International Slavery Studies MA

University of Liverpool

Join a programme that places you at the forefront of investigations into the histories, legacies and commemorations of human enslavement and unfree labour. This MA combines historical perspectives with global insights into modern manifestations of slavery, forced labour and human trafficking.IntroductionExploring the history of unfree labour and examining modern slavery, this MA reflects a growing interest in the histories and afterlives of transatlantic slavery.The programme connects the local and the global. We’ll reflect, for example, on Liverpool’s role as the former ‘capital of the slave trade’ and review slave and unfree labour across different time periods and geographical locations.We’ll challenge you to analyse historical forms of slavery and critique modern responses to human trafficking. Evaluating the legacies of slavery in contemporary society, you’ll apply critical and literary theories to different representations of slavery. Links with resistance, protest and activism will also be considered.You’ll benefit from our unique relationship with the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool. Working with the Museum’s staff, you’ll study the commemoration and memorialisation of slavery. An optional project-based placement provides further opportunity to gain practical experience with a museum, archive or charity.Membership of the University’s Centre for the Study of International Slavery will enable you to access a variety of seminars and conferences. You’ll meet international speakers at these events, attend talks and discuss cutting-edge research into historical and contemporary manifestations of slavery.What you'll learnAdvanced knowledge and understanding of slavery and unfree labour, both historically and in the modern worldKey methodologies and practices in international slavery researchA range of chronological, geographical and cultural contexts for enslavement, forced labour and human traffickingThe histories and afterlives of transatlantic slavery, including the role of the city of LiverpoolThe challenges of modern slavery as a subject of academic studyConnections between slavery and activism, resistance and protest, as well as migration and human rightsHow slavery is represented in films, images, novels and other media