HIST231 - The American Civil War and Reconstruction in Modern Memory

This course explores how the American Civil War and Reconstruction have been remembered and memorialized. Students will learn about the divergent narratives of the history of that era, trace why and how they spread, and examine how the conflicting memories of the Civil War and Reconstruction shape American politics and culture today. Through analysis of books, articles, films, social media, monuments, and protests we will seek to understand why Americans continue to struggle over the memory of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students will participate in discussions, conduct historical research, and write a 15-page research paper examining the history and collective memory of an extant or recently removed Civil War or Reconstruction monument.