HS3T101-Pirates of the Caribbean: Empire, Slavery, and Society, 1550-1750

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Richard Blakemore
Email: r.blakemore@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this course we will examine the question of piracy in terms of its popular connotations, legal definition, social dimensions, and its importance for the growth of early modern empires, with specific reference to the Caribbean from the mid-sixteenth to the mid-eighteenth century.

Aims:

Part 3 Options involve the study of specific periods, subjects or types of history.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to: 

• identify and explain the main issues and events studied


• appraise critically the primary sources and historiographical interpretations of the subject


• assess the nature of social, economic, political and cultural change and the particular methodologies associated with tracing it


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively indifferent kinds of written exercises and orally


• locate and assemble bibliographic and other information by independent research, using IT as appropriate

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student’s effectiveness in group situations and team-working. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and databases, where appropriate.

Outline content:

Pirates are some of the most familiar stereotypical figures, appearing regularly in popular culture of all kinds. They have proved equally fascinating to historians, who have variously characterised them as violent scoundrels, as aggressive imperialists, or as radical anarchists and sexual revolutionaries; scholars continue to debate the exact historical meanings of piracy. In this course we will examine the question of piracy in terms of its popular connotations, legal definition, social dimensions, and its importance for the growth of early modern empires, with specific reference to the Caribbean from the mid-sixteenth to the mid-eighteenth century. This era was not only the heyday of Atlantic piracy, it was also a period when the Caribbean was transformed and new societies emerged based upon continuous warfare, trade, and slavery, and which integrated African, American, and European cultures. Piracy held a central and yet paradoxical position in this transformation, simultaneously allowing empires to exert power over their colonies and to compete with rivals, while also challenging central authority and societal norms. We will explore the structure of the Spanish empire in the Caribbean at the beginning of the sixteenth century; the development of French, English, and Dutch piracy against Spanish colonies and shipping; the resulting political, economic, and social dynamics in the Caribbean (including the impact of the transatlantic slave trade); and the changing cultural and legal definitions of piracy, as imperial governments sought to control and suppress the violence on which they had once relied.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars, requiring preparatory reading and investigation, may include informal and interactive presentations by the module teacher; structured group discussion; short seminar papers by students; occasional tutorials; team-based simulation exercises and debates; examination of primary and secondary sources, as appropriate. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		20	1
Project Supervision		1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40
Wider reading (directed)		40
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for presentations		3
Revision and preparation			35
Essay preparation		30
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0	164	36
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour paper requiring two answers to be taken at the time of Part 3 examinations.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will produce one coursework portfolio of 2,500 words, to be handed in by 12 noon on the Monday of week 9 of term, which should be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Five marks will be deducted if the coursework portfolio exceeds 2,625 words (i.e. 5% over the word limit).

Formative assessment methods:

1,000 words or 2 pages of A4 maximum to include, at the module convenor’s discretion, an essay plan, bibliography, book review or other preparatory work towards the summative essay.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the third Friday of August.

A candidate who has failed or has not achieved at least Third Class Honours in the Final Examination for a Bachelor’s degree at the first attempt shall have the right to be re-assessed on only one further occasion at the next opportunity (normally August), and, if they elect to be re-assessed, may only be re-assessed in those modules in the Final Part in which they achieved less than 40. Subject to this restriction, a re-examinee may select those modules in which they wish to be re-assessed. A re-examinee will be given a mark for the re-assessed module which reflects the candidate’s performance in the re-assessment. This mark will be recorded on the candidate’s transcript and Diploma Supplement. However, the mark to be used in determining the classification is the higher of (a) the first attempt mark or (b) the lower of 40 and the mark achieved in the re-examination. A candidate who is re-assessed in the Final Part of a Bachelor’s degree shall be eligible for classified Honours, which shall be determined on the basis of the full array of marks relevant to classification, including capped re-assessment marks. The classification itself is not capped. The registration of a candidate who fails the Final Examination at the second attempt shall be terminated and shall not normally be permitted to register for an alternative programme at the same or a higher level. Candidates whose registration is terminated due to failure in the Final Examination may be eligible for a lesser award.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023