History 12: The American Civil War
Professor Sheila Culbert
The American Civil War was a defining moment in American history. This course examines the causes of the conflict, the war itself, the period of Reconstruction up to 1877, as well as the meaning of the conflict today. Topics discussed in the course include the political developments in both the north and the south, the question of race and slavery, emancipation, the participation of African Americans in the war, the women's rights movement and the involvement of women in the war, the diplomatic conduct of the war, military developments, and advances in medicine. The social and economic aspects of the war receive as much emphasis as military and political developments.
Required Texts:
Robert Bonner, The Soldier's Pen
William Cooper, Jefferson Davis, American
Abraham Lincoln, Great Speeches
James McPherson What They Fought For, 1861-65
Harriet Jacobs, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Michael Perman, Major Problems in the Civil War and Reconstruction
Assignments:
A Midterm Examinations: 30 percent of grade
Paper: 30 percent of grade
Final Examination: 35 percent of grade
Class Participation: 5 percent of grade each
All missed assignments will be downgraded and repeated absences will also result in a lower grade. The honor principle is in operation in the course--students are expected to submit their own work for the assignments and other class activities. Please refer to Sources for information on the honor principle and on citing sources, and, if in doubt, come speak to me.
Class participation: students are expected to engage actively in the class. Class participation includes coming to class, participating in discussions, and reading and commenting on each other's papers on the class web site. Class participation will account for 5 percent of your grade.
Students with disabilities, including invisible disabilities, should come and talk to me about any special accommodations that they might need.
Grading
Midterm
Paper
Final
Class participation |
30 %
30 %
35 %
5 %
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Office Hours
My office is in 207 Parkhurst Hall and I have office hours on Wednesdays and Fridays 1.45 to 2.30 p.m. by appointment. I can also be reached by email.
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