This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
The South has largely represented a peculiar and independent spirit within the American heritage, and its history and influence are often misunderstood. This course examines the South in literature, politics, economics, and military, while also analyzing the efforts made to influence its historical legacy.
Total classes: 14
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: High School (Adjustments can be made to assignments in order to accommodate Middle School students.)
Suggested credit: One full semester American History
Description
The South has largely represented a peculiar and independent spirit within the American heritage, and its history and influence are often misunderstood. This course examines the South in literature, politics, economics, and military, while also analyzing the efforts made to influence its historical legacy. With respect to Literature, students will be introduced to some of the pro-slavery texts of the South such as John C. Calhoun’s Disquisition on Government, George Fitzhugh’s Cannibal’s All!, and John P. Kennedy’s Swallow Barn. Politically, the series of events leading to secession, war, Reconstruction, and redemption will be carefully discussed, as well as the social pressures upon which these movements relied. Militarily, the factors and battles crucial to the Confederacy’s demise will be carefully scrutinized. Finally, keen attention will be given to the rise of the Lost Cause and its efforts to shape the Confederate legacy.
Outline
Classes 1-2: The founding of Southern traditions in the Colonial and Revolutionary Era
Classes 3-4: Silver Age politicians and “the river of dark dreams”
Classes 5-7: The Crisis of Southern apologists
Classes 8-10: The Rise and fall of the Confederacy
Classes 11-12: The Reconstruction and the Lost Cause
Classes 13-14: Redemption, monuments, and Jim Crow
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: The Confederate Experience Reader, John D. Fowler, ISBN-10: 0415978793 or ISBN-13: 978-0415978798 (https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0415978793/chrisgooverth-20 or bookfinder.com)
A note about the readings in this class: Many of the selections are primary source materials, written by the Confederates themselves. Students should read these materials with a critical eye, identifying where they might agree and/or disagree with the historical authors, and why.
Homework: Expect to generally have a maximum of 20 pages of reading from the textbook, some of which will be in preparation for class discussion. Two to three hours of homework a week in reading and studying is expected. HOWEVER, homework will generally be lighter than this.
NOTE: Middle School students taking this class are not required to do the reading.
Also, students will have access to ungraded review quizzes based on classroom lectures and discussions. Bonus points are possible.
