We take up this question and more, as we delve into the histories that complexly connected the conquest of Granada in Spain, to Amsterdam’s burgeoning mercantilism, to the Salem witchcraft trials. We learn about the varying perspectives that US-American presidents had on slavery, and how these ideas translated into political decisions that would impact the world for decades to come.

We engage three actors within this tradition who have worked towards equity and justice for the most. These historical actors are commonly referred to as witches, masons and the Caribbean intellectual (enslaved persons and gens de couleur libres, including opera singers, healers, doctors), and all revolutionaries.

Departing from two page-turning novels, we trace these histories and their afterlives in art, music, and general cultural practices (including the medicinal, sacred, and philosophical) as they reach into our contemporary world (for example in the music of Beyoncé). Please note that these histories are not easy, but as a professor, I strive to nurture an intimate class setting that accesses the aspirational in these complexities for our present moment. 

Coordinator

Dr. Allessandra Benedicty Kokken

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Registration

Registration is possible for students participating in an Honours program. The registration period for the Honours courses will be from Friday, November 28, 10:00 am to Tuesday, December 2, 11:59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: Placement is not guaranteed if you register after December 2, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before December 31. 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl