Courses taught:

FS HIS 201—Nationalism and the American Civil War
An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of history, focusing on the development of nationalism in the Union and Confederacy during the American Civil War. Students briefly explore the pre-war development of American nationalism and examine in depth the development of nationalist sentiments in the North and South during the war. Among the issues discussed as slavery and emancipation, liberty and war, and the roles of dissent in wartime.

History 162—History of the United States to 1865
An examination of the forces that have shaped the experiences of theAmerican people from the age of discovery through the Civil War. The course focuses on the development of Anglo-American colonial society, the foundation of the new nation, the reforms of the Jacksonian Era, the causes of sectionalism, and the crisis of the Civil War.

History 255—African-American History to 1865
An examination of the history of African-Americans from their earliest appearance in America to the end of the Civil War. Issues such as slavery, slave society and economy, African-Americans and the American Revolution, African-Americans and the Civil War, and the abolition of slavery are explored.

History 259—The American Civil War and Reconstruction
An examination of the era of Civil War and Reconstruction in the United States from 1840 to 1880. Students examine a variety of civil and military issues, such as the causes of the war, strategy and tactics, technological change, the limits of individual dissent, and changes in the status of African Americans. In particular, students explore the two great debates of the antebellum period: one concerning slavery and the other concerning the power of the federal government. Prerequisites: One course in U.S. history or permission of the instructor.

History 267—Abraham Lincoln: The Man and the Myth
An examination of the life, career, and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States. Students explore Lincoln as a politician in his own life time and Lincoln as an increasingly legendary figure in the years after his assassination. Particular attention is paid to Lincoln’s own words and the interpretations placed upon them by succeeding generations of Americans. Open to first-year students and sophomores only.

History 328—Antebellum America 
A topical analysis of the history of the antebellum United States from 1828 to 1861.  This course focuses on issues of sectionalism and social reform, including the age of Andrew Jackson, slavery, the causes of the sectional conflict, and the evolution of American society, economics, politics, culture.  Prerequisites:  One course in 19th century U.S. history or permission of the instructor.

History 331—Problems in Nineteenth Century America
A topical study of major historical issues in the United States during the nineteenth century. Topics discussed may include: the Civil War in American memory; the formation of American nationalism; the emergence of reform movements including abolition and emancipation, temperance, women’s rights, and evangelism; the United States in the context of the Atlantic World; and the development of constitutionalism and law in the United States. Prerequisites: One course in 19th century U.S. history or permission of the instructor.

History 343—The American Civil War and Reconstruction
An examination of the era of Civil War and Reconstruction in the United States from 1840 to 1880.  Students examine a variety of civil and military issues, such as the causes of the war, strategy and tactics, technological change, the limits of individual dissent, and changes in the status of African Americans.  In particular, students explore the two great debates of the antebellum period: one concerning slavery and the other concerning the power of the federal government.  Prerequisites:  One course in U.S. history or permission of the instructor.

History 508—History Under Sail: The Flagship Niagara and the Great Lakes
An experiential learning internship on the history of the Great Lakes.  The Flagship Niagara is a replica of the square rigged sailing warship which fought at the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie.  In a three week program, students experience life during the Age of Sail, gaining lessons in seamanship, history, and citizenship.  This internship is offered in partnership with a consortium of local colleges and the Erie Maritime Museum.  Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor.

History 565—The Second American Revolution: America in Civil War and Reconstruction
An historical examination of the period of the American Civil War and Reconstruction from 1846 to 1895. Students explore the sectional development of politics, the changing sphere of liberty, the aboliton of slavery and the developing meaning of freedom, the nature of military combat during this period, the relationship between the federal and state governments, and the relationship between politics and the Constitution. Prerequisites: History 259 or 267 or 328 or 343 and permission of the instructor.

History 588—Nations and Nationalisms: The Historical Development of the Nation-state
An historical examination of the creation and persistence of nations and nationalisms in international perspective.  Students explore the development of nations in Europe and North America from the seventeenth century to the present day, including issues of blood, language, history, race and ethnicity, politics, and territory.  Prerequisite:  Permission of the instructor.