(Recorded Course) The Civil War Years: The Divided United States of America with Alison Stanley (American)

How to get the most out of The Civil War Years: The Divided United States of America with Alison Stanley:

  • First, read the course details below and print out the answer key for parents.
  • Prepare a notebook for notetaking and homework.
  • Students begin the course by clicking on the "Recording" and watching Professor Stanley's lecture for Class One.
  • Next, students should click on the Homework and complete the work in your notebook or on your computer.
  • If you need review, go back and watch the recording again and/or go over the PowerPoint.
  • Repeat until all 10 classes are complete.
  • The Final Exam is an automated quiz and should be taken under parent's supervision.
  • Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total Classes: 10

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 8th grade

Instructor: Alison Stanley

Course Description: This course will explore the political, economic and legal issues that existed during the Civil War years, including federalism, slavery, the Dred Scott decision, the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Gettysburg Address. Key figures and major battles will be discussed and life as a soldier will be investigated. Moreover, there will be a brief look at the Reconstruction period. Any pertinent Catholic statements on the War will be introduced.

Course Outline: 

Class 1: The Political and Economic Landscape Prior to the First Shot of the War

Class 2: Succession of Southern States, the Election of President Lincoln and Suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus

Class 3: Battles of Fort Sumter and Manassas (First Bull Run)

Class 4: Ulysses S. Grant

Class 5: Emancipation Proclamation and Catholic Position

Class 6: Chancellorsville and Vicksburg

Class 7: Life of a Civil War Soldier

Class 8: Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address

Class 9: Atlanta and the March to the Sea

Class 10: Reconstruction

Course Materials: Provided FREE by the instructor.

Homework: Students can expect to spend approx. two hours per week outside of class on homework. Short written essays, reading assignments, and final, graded by the instructor.

Answer Key: Answer keys for homework assignments are included with this course. A parent or tutor will also be required to grade the final project and a few other assignments.