This course explores antebellum America, the expansion of slavery in the South, the deepening social and ideological divisions between the North and the South, the Civil War, and the reintegration of the union. Special attention will be paid to the cultural values that divided the nation, the experiences of African-Americans, and the meaning of this seminal event in America's past. This course covers selected ideas, ideologies, and intellectual movements from the early modern period to contemporary times. On each occasion the course is offered, it will concentrate on a particular set of themes and specific time period within modern European history. Possible topics for seminars include the transformation of the concepts of progress and reason, the development of historical consciousness and social theory, and the contemporary exploration of language and the psyche.
Internships are available to majors upon submission of a written proposal.
They are arranged individually, usually with local organizations or agencies, such as the Ohio Historical Association. The number of credit hours varies with the program agreed upon. Proposals must be submitted no later than three weeks before the end of the term preceding the term in which the internship begins. Approval from the department must be granted before registering for the internship.