American Crucible: The Era of the Civil War, 1846-1877 (U04034)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-4-U04034

The Civil War was America?s crucible: a test of national survival that transformed almost every aspect of life in the United States. Not only was slavery abolished and the nation reunited under a newly powerful central government but the meanings of American freedom and equality, of manhood and womanhood, of race and citizenship, were also redefined. These transformations are the main subject of the course. We begin by investigating the background and causes of the Civil War, go on to examine topical aspects of the war itself, such as women?s experiences, emancipation, and dissent, and finally consider the war?s consequences and its continuing significance in American historical memory.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : A pass in a third level historical course or equivalent. Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admissions Secretary to ensure that a place is available (tel. 503783).

? Prohibited combinations : HI0131, ?The Union in Crisis?

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 22 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
26/09/2008	09:00	10:50	Tutorial Room M1, Appleton Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should have demonstrated in presentations, seminar discussions, essays and exams:

? knowledge of the causes, course, and consequences of the American Civil War.

? awareness of the major historiographical debates involving the interpretation of the American Civil War era.

? the ability to evaluate critically primary sources, secondary sources and the seminar contributions of their colleagues.

? the ability to use these critical skills to advance clear, well-reasoned and independent arguments in both written and oral forms.

Assessment Information

Two essays of about 3000 words each (one third of overall assessment); two two-hour examination papers (two thirds of overall assessment). Examination marks will be double-weighted. Students will receive feedback and individual consultation on their written work.