On Top Of The World

In this episode, Matt and I talk to Molly Warsh, an assistant professor in the history department at Pitt and associate director at the World History Center there. We talk about her research on the pearl industry, the future of world history research, pirates (including my personal favorite) and her global piracy class (the syllabus is here), the differences between introductory and upper-level world history courses, and the gendered dynamics of class discussions. Recommendations are: Dave – Robins, Mercury, Mining, and EmpireMatt – Mintz, Sweetness and Power (NOT Richard S. Dunn, Sugar and Slaves)Molly – James, A Brief History of Seven Killings