HIS/AMS
2009
The American Civil War
Prof. Colin Morris
Reid 412 (x5144)
morrisc@mville.edu
In this course, we
examine the origins, course and consequences of “the most important event in
the history of the United States” (Levine).
We explore the political, economic, social and moral significance of the
course of events for Americans Northern and Southern, free and enslaves, rural
and urban, on the battlefields and at home.
Our investigations will focus on selected writings from the era,
interpretive sources and documentary film.
Required readings:
Alexander Gardner’s Sketchbook of the Civil
War
Bruce Levine, Half Slave and Half Free: The Roots of Civil
War
James M. McPherson, What They Fought For, 1861-65
Abraham Lincoln, Great Speeches
Shelby Foote, Stars in Their Courses: The Gettysburg
Campaign
Gabor S. Borritt,
ed., Why The Confederacy Lost
NOTE: Additional readings will
be handed out in class.
Course Requirements:
Written assignments
(2): 25%
Mid-term exam: 25%
Final exam: 25%
In-class
participation: 25%
NOTE: Deadlines for written
work are strict. Extensions must be
requested in advance.
Office: Reid 412
Phone: 323-5144
Email: morrisc@mville.edu