Wright State University
Slavery and Abolition

C. Oldstone-Moore--Spring 2018

Requirements

Overview

This course examines institutions of slavery in the Atlantic world, and the social, economic and political dimensions of British, American, French, Spanish and Haitian abolitionism in comparative perspective. Slavery and abolition are together one of most significant features of modern history, and have a great deal to do with the formation of our social world. Slavery was a key part of the modern economy and the development of an industrialized world. Ironically, at its very height, European-American civilization dismantled it by means of history's first democratic social movement—abolitionism--which served as the model for all other social movements to come. This course is writing-intensive, and each student will work on a research project throughout the semester.

Books available for Purchase

David Brian Davis, Inhuman Bondage

Olaudah Equiano, The Interesting Narrative

Sue Peabody & Keila Grinberg, Slavery, Freedom, and the Law in the Atlantic World

Jeremy Popkin, A Concise History of the Haitian Revolution

Stephen Tomkins, William Wilberforce

Reading Assignments and Questions

Most days there will be questions assigned to that day's reading. The purpose is to guide and focus the reading in preparation for class discussion. Students should write answers to these questions, and their preparation will be graded in terms of participation

Attendance and Participation

Attendance is important because this course relies on the give-and-take of discussion as much as it does on lectures. Therefore, participation is essential to the success of each student, and of the class as a whole. Participation points will be awarded to each student who demonstrates that they have read the assignment and formulated answers to the daily questions. Needless to say, you have to be present to earn these credits. Students will need to participate in 18 discussions to receive full credit.

Policy on Texting and Computers

Students should not use computers or cell phones in class. They are a distraction. A student must make a compelling case to the instructor before computers can be used.

Written Assignments

� Daily Questions (11 collected)

� Two discussion briefs (2 pages each)

� Thesis/Outline/Bibliography of Essay

� Essay (8 pages) on topic of students' choosing, in consultation with instructor. A list of suggested topics is found on the schedule. The first version and final version of the paper will be combined for the total score.

� Two exams (short answer and essay)

Grading

The course will be graded on a 400-point scale according to the following values.  An "A" will be 90% or 270 points.  "B" will be 80% or 240 points, etc.

Participation	36 pts (6 bonus possible)
Daily Questions	44 pts (4 bonus possible)
Discussion Briefs	60 pts (30 each)
Essay first version	50 pts
Essay final	50 pts
Exams	160 (80 pts each)