IMC 2010: Sessions

Water almost fills the biosphere and dominates much of the land - affecting climate, communications, the sustainability of life and the nature and pace of social and cultural change. In the age of sail - which more or less corresponds to the period conventionally studied by historians and, to a lesser extent, thereafter - many long-range exchanges of culture, which are the essential subject-matter of world history, have depended on winds and currents. Arguing that world history must encompass maritime history, this lecture tells the story and analyzes the problem of how the sea has kept some cultures apart and brought others together, and it tries to piece together the jigsaw-puzzle of the world's seas and oceans to form a genuinely global picture.

Please note that admission to this event will be on a first-come, first-served basis. In contrast to previous years there will be no tickets for the event. Please ensure that you arrive as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The room will be open 15 minutes before the beginning of the lecture.