In November 2014, I delivered a lecture on the transatlantic slave trade to Professor Junko Takeda’s Global History class, an undergraduate survey course with approximately 120 students. I independently developed the content and PowerPoint slides and then went over the materials with the professor prior to the lecture date.

This lecture has several strengths. First, I included clearly articulated learning objectives at the beginning of the PowerPoint so that students understood why I was asking them to learn the material. Second, I incorporated a film clip from the movie Amistad at the beginning of the lecture in order to promote student interest and discussion. The clip helped impress upon students the magnitude of the slave trade and the brutality of the Middle Passage. I connected the movie clip to The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, one of the assigned primary sources for the course. Finally, I included present-day examples of unfree labor at the end of the lecture in order to help students connect the historical content to present day labor issues.

If I were to deliver the lecture again, I would work to improve several parts. For example, I would reduce the amount of text on each PowerPoint slide. Second, I would strive to slow down my delivery. I speak rapidly, particularly when nervous. Overall, I feel that this was an effective lecture that promoted student learning.

To view the PowerPoint I prepared for this lecture, please click here.