.  At the end of the term you will present a "conference paper" based on your research.
  

Note: Students must submit hard copies of all assignments.

Current UF grading policy

Schedule

Class timeline / Glossary of key terms