HIST 269 – Between Paradise and Terror: Caribbean Slavery and Colonialism

Four credits; FDR-HU; EXP
Week 1 on campus; weeks 2 & 3 in Barbados; week 4 on campus
Professors Nneka Dennie and Adrienne Jones

As Britain's first and most profitable slave society, Barbados was the linchpin to Britain's Caribbean colonial enterprise. The Barbados colony also originated the repressive plantation system that would later be exported to Jamaica and the American South. Despite its centuries-long history of racial terror, because it is a tropical island and popular tourist destination, to many visitors, Barbados is paradise. By juxtaposing Barbados's dual significance as a site of paradise and terror, students will examine histories of slavery and colonialism in the Caribbean, as well as the strengths and limitations of public history. Students will synthesize primary sources, secondary sources, museum exhibits, and historical tours. Particular attention will be paid to how the history of Barbados is presented and/or obscured at notable historical and cultural sites including museums and plantations. Additional topics for consideration include women's experiences during slavery, the natural environment, decolonization, and contemporary legacies of slavery and colonialism.

Program fee (paid to W&L): $4,510
Includes: **airfare**, programming, room, some meals (daily breakfast and ~1 dinner), most in-country transportation, and transportation to the airport from W&L.

Additional costs: books, some meals, cell phone, spending money, passport, and visa fees (if applicable).

For further details, please reach out to Professor Dennie (ndennie@wlu.edu) or Professor Jones (ajones@wlu.edu).

The information session for this course will take place on October 6th at 7:00 pm in Elrod Commons, room 216.

Start New Application OR Resume Application

Applications open October 7th, 2025.