Course Catalogue

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This course will introduce students to the processes by which slavery and the slave trade in the British Empire were abolished. Students will learn about the impact of the slave trade to Britain's economy and the Empire, the work and successes of British abolition societies, the opposition to abolition, and the political efforts to abolish the slave trade and slavery.

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

For timetable details, please see our web pages University of Glasgow - Study - Short courses

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One essay of 1500 words (75%)

One oral presentation in class (up to 10 minutes, 25%) or a short analysis/commentary of a primary source of 500 words (25%)

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to the history of abolition and emancipation in Great Britain including key figures.

■ Present and contextualise a variety of primary and secondary source materials, including artwork, texts, petitions, and political propaganda

■ Introduce students to the major and most recent debates in the historiography of British abolition

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Summarise the origins and characteristics of the popular abolition movement

■ Identify the key figures in British abolition in both the abolition societies and in the political sphere, including their actions and influence

■ Analyse primary and secondary source material to communicate effectively key ideas and major historiographical arguments on the topics of abolition and emancipation

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.