In this survey course students will examine human history through the double lens of boats and oceans. The approach will combine the structures and conjunctures of world history with thematic inquiries around social and cultural problems -- particularly during the 'age of sail' -- such as war, economy, technology, race, gender, discipline, and empire. In addition, throughout the semester student teams will do research and writing on the history of Middletown from the perspective of water transport; this work will form the basis for a multilayered website provisionally entitled 'Middletown and the World.' |