GEOG3047

Dr Caroline Bressey

Unit Value. 0.5 unit Year: 2                        Term: 1

Synopsis

This module will explore the historical geography of the African diaspora in Britain, will particular focus on London, before 1945. The course will introduce students to the historical complexities of Black life in Britain/London from around 1700 until 1945.  It will also outline the theoretical context to issues around the Black presence in Britain, particularly theories and formations of the African Diaspora and contemporary theorisations of Diaspora, especially debates around ‘The Black Atlantic’.

Aims of the Course

The aims of the module are:

• To examine narrative reflections on black life in Britain before 1945
• To explore the methodological tools for research in black historical geography
• To explore debates around theoretical discussions of the formation of the African diaspora in Britain before 1945.
• To facilitate student-led learning through moodle forums and student lead discussion seminars.

Method of Teaching

Lectures, seminars, museum visits, and student led discussions (through presentations and moodle discussion forums).

Assessment

50% Examination

50% Essay

Key Texts

Adi, Hakim. (1998). West Africans in Britain 1900 -1960: Nationalism, Pan-Africanism and Communism. London, Lawrence and Wishart.

Equiano, Olaudah (Author), Vincent Carretta (Editor), (2003).  The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings, Penguin Classics; Rev. Ed edition

Fryer, Peter (1994) Staying Power: The history of Black People in Britain, Pluto Press

Gilroy, Paul. (1996). The Black Atlantic. London, Pluto Press

Hall, Catherine (2002). Civilising Subjects: Metropole and Colony in the English Imagination 1830-1867. Cambridge, Polity Press

Innes, C L A History of Black and Asian Writing in Britain, 1700 – 1900, Cambridge University Press,

James, C. L. R. (1994 ) The Black Jacobins. Reading, Berkshire, Cox and Wyman.

Linebaugh, Peter and Rediker, Marcus. (2000). The Many-Headed Hydra: The Hidden History of the Revolutionary Atlantic. London, Verso.

Myers, Norma. (1996). Reconstructing the Black Past: Blacks in Britain 1780-1830. London, Frank Cass.

Sherwood, Marika (2007).   After Abolition: Britain and the Slave Trade Since 1807.  London, IB Tauris