We'll follow up with our review of Atlantic System and slavery by writing a response and research paper.
Develop a thesis or main topic sentence and explore the theme throughout your paper.
Suggested themes and topics: Choose one! For extra credit you may develop a second project.
1. Study and write a reflection on maps as statements of power. Look through the maps in the tab on Atlantic Empire Maps or research additional original maps and prepare a paper that discusses how maps are inscribed to reflect power relations and interest on behalf of the mapmaker and his national empire.
2. Using the Transatlantic Slavery Database make a study of a slave ship and its transactions from port of origination through its final destination. What does the data available suggest about survivorship rates of both slaves and crew members? What other particular problems or trends are apparent from your study. Try to compare your ship with at least one other ship of the same period.
3. To what extent is slavery a product of modern world capitalism? You may wish to explore the accumulation and technical requirements imposed by capitalism on the sugar plantations. For this you could use the various pictorial engravings or other evidence of transitions in the use of slave labor on sugar plantations in the Atlantic ecoonomy. Use your readings, including the text by Thomas Benjamin and provide sources that support your answer.
4. Testimonials and Political Activism by Former Slaves in the 18th century. Take either the text by Ottobah Cugano or Olaudah Equiano and consider the remarkable life experience of these two former slaves, from their initial capture and forced enslavement through their obtaining of freedom. Consider the important influence of their active opposition to slavery through their own writing and active participation in the abolitionist movement in England.
Look through this blog.
How we'll do this together!
1) Computer lab session - we'll schedule one or more computer lab sessions. We'll also practice using the Translatlantic Sslavery Database and locating research articles from databases.
2) Divide into groups of 3 or 4. Help each other find sources and discuss what you find.
3) Document your sources and avoid plagiarism. Minimize use of quotations but provide a source when you do use them.
5) Turn in a draft by the end of Week 4 (3-4 pages minimum). I'll return comments and we'll discuss how we can develop your project further.
6) Project and summary presentation will be due by 7th week of class.
7) A short research paper (minimum of 6-8 pages double-spaced) that summarizes your research and findings must also be turned in by the 7th week. Include citations in MLA style format with a Works Cited Page.
