This course will draw upon a rich array of archaeological and historical sources to examine the outfitting and sailing of wooden ships between 1400 and 1900, a period popularly known as “The Age of Sail.” Emphasis will be placed upon two areas of particular interest to the nautical archaeologist: 1) the use, chronological development and nomenclature of seafaring technology; 2) the operational aspects of seafaring (the tools, techniques, and daily routines of seafarers during the Age of Sail).

Outfitting and Sailing the Wooden Ship, 1400-1900: Course Requirements 

This course will meet once a week on Tuesday mornings from 9 to noon for lectures by Dr. Crisman or guest speakers. Questions and comments are strongly encouraged, as is the taking of detailed notes (two short exams will test your knowledge of the material covered in the lectures and readings). Outside of class your attention should be directed to two projects (described below). Project 2 will be especially time-intensive, and all participants are encouraged to get an early start on the research and drafting. Please keep Dr. Crisman up to date on your progress and bring in drawings for regular review

Read and review of a primary account of seafaring (a journal or memoir) (30% of final grade)

Select an original journal or memoir describing a voyage, a series of voyages, or a career at sea (see the Hakluyt Society publications for examples). Your selection must be approved by Dr. Crisman beforehand. Prepare an 8-10 page (+ bibliography and illustrations) review that provides a historical context for the account and summarizes the book’s contents, highlighting references to the outfitting and sailing of vessels. This might include, but does not have to be limited to, the topics listed in your syllabus. What does this account tell us about contemporary ship construction and seafaring technology, seafaring practices, or shipboard life and routines? How useful is it likely to be for nautical archaeologists? What is the writer’s viewpoint – officer, ordinary sailor, or passenger? What motivated the author to write this account? How reliable does it appear to be?

Your paper should be more than just a narrative that summarizes the book’s contents. I will be expecting synthesis and analysis of the account. Reference specific pages in your text. Be scholarly and informative, yet succinct. Maps or tables summarizing voyages, vessel types, duties, or other types of data are welcome. Be sure to follow the term paper guidelines. Begin looking for your book Week 1. Complete selection and approval by Week 3. Review are due by Week 8. Late papers will receive a lower grade.

Prepare a spar and rigging plan for a sailing vessel circa 1400-1900 
(60% of final grade: 30% rig plans and 30% rig paper) 

Select a naval or merchant vessel, preferably one with a set of lines drawings, and reconstruct the sailing rig. Tables of spar dimensions or rules of proportions can be found for many vessel types, but your evidence should also include contemporary illustrations and documents, and (of course) archaeological data. Your reconstruction may depend heavily upon informed conjecture. Seek out as many sources (especially archaeological sources) as possible and build a strong case for the dimensions, arrangement, and components of your ship’s rig.

Your final results will consist of a minimum of two inked plans: 1) a mast and spar profile, and 2) the mast and spar profile showing standing and running rigging. Other drawings of rigging details are welcome. This project also includes preparation of a 10- to 15-page paper (following term paper guidelines), describing the elements, dimensions and qualities of your rig, and reviewing the evidence upon which you based your reconstruction. This is a scholarly paper – cite your sources and include a bibliography.

Your final grade will be based upon the thoroughness of your research, the detail, accuracy and neatness of your finished products and the quality and scholarship of your paper. The degree of difficulty of your project will also be factored into the final grade. You should have a hull and rig type selected no later than Week 4 (this must be approved by Dr. Crisman). The final products (inked drawings and paper) are due in Week 13. Late projects will receive a lower grade.

Two short exams. 10% of final grade. 

Your knowledge of the topics covered in this class, as well as your diligence in taking notes and reading, will be tested in two short exams (5% of final grade each) in Week 8 and Week 13. I am planning for these exams to be administered via Zoom.