The American Civil War in context, 1845-1877 ADED11096E

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

The brutal American Civil War between the Union and the Confederacy saw the emergence and clash of two differing models of nationhood before the Reconstruction of the United States as we know it today. This course guides students through the causes, course and consequences of the war from 1845 to 1877; including slavery and emancipation, societal and personal experiences of total war and the ambiguous legacies of Reconstruction. Guided by talks from our expert tutor and discussion with classmates, students will have the opportunity to examine primary sources from these events, evaluate conflicting historical interpretations to understand better the social, economic and political context within which the modern USA was formed.

Timetable

Blocks1&2

Weeks 1-20

Thursday, 19:00-21:00

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessments one and two:

Two 1,500-word essays concerning figures, events and processes covered by the course (40% of the final grade each, contributing 80% of the final grade in total)

 

Assessment three:

Choose one of the following:

■ A 500-word source analysis

■ A 5 min presentation (recorded in advance or as delivered)

■ Or a 1 page (500 word poster)

explaining the political, social and/or economic significance of one primary source material from the era studied (20% of the final grade)

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to: 

■ Provide a critical overview of the key figures and events leading up to, shaping and ending the American Civil War from 1845 until 1877

■ Introduce the key political, social and economic processes that shaped these events.

■ Provide an opportunity for students to engage with both primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations relevant to these events.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify some of the key figures and events leading up to, shaping and ending the American Civil War from 1845 until 1877

■ Explain some of the key political, social and economic processes that shaped these events

■ Analyse and evaluate primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations relevant to these events.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.