HIST 2381

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - September 22, 2025 1:06PM EDT

HIST 2381
Corruption, Collusion, and Commerce in Early America and the Caribbean

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Corruption in politics and economics has become a significant issue in the modern world. This course introduces students to the study of corruption and collusion from the perspective of early America and the Caribbean from 1500 through 1800. By examining the historical evolution of corruption, the course addresses questions such as: What is corruption and, by contrast, what is good governance? Who creates law and when is it enforced? Can societies be corrupt or only institutions? And, does economic corruption help or hurt financial development? Our readings and discussion will examine the intersection of politics, culture, gender, and economics. We will reflect on how early Americans understood corruption and collusion and what that can tell us about similar modern issues. In the end, the course focuses on the concept of corruption as a complex social function through the lens of bribery, piracy, sex crimes, and other forms of social deviancy.


Distribution Requirements (HA-AG), (HST-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025SP, 2021FA, 2020FA

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Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one seminar and one independent study. Combined with: AMST 2381, LATA 2381

  • 4 Credits Graded

  •  8405 HIST 2381   SEM 101

  •  
    • TR
    • Jan 20 - May 5, 2026

    • Schmitt, C

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  •  8406 HIST 2381   IND 601

  •  
    • Jan 20 - May 5, 2026

    • Schmitt, C

  • Instruction Mode: Independent Studies