EDUA 5228 History of Slavery in America
HISTORY OF SLAVERY IN AMERICA: 1600s-1800s
Slavery is inexorably entwined with the history of American economics, politics, culture, and race relations. For students to fully understand America in the past and today, it is crucial to learn about the institution and practices of slavery, how and why Americans brought slaves to the colonies, the hardships of slavery, and the key people and events involved with fighting – and perpetuating – slavery.
This course traces the history of slavery from the early 17th century to the brink of the Civil War. Teachers will learn about the early slave trade, the inequities and horrors of slavery, and slaves' and abolitionists’ struggles to end American slavery. After taking this course, the teacher will be able to educate students about the experiences of slaves in Africa, on plantations, and during resistance and escape; and the ways in which slavery influenced American culture, politics, and economic structure. Finally, the teacher will gain concrete and actionable instructional strategies to help students grasp the experience and suffering of slaves, understand the rationalizations of pro-slavery whites, and gain a deep understanding of how slavery finally came to an end.