Civil War Studies

Civil War Studies (CIVS) was a Baby CTY humanities course that revolved around the United States Civil War and looks at primary sources during that time that include The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and others. This course was only offered at Sandy Spring.

Course Description

From the CTY Course Catalog (1997):

What causes a nation to divide, to fight state against state, brother against brother? Students examine the significant issues surrounding the period as they contemplate the causes of the Civil War and the legacy of Reconstruction. In addition to studying the major battles and accomplishments of significant military figures, students also consider the roles of women in the Civil War, including those of Clara Barton and Dorthea Dix. Students work extensively with primary-source documents. Texts they may consider include The Gettysburg Address, the writings of Frederick Douglass, and excerpts from slave narratives and soldiers' diaries.

Weekly projects and discussions are an important element of the course. Discussions range from the circumstances that provoke societies to take up arms to the appropriateness of the punishments inflicted on the Confederates. Projects include reports, essays, debates, and presentations.