The Uncommon History of Slavery Inspired by Thomas Sowell

This course presents a rarely taught, comprehensive view of the global history of slavery, challenging the narrow focus often given to slavery in North America. Inspired by the work of economist and author Thomas Sowell, this course will explore the vast and complex history of slavery, examining its existence across different cultures and continents. Students will trace the efforts led by the English to abolish slavery, confronting the often-overlooked resistance from many non-Western societies and cultures. By critically analysing how slavery was a worldwide practice, this course aims to expose the selective retelling of history by modern movements that focus on North American slavery, often overlooking broader contexts and narratives. Key Topics: 1. Global History of Slavery: A survey of where and how slavery existed across civilizations. 2. The Role of the English in Abolishing Slavery: The leadership of the British Empire in ending slavery worldwide. 3. Resistance to Abolition: Exploring the cultural and political forces in non-Western countries that resisted anti-slavery efforts. 4. The Victim Industry and Postmodern Narratives: Examining how modern victim-focused narratives distort the historical reality of slavery’s global scope. This short course offers an eye-opening investigation into slavery's true history, encouraging students to think critically about the selective narratives of today and develop a more balanced understanding of one of history’s most pervasive practices.