Course Syllabus for History 112—The American Civil War & Reconstruction Era

Spring 2005 Ginette Aley, Instructor

Office: 224 Meredith / Phone: 271-2136 ginette.aley@drake.edu

Course #112 (4537) / TR 9:30-10:45am, 234 Mere Office Hrs: M-F, 11am to noon, or by apt

Required Reading List**:

Perman, Michael. Major Problems in the Civil War & Reconstruction (1991)--Selections

McPherson, James Battle Cry of Freedom (1988)

Faust, Drew Gilpin. Mothers of Invention: Women of the Slaveholding South in the American Civil War (1996)

Robertson, James I. Soldiers Blue & Grey (1988)

Foner, Eric A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863-1877 (1990)

**And additional short readings as placed on Reserve or as found online and deemed relevant by the instructor.

Course Description, Goals, and Objectives:

In this course we will consider that period during which Americans were divided against themselves over such issues as states’ rights, the preservation of the Union, and ideas about freedom and slavery. The latter being an institution that was firmly entrenched in one region’s social structure and racial hierarchy while at the same time enmeshed in the entire nation’s political and economic fabric. Indeed, the expansion of slavery into the newly formed territories is often under-appreciated by students as one of the major forces in both America’s westward expansion and in precipitating secession and war. This course will examine a number of important and revealing tensions leading up to and coursing throughout the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods, as we note the rhetoric of the war change from a focus on preserving the Union to a struggle for freedom.

We will keep asking the question: How did Americans experience, negotiate, and overcome this period? What made their experiences different? On what were they united? To this end we will spend much time in exploring first-hand accounts. My goal as your instructor is to foster your learning about this period and to assist you in broadening your understanding. Don’t just read…question, contemplate, challenge, work-through, and open your mind to learning. Let’s use our class meetings to create dynamic forums for all of this.

Readings:

Readings and topics are arranged by units which I will forward by email and then post to our course web site. You will note that the amount is heavy and yet varies, so please plan your study time accordingly. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to keep up with your readings—and how easy it will be to fall behind and get frustrated. It goes without saying that your learning is enhanced by also taking (and frequently reviewing) notes as you read.

What to take notes on in your reading? You will find that memorizing dates is less important than learning the material by understanding the topics themselves and then their places in time.

Course Format: Discussion, Course Web Site, Course Web Links, and Email:

Be prepared to engage and discuss our readings the entire semester. The course web site for History 112 will be: http://www.drake.edu/artsci/faculty/galey/Index.htm I strongly encourage the class to check it periodically for additional information and relevant web sites. For example, modifications to the reading schedule as well as exam tips and sample questions will be posted to the site to assist you in doing well in this course. PLEASE NOTE: I rely upon email communication with my students, especially in this course, so please read my messages or you might miss out on pertinent information.

Assignments and Grading;

You will be graded on 2 essay exams (mid-term & final), your contribution to class discussions based upon your readings, a 10-12 page paper due at the end of the semester, and a brief presentation of research on a top that interests you related to the course. These will be discussed more in class. Given the nature of this course your class attendance is expected.

Grading Scale:

A 92-100%

B 82-91%

C 72-81%

D 62-69%

F 61% & below

Make-ups and Due Date Policy:

I do not like giving make-up exams and will only do so under the most dire of circumstances, followed-up with you providing me with all of the necessary documentation. Even then, make-up exams will only be given within 24 hrs. of your scheduled exam.

I do not accept late assignments.

Grade Distribution:

33 1/3% -2 essay and ids exams

33 1/3% -discussion participation, attendance, and brief presentation of research topic

33 1/3% -a 10-12 page formal paper on a topic related to the course, based upon primary and some secondary sources.

**Readings, topics, and exam dates are subject to modification at the instructor’s discretion.

**The Final Exam for Hist 112 is Mon. May 9, 2-3:50.

**Academic integrity policies will be vigorously upheld in this course—no form of cheating or dishonesty will be tolerated.

**If you need an academic accommodation, please let me know as soon as possible.