In this course, we explore the developments and aftermaths of Portuguese and Spanish expansion across vast swathes of ocean, lands and people between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries. Our studies will take us from the peninsular kingdoms of Iberia and islands of the 'Atlantic Mediterranean' through regions of north and western Africa, Macau and India, to the Americas and Philippines archipelago. We seek to understand universalizing visions of Christian crusade and mission, conquest and trade which emanated from the contested heartlands of Spain and Portugal. But our emphases will fall even more squarely on the myriad consequences of these visions and expansions, on the religious and cultural transformations and on artistic expressions which transpired. Time and again, with only idiosyncratically and fragmentarily reported episodes to go on, we will take up the challenge of interpreting the thoughts and interactions of different kinds of people in colonial settings.

Class format: We will proceed through a mix of lecture presentations, open and group discussions, and writing assignments that will develop your creativity as well as your capacity for research. We will blend close consideration of different primary sources (including texts, visual images, objects, and spaces created in the time) and secondary readings (the interpretations of modern scholars) with forays into popular, fictional and filmic representations.

Course requirements: Students will be evaluated according to: participation in discussion, response papers and presentations; and a series of short (take-home) writing assignments. There are no examinations.

Intended audience: While the course is designed for third-year undergraduates, fourth-years are welcome, as are second-years with background knowledge of and/or keen interest in the historical subjects at hand. That said, curious historical interpreters at any stage, and from any disciplinary background, will not be out of place.