220016 Race in the Caribbean in 19th Century (GSH+GST) (WiSe 2023/2024)

The term race and the practice of race-making have stratified humans into a hierarchy that has set Europe at the top, but it is important to look at the term’s history and how such practices developed, with the 19th century being a dynamic period of transformation. The term race and practices of race-making changed throughout the centuries and altered to spatially and historically bound interests.

In our seminar, we will explore the history of the term race and race-making from early modernity onwards. Our primary focus will lie in the 19th-century Caribbean (Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba) with a plethora of different colonial contexts. We will read secondary literature as well as translated sources. The class will take place on Fridays from noon to 2 pm. Good English skills (reading and speaking) are required to be able to read the texts as well as take part in the discussions. If you don’t know whether your English is sufficient or not, you can contact either one of us in advance.