The Dutch East India Company (VOC) played a crucial role in mapping the Indian Ocean World. This seminar will investigate the operation of this huge information gathering exercise, its historical background (i.e. the political and/or economic rationale) and its impact on the early modern Asian regions from the Red Sea to the South China Sea. Although research will be based at the National Archives in Den Haag, VOC-mapping will be compared to contemporary mapping traditions in the various regions involved. As part of their final paper, students write brief map histories/descriptions (for a particular region) which may be used for the ongoing project De Grote Atlas van de VOC, delen VI en VII (zie http://www.asiamaior.nl).
Time Table
Semester I, see timetables.
Method of Instruction
Lecture, tutorial and research in situ; attendance is compulsory (see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).
Course objectives
Insights in the process of early-modern mapping in its historical and cross-cultural context.
Independent research based on primary materials.
Required reading
Reference material:
K. Zandvliet, Mapping for Money: Maps, Plans and Topographic Paintings and their Role in Dutch Overseas Expansion during the 16th and 17th Centuries (Amsterdam, 2002).
J.B. Harley & David Woodward, The History of Cartography, Vol. 2, Book 1 & 2 (Chicago & London, 1992-1994).
Examination
Research paper.
Information
With the tutor: dr. J.L. Gommans
Blackboard/website
Yes.
Enrolment
Please use this form to apply for MA courses.