Course content
This course will be delivered primarily on campus, with online accessibility. Most students will attend on campus; however, the course can be completed online if needed.
HIST 232 examines the life of Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) in the context of medieval and early modern world history, 1000–1650. We focus on Columbus’s life as a mariner, chart maker, explorer, imperialist and diplomat, and the historical processes set in motion by his four voyages to the Americas. Readings include extracts from the ship’s ‘log’ of Columbus—a daily record of the Voyage of Discovery that some argue is a singular, documentary link between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. We conclude with discussions on the ‘Columbian’ exchange of peoples, plants, diseases and animals, and assess the changing historical interpretations of the life and legacy of the man first called Cristoforo Colombo.
Course learning objectives
Students who pass this course should be able to:
Recognise major terms, concepts and themes in Columbus and early Atlantic studies;
demonstrate concise essay writing, which includes the ability to paraphrase secondary source information and differentiate between proper paraphrasing and unacceptable plagiarism;
state an argument and support that argument with historical evidence;
demonstrate research skills, including skills in evaluating history-content websites;
implement research and referencing skills in a formal academic essay.
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Required materials and equipment
Class representative
The class representative provides a useful way to communicate feedback to the teaching staff during the course. They also work with the VUWSA Education Office on any academic issues that arise in their course. Reps are elected by students by the third week of classes every trimester. Being a rep requires a weekly commitment.
The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington values te reo Māori. Students who wish to submit any of their assessments in te reo Māori must refer to The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb
He mea nui te reo Māori ki Te Herenga Waka. Ki te pīrangi koe ki te tuhituhi i ō aro matawai i roto i te reo Māori, tēnā me mātua whakapā atu ki te kaupapa here, The Use of Te Reo Māori for Assessment Policy - PDF 134kb
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