School of Humanities  
 
 
AMS-30018 Abraham Lincoln and His Times  
Co-ordinator: Prof Martin Crawford    Room: CBB0.053, Tel:33014  
Teaching Team:  
Level: 3 Credits: 30 Study Hours: 300  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Prerequisites

none

Barred Combinations

none

Description

The aim of the module is to explore the origins and development of the American sectional crisis through detailed investigation of Abraham Lincoln’s life and times. Its objectives are to provide students with a better understanding of historical process through examination of a range of primary and secondary texts, with a focus on Lincoln’s speeches and letters. Accompanying and complementing the seminars will be a series of visual presentations, including the feature film Glory and extracts from Ken Burns’ award-winning documentary The Civil War.

The course text, required for seminars, is: Michael P. Johnson ed., Abraham Lincoln, Slavery and the Civil War: Selected Writings and Speeches (Bedford). Students are also strongly advised to read James M. McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom (Penguin paperback), the best general history of the period.


Aims

The modules aims to engage student interest and intellect in seeking answers to key questions relating to Civil War history, such as Lincoln's decision to force the South back into the Union, why men fought, and the motives behind emancipation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Its learning objectives are that students will achieve a better understanding of historical process through examination of a range of primary and secondary texts, with a focus on Lincoln's speeches and letters. The module will employ a variety of critical and analytic approaches, with detailed explication of primary sources in particular helping to develop intellectual and practical skills through oral and written presentations.

Study hours

1 x 1hr weekly audio visual presentation
1 x 2hr weekly seminar

Description of Module Assessment

001: Essay weighted 40%
2500-3000 words


002: Short Paper weighted 10%
500-1200 words


003: 2 Hour Exam weighted 45%
2 hours


004: Seminar weighted 5%
Participation



Version: (1.03) Created: 08/Mar/2010

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.