Ocean as Method: Thinking with the Maritime

Ocean as Method offers a fresh perspective on the humanities and social sciences by examining maritime connections and challenging national histories and area studies. The volume emphasizes the importance of considering oceans in understanding our future, particularly in light of global warming and rising sea levels. It explores various themes such as oceanic narratives, Muslim travel accounts, connections between South Africa, South Asia, and South East Asia, and compares and connects recent scholarship in the social sciences and humanities centered around the ocean.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ocean as Method presents a groundbreaking perspective on the humanities and social sciences, delving into the intricate connections between maritime realms and human endeavors. It challenges traditional national histories and area studies by advocating for a more holistic understanding of our past and future. In the face of global warming and the escalating threat of rising sea levels, the chapters within this volume argue that it is imperative to reexamine our relationship with the ocean to forge new discourses that can better equip us to navigate the challenges of our time.

The volume explores a range of compelling themes, including:

Paradigms of Oceanic Narratives: The book challenges the artificial divisions between the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, highlighting the interconnectedness of continents through trade, migration, and economic processes. It seeks to transcend the boundaries imposed by geographical boundaries and explore the rich tapestry of oceanic connections.

Oceanic Travel Accounts: The volume examines oceanic travel accounts by Muslim travelers, challenging the notion that the colonial era was solely characterized by European journeys to Asia and Africa. It highlights the significant counterflow of "native travel," shedding light on the complex interconnections and exchanges that took place across the ocean.

Connections between South Africa, South Asia, and South East Asia: Through the lens of histories of Indian indenture and the slave trade, the book explores the intricate connections between South Africa, South Asia, and South East Asia. It examines the ways in which the ocean played a central role in shaping these regions' histories and explores the enduring legacies of forced migration and economic exploitation.

Comparisons and Connections: The volume compares and connects recent scholarship in the social sciences and the humanities that centers on the ocean, seeking to break away from inherited paradigms that have shaped world history thus far. It encourages a fresh perspective on our past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between human societies and the vast oceanic realm.

As a unique transdisciplinary collaboration, Ocean as Method offers immense value to scholars and researchers across a wide range of disciplines, including history, historiography, critical theory, literature, geography, and Global South studies. It provides a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives that challenge our preconceived notions and inspire us to reimagine our relationship with the ocean and its profound impact on our collective history and future.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032246772