Ekirch Syllabus Atlantic History Seminar

The Atlantic in the Age of Piracy - History 4004
Prof. A. Roger Ekirch
Virginia Polytechnic and State University

Goals: The principal objective of this course is to examine the origins, character, and inhabitants of the North Atlantic world from 1500 to 1800. We will devote consideration not only to its creation and settlement but also to the different societies in Europe, Africa, and America occupying its shores. Special attention will be paid to the myriad groups that regularly crossed its waters (free immigrants, servants, and slaves) or, in fact, derived their livelihood from the sea (sailors, fishermen, and priates).

Requirements: Your final grade will be based on three components: a research paper (50%), a final exam (25%), and class participation (25%). It is very important that the assigned readings be completed on time. Blue books are required for the final exam. I will give no make-ups or extensions except in emergencies. In such instances, a written excuse will be mandatory, whether itís from a relative, the infirmary, a tow-truck driver, or the Coast Guard. Grading will be on the plus-minus system.

Ethics: The use of commecially purchased notes (buying or selling) is not permitted in this class. Any violation of this policy will be considered an Honor Code violation. In this and other regards, students taking this course are expected to uphold the Virginia Tech Honor Code.

Readings: Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History
Rachel Louise Carson, The Sea Around Us
Paul Butel, The Atlantic - library reserve
D.W. Meining, The Shaping of America, vol. 1 on library reserve
Ian K. Steele, The English Atlantic on library reserve
Bernard Bailyn, The Peopling of British North America
David Cressy, Coming Over on library reserve
Gottlieb Mittleberger, Journey to Pennsylvania on library reserve
Olaudah Equiano, Narrative of the Life
N.A. Rodger, The Wooden World
Daniel Vickers, Farmers & Fishermen on library reserve
W. Jeffrey Bolster, Black Jacks on library reserve
Robert C. Ritchie, Captain Kid & the War Against the Pirates
Peter Linebaugh and Marcus Rediker, "The Many Headed Hydra" on library reserve
Lawrence Osborne, "A Pirates Progress" on library reserve
Sebastian Junger, The Perfect Storm

Class Outline:

1. Bearings Jan. 16

2. The Atlantic
Carson, 3-109 Jan.18
Carson, 113-216 Jan.23

3. Creation
Butel, 1-31 Jan.25
Meining, 1-43 Jan.30

4. Dynamics
Meining, 43-76 Feb.1
Steele, 3-18, 251-78 Feb.6

Library Research Feb.8

Class Presentations Feb.13-15

5. Wayfarers
Bailyn, 3-43 Feb.20
Cressy, 1-129,144-78 Feb.22
Mittelberger Feb.27
Equiano Mar.1

Library Research Mar.13-15

Class Presentations Mar.20-22

6. Seafarers
Rodger,15-36, 113-204 Mar.27
Rodger,37-112,205-251 Mar.29
Vickers, 85-203 Apr.3
Bolster,1-101 Apr.5
Ritchie,1-126 Apr.10
Ritchie,127-238 Apr.12
Linb. & Red./Osb. Apr.17

Papers due Apr.19

7. Soundings
Junger Apr.24-May1

Exam May 5, 7:45 am