Description
How did societies trade in the past, long before the advent of airplanes, GPS, and Google maps? In this course, students will learn some basic economic trade theory while also using Tanzania as a case study for an investigation of trade patterns and other issues related to trade in Pre-modern times. The region of Africa that now forms the nation-state called Tanzania had a rich history long before European colonial powers arrived, including several city-states that accumulated substantial wealth during the 12th through 15th centuries. This course examines the "Swahili Coast," its trade, production technology, and relationships with places in the Eastern part of the world, such as Persia and India. The course also will place some emphasis on studying the relationships between Tanzania today and present-day Arab states. It draws on academic disciplines such as economics, archaeology, history, and the natural sciences. Readings may include The Swahili World by Stephanie Wynne-Jones and Adria LaViolette, Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast by Felix Chami, The Indian Ocean by Michael Pearson, Navigation through the Ages by Donald Launer, Science and Human Values by Jacob Bronowski, The Archaeology of Money by Colin Haselgrove, and The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
Notes
The Gallatin School allows students to freely register for most courses through the end of the first week of classes. Beginning on the first day of the second week of class, students will require permission from the instructor in order to register for this class.
Type
Interdisciplinary Seminars
Instruction Mode
In-person