Ithaca College

Learn about white nationalism and medievalism in HIST 18500-01 or tackle a slow read and about imperialism, racism and the violence of the European encounter in Africa in HIST 20000-01.

Enroll by March 22 for HIST 18500 (White Nationalism and Medievalism) or HIST 20000 (Hearts of Darkness).

HIST 18500 01 (CRN 43517).  Block II (starts March 23) Tuesdays, 10:50-12:05.  Professor Klemm. Selected Topics in Historical Studies: Use and Misuse of History: White Nationalism and Medievalism. Medieval symbols have become a common sight at white nationalist events in recent decades, most prominently in recent memory at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville and the insurrection at the US Capitol in January. However, the association of the European Middle Ages with white identities reflects modern racisms more than medieval realities. Extremists misinterpret and appropriate medieval culture to suit their own purposes, adopting their fantasies of the Middle Ages to legitimize their ideologies. This class will look at some of these modern uses of the Middle Ages in comparison with some actual history.

HIST 20000-01 (CRN 43587).  Block II (starts March 25) Thursdays, 5:25-6:40.  Professor Freitag Hearts of Darkness  Joseph Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness is a classic work in the literature of imperialism, racism and the violence of the European encounter in Africa.  Sven Lindqvist takes Conrad as a starting point in Exterminate All the Brutes, a modern Saharan travelogue and historical reflection on the explorers, colonial officials and missionaries operating in Africa from the 18th century.  Lindqvist argues that the roots of 20th century European genocide lie in the violence of the imperialists from centuries before.  In this slow read, we will closely examine both Conrad and Lindqvist as we trace a narrative of violence that begins in heart of colonial era Africa and ends in the heart of 20th century Europe.