This readings course will introduce students to recent scholarly work and interpretations concerning the coming, conduct, and consequences of the American Civil War. It is not a course in military history, but will look at studies concerning the making and implementation of policy, the impact of war on civilians, the destruction of slavery, the experience of emancipation, and other topics. Students will meet each week to discuss common readings and prepare papers that explore the literature on different topics in depth. This course is a reading colloquium that will focus on the American Southwest from the pre-Columbian area to the present day. Students will read materials for each of these and be expected to discuss relevant issues.
Book reviews as well as longer written assignments are required.
The countries covered range from Great Britain moving eastward to, and including, Russia. During the nineteenth century European men and women of all countries experienced some of the most dramatic and enduring changes in their daily family lives. Daily family lives among the poor assumed different dimensions as the century evolved. Men's responsibilities toward the family ranged from breadwinner to deadbeat. Women constantly strove to balance their productive and reproductive lives, with or without the support of kin, neighbors, charity or welfare.