We had fun with this and have suggested far more courses than are actually needed to graduate with a minor in Civil War Era Studies, but we wanted to show you the wide variety of courses available. Click on the different courses for a description.
First-Year
Semester I
In this seminar the professor will help you discover for yourself the glory and the tragedy that was the Gettysburg of 1863. You will work with original sources, read books and articles by historians, see films, listen to music, examine art, digest computerized data, walk the fields, create group papers, make oral presentations, and conclude with a major individual project. You may focus on soldiers or civilians, children, men, or women, groups, processes, strucctures, events, ideas, heroes, cowards, or ordinary folk.
Semester II
Interdisciplinary introduction to the Civil War Era (roughly 1848-1877) in American history. Student is introduced to the basic history of the Civil War, with an emphasis on the fundamental causes of the war, the war years themselves, both at home and on the battlefield, and Reconstruction period. Assigned readings include a mix of primary sources and major interpretive monographs, plus a basic survey text. History majors may count CWES 205 as a major course.
Sophomore Year
Semester I
An examination of how the Civil War has been presented by various American filmmakers from the silent era to the present. Students are asked to consider the various themes common to Civil War films: violence, race, politics, iconography, among others. The class serves as an introduction to cinematic language systems while using Hollywood images of the Civil War as its central documents for analysis.
Semester II
A survey of the American military experience from the early colonial period to the most recent experiences in the Gulf War and Afghanistan. The course encompasses a study of the relationships and impact of warfare and military forces in the extablishment, expansion, preservation and development of the United States. Emphasis is placed on the context of American warfare and how it has influenced our history and way of life. The course analyzes factors which have influenced military operations, such as strategy, tactics, organization, technology, logistics, national will, leadership and luck.
An examination of the Civil War in the West from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. The course covers the actions of both the Union and Confederate armies and navies, ethnic minorities, and military technology (especially naval technology). Using primary and secondary materials, students master the historical content as well as develop their research and writing skills.
Junior Year
Semester I
Seminar devoted to the military experience of the Civil War. Involves detailed examination of the 19th century American military, and the major battles and battlefields of the eastern theater of the Civil War. Students participate in a series of day-long field trips to Harper?s Ferry, Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Harpers Ferry, and Washington, D.C. There are three formal tours of the Gettysburg battlefield and borough, and a weekend trip to the Richmond/Petersburg battle sites. Students compile a weekly journal to comment on the battle sites, and to respond to readings to an assigned list of significant battle narratives. Serves as a core course for THE GETTYSBURG SEMESTER.
Semester II
As study of the African American civil rights movement that began with the fight against slavery and continued throughout the nineteenth century. In addition to African American participation in the abolition movement, this course examines the Underground Railroad, the debate over colonization, participation in the Civil War, and the post-war struggle for equality and civil rights.
Senior Year
Semester I
Internship not counting in the minimum requirements in a major or minor, graded A-F
Semester II
Interdisciplinary seminar which addresses the social, political and cultural history of the Civil War era. Seminar focus shifts on a revolving basis to feature society, politics, and culture through institutions, art, philosophy, political formation, and print culture. This course is the capstone seminar for the CWES Minor, but it is open to other students as well.
300 North Washington Street · Gettysburg, PA 17325