HIST 240 - The Civil War

Credits: 5
Studies the events and conditions leading to the Civil War, the conflict itself, and the war’s legacy. Begins with a review of the roots of slavery in the British colonies, the consolidation of slavery as a major institution, and its increasing influence in the polarization of the young republic. Examines a number of important developments such as the Missouri Compromise, Manifest Destiny, the divisive events of the 1850s, the election of Abraham Lincoln, the constitutional crisis and secession, the Confederacy and Unions political, economic, and military strategies, the reality of total war, the military campaigns and decisive battles. Concludes with an examination of the legacy of conflict.

Enrollment Requirement: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor consent.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science
Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Understand the major causes of the Civil War.
Understand the history of slavery in the United States.
Understand the key phases of the conflict and their significance.
Understand the main constitutional questions raised by the war and its aftermath.
Understand the era of Reconstruction.
Understand various historical interpretations of the Civil War and its legacy.

Program Outcomes

Analyze how historical developments have various effects on people based on one or more of the following areas: geographical location, race, ethnicity, cultural traditions, gender and class.
Distinguish between opinions, facts, and evidence-based interpretations.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.