This course takes a global perspective on the history of the seas from the fifteenth century until the twentieth century. Most histories focus on human societies on land and view the oceans as largely empty spaces between different landmasses. Instead, this course demonstrates that the seas were vital arenas of human activity and exploitation of marine resources. The oceans were conduits for the circulation of goods, people, technologies and ideas. Knowledge of human interaction with marine environments therefore adds an important dimension to our understanding of the histories of commerce, law, warfare, travel and migration.