A Deep Dive into the Indian Ocean: From Prehistory to the Modern Day

Catalog description

The Indian Ocean has formed an enduring connection between three continents, countless small islands and has become the focus of increasing interest in this geographically vast and culturally diverse region. This course explores a range of issues, from the nature and dynamics of colonization and cultural development as a way of understanding the human experience in this part of the world, to topics such as food, disease, and heritage. The course studies the many ways in which research in the Indian Ocean has a direct impact on our ability to compare developments in the Atlantic and Pacific. Classes will initially take a longitudinal perspective, looking at the major changes over time to have impacted communities in the Indian Ocean. The course will then explore key topics: maritime endeavor, food, and labor, with particular emphasis on the colonial period and influence of Europeanization. Throughout the course, stress is placed on how archaeo-historic datasets can inform our understanding; however, the course will also be enriched through the inclusion of evidence and perspectives from anthropology and art.