Colonial New York: Origins of a City, 1600-1800 module (HY42037)

This module explores the exciting early history of New York City and its environs. It is divided into three parts.

In the first section, 'Origins', the module explores Dutch perceptions of the New World prior to Henry Hudson's voyage in 1609 and his motivations for exploring the river that now bears his name.

The second section, 'Trade and Settlement', explores the Dutch West India Company's efforts in the Hudson Valley, highlighting the establishment of trading posts, military strongholds, and the colonization under the aegis of Dutch patroons. This section examines the colonial society established by Dutch traders, farmers, soldiers and colonial officials, along with their interactions with enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples who had lived in the Hudson Valley for centuries.

The final section, 'Legacies', analyses the impact of the English capture of New Amsterdam in 1664, renaming it New York. It questions whether New Amsterdam was already a global hub as claimed by Russell Shorto, or if its global significance grew significantly after the English takeover. It also considers continuity and change in Dutch colonial culture and society in the context of the Thirteen Colonies, as well as New York's enduring Dutch legacy right up to the twenty-first century.

Overall, this module offers a fascinating insight into the early history of one of the world’s most famous cities.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• explore Dutch perspectives on the New World before Hudson's 1609 voyage
• examine the Dutch West India Company's grand strategy of trade, conquest and settlement in the Atlantic World, in particular how it applied to the Hudson Valley
• analyse the various factors involved in the English take-over of New Amsterdam in 1664 and its short-term and long-term consequences

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate an extensive, primary source-based knowledge of the history of New Amsterdam and New York in the period 1600-1800
• use and critically evaluate a range of primary sources
• demonstrate familiarity with debates among historians about the role of New Amsterdam and New York in early America

Assignments / assessment

This module is assessed differently depending on the semester it is taught in:

Semester 1:

• in-class presentation (15%)
  • 20 minutes
• essay (25%)
• module portfolio (60%)

Semester 2:

• coursework (60%)
  • in-class presentation (15%)
    • 20 minutes
  • module portfolio (45%)
• unseen written exam (40%)
  • two hours

Teaching methods / timetable

• weekly student-led seminars
  • three hours with breaks
• virtual learning environment (VLE)
  • online learning materials
  • formative feedback on draft module portfolio entries in the first half of the semester (if submitted on time)

You will receive formative feedback on their module portfolio in the first half of the semester if you submit draft entries on time.