HIST 615: Problems in American History

HIST 615-004: US South to 1860
(Spring 2026)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM T

Krug Hall 209

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Section Information for Spring 2026

The Old South conjures images of a society filled with ladies and gentlemen who lived a life of cultured leisure. Yet, the nineteenth-century South, like other parts of the United States, was composed of people of different ethnic heritages and was on the move, both in agriculture and industry. This course will introduce students to many debates about the distinctiveness of the South and help students understand the region’s place within the American experience. We will explore the South from the colonial period to 1860, with an emphasis on social, political, and cultural history. A significant focus will be on the role that slavery played in the economy, the culture, and politics. The viewpoints and experiences of enslaved and free African American men and women, and white men and women from planter, farmer, and merchant families will form essential topics, as we explore the intersecting worlds of different social groups. 
  
Course objectives: in general, to increase knowledge about and promote a better understanding of the changes in antebellum southern society and politics, to improve students' abilities to analyze, understand, and compare primary and secondary sources, and to enhance their writing skills. 
 

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 1-6

Readings and discussion of bibliographies, interpretations, and research trends in topics selected by instructor. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Related Course, Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.