Introductory description

This module considers the history of cultural interactions between different parts of the world, especially in the exchange of material artefacts, knowledge, and trade in the period 1500-1800. This one-term module follows the circulation of silver, commodities such as spices, porcelain and textiles, plants and diseases, as well as technology and ideas. It deals with the connections created between empires and across cultural and religious divides. Such contacts could lead to peace and prosperity but also to war, enslavement and destruction.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Empires and Global Connections, 1500-1800
Week 2: Silk and South American Silver in Asia and Europe
Week 3: Moving Plants, Diseases and Animals
Week 4: War and Imperial Expansion
Week 5: Maritime Empires and the East and West India Companies
Week 6: Reading week
Week 7: Diplomatic Gifts and Material Culture
Week 8: Scientific Knowledge and the Enlightenment
Week 9: Slavery in Global History
Week 10: Exploration and Knowledge of the Pacific

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of non-European histories, and their connections with and impact on early modern and 18th century European history.
• Communicate ideas and findings, adapting to a range of situations, audiences and degrees of complexity.
• Generate ideas through the analysis of a broad range of primary source material.
• Analyse and evaluate the contributions made by existing scholarship.
• Act with limited supervision and direction within defined guidelines, accepting responsibility for achieving deadlines.

Indicative reading list

Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module can be found on

Subject specific skills

See learning outcomes.

Transferable skills

See learning outcomes.