Slaves, Serfs, and Servants in Pre-Modern Europe
History · 3 hrs Lecture/Seminar
Offered: Fall Or Winter Or Spring
No prerequisites listed, you can take this course without prior coursework.
Description
This part-lecture, part-seminar course examines the multi-faceted dimensions of servility in pre-Modern Europe. Through the lens of primary and secondary sources, students gain an appreciation for the varied mechanisms under which women and men, young and old, were indentured in pre-industrial societies, and develop a critical understanding of the ideologies that justified the categorization of humankind along their servile status. The time frame and geographical focus may vary from year to year, but the course content covers primarily the institutions of slavery and other forms of servitude in Western Europe, c.1400-c.1700. Students are expected to read primary and secondary sources, and participate actively in course discussions.
From the 2026-27 undergraduate calendar. Always verify details on WebAdvisor or with an academic advisor before registering.