Prospectus

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Trade for Slave Societies: The Rise and Fall of Sint-Eustatius, 1775-1785

Course
2009-2010

This research seminar focuses on the rise and decline of the Dutch Caribbean colony of Sint-Eustatius (Statia), 1770-1785. The small island had a short-lived but pivotal role as a centre of legal and illegal trade in commodities and slaves in the northern Atlantic. Its population increased from some 2,000 around 1760 to 8,000 by 1790, with slaves making up the majority of the population. Through archival research, we will make an attempt to reconstruct the circulation of people, goods and ideas through Statia as well as the internal social history of the so-called Golden Rock that was ransacked by the British admiral Rodney in 1781 because of its infringement to British commercial interest and, a good alibi, its ‘first salute’ to the American flag.

Language of instruction

English and Dutch requested for literature and archival research (all archival sources will be in Dutch).

Admission requirements

Advance reading of ca. 200 pages of literature, see Required reading below.

Time Table

Semester II, see timetables.

Method of Instruction

  • Archival research (National Archives, the Hague)

  • Discussion of literature and research papers

Attendance is compulsory (see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).

Course objectives

Introduction to Caribbean social history and slavery. Acquisition of skills in archival research and writing and defense of research paper. Llibrary: skills in library and archival.

Required reading

Requisite advance reading: ca. 200 pages of literature, deposited at the KITLV library, Reuvensplaats 2 (opposite Lipsius). Additional literature list to be compiled and studied by the students during the course.

Examination

Attendance at meetings is obligatory. Participation in discussion of literature and research paper (25 %). Resarch paper (75 %).

Information

With the tutor: Prof.dr. G.J. Oostindie

Enrolment

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