| Unit name | Bristol and Slavery (Level H Special Subject) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HIST30078 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Stone |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None. |
| School/department | Department of History (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
‘The bricks of Bristol are baked in the blood of slaves.’ This quote from an eighteenth century annalist sums up one of the most controversial debates in Britain’s (and particularly Bristol’s) economic history – how significant was the contribution of exploited African slaves to the growth of Britain’s economy and society? This unit takes an innovative approach to assessing this impact, and slavery’s ongoing legacy. Previous studies have sought to trace the destination of slave derived wealth, naming names of great institutions and individuals which benefitted from this blood money. Using the city of Bristol as a case study, however, we will take the opposite approach, tracing how and why the city developed in the era of the slave trade from the ground up, and then assessing the role which slavery played in this. We will look at the growth of trade and industry in the city, as well as the gentrification and ‘Urban Renaissance’ which Bristol experienced in the eighteenth century. We will also consider the extent to which Bristol can be used as a case study for the impact of slavery on Britain as a whole, and finally examine the much contested question of how slavery is remembered and commemorated today. Engaging closely with material in the local archives and Bristol’s own special collections, the unit forms an ideal accompaniment for those undertaking dissertations focused on local research.
By the end of this unit, successful students will be able to demonstrate:
Classes will involve a combination of class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
1 x 3500-word Essay (50%) [ILOs 1-6]; 1 x Timed Assessment (50%) [ILOs 1-6]
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. HIST30078).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
