070287 KU Working Skills in Global History (2016W)

Using piracy as a case study, the proposed course provides students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the techniques, analytical tools and theories of Global History. The topic has been chosen to cover as broad a scope as possible, both chronologically and geographically: Featuring the Cilician Pirates of the ancient Mediterranean, the Vikings and so-called "Likedeelers" of medieval northern Europe, the "Golden Age of Piracy" in the early modern Caribbean, Corsairs in North Africa and Wokou raiders in East Asia as well as present-day pirates in Somalia and Indonesia, the course will address piracy as a global phenomenon throughout the ages.
Since piracy depends on the existence of long-distance maritime trade networks, the topic lends itself to an introduction into the techniques and problems associated with globalization. Students will be able to develop their competences in the analysis of connections and interdependencies between different regions of the world. Furthermore, they will be instructed in comparative research that allows them to discern parallels as well as regional particularities when analyzing a worldwide phenomenon such as piracy. The course's longue durée approach will enable the students to utilize these skills in their own field of specialization, from ancient to contemporary history.
Each session will consist of presentations given by the lecturers, student contributions (such as short presentations of selected primary sources and secondary literature) as well as guided and/or open discussions.