Ithaca College

The History Department has added History 262 (The History of Commodities in the Americas) to the schedule.  It is a Quest for a Sustainable Future course.

HIST 26200 The History of Commodities in the Americas (LA)

Examines the relationship of commodities to the larger fabric of Atlantic world history since the 15th century, exploring how the material world shapes social, political, and economic behaviors and attitudes. Considers how historians, scientists, economists, and other social scientists, have interpreted the social, political, environmental, and economic significance of particular commodities. Central to the course is a focus on how commodities have shaped the relationship between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. This course addresses material goods (sugar, cod, fertilizer, etc.) as commodities, as well as the history of human trafficking, from the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade to modern day slavery. Cross-listed with ENVS 26200; students cannot take both HIST 26200 and ENVS 26200 for credit. This course counts toward the global history requirement for history department majors. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above.