Prof. John Rosser

The course is an inquiry into the origins of “modernity” (c. 1350-1800) by considering European capitalism, early colonialism, New World slavery, religious warfare, political revolutions (e.g., the French and Haitian revolutions), the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.  Looked at another way, the course is chiefly about the first global economy and European greed, racism, exploitation, and fanaticism, out of which, in the 18th century, emerged the struggle for toleration and “human rights.”  The seemingly inherent contradictions in the development of western society during these centuries are what the professor attempts to resolve.

Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00