America's
Moral Crisis: Politics and Culture in the 1850s
July 12-July 18, 2009
Directors: Andrew
Delbanco, Director of American Studies,
Columbia
University
During the 1850s, the United States was a nation of
foreboding and hope. An irresolvable conflict between
North and South seemed to be approaching, along with
periodic hopes that the divide could somehow be bridged
and conflict forestalled. At the start of the decade,
the nation’s eloquent orators were led by John
C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster; ten years later, a new
voice had been added to public discourse: that of Abraham
Lincoln. Literary artists—including Herman Melville,
Walt Whitman, and Harriet Beecher Stowe—addressed
the issues of slavery, regional autonomy, and federal
power both directly and obliquely in poetry and prose.
In this seminar we will explore this ominous yet hopeful
era, with the aim of understanding the political and
moral issues that drove Americans apart, and how the
literature of the period can help us understand why.
Please find below important information regarding
the America's Moral Crisis: Politics and Culture in
the 1850s Summer Seminar.
READINGS
Readings are sent by the Institute to participants of
the seminar. Readings include:
TRAVEL
There are several options for traveling to and from
New York City. LaGuardia Airport is the closest to the
campus; a taxicab ride is about $30.00 (including a
15% tip), and the M60 city bus goes directly from LaGuardia
to the campus every half hour for $2.00 (change only).
For visitors arriving at any area airport (including
Newark International Airport), shuttle
bus service is available to the Port Authority Bus
Terminal or to Grand Central Station. The
University web site also provides detailed driving
directions.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Workshop participants will be housed at an on-campus
dormitory. Participants will be placed in private rooms,
but will share bathroom facilities. The University provides
bedding and towels only. Please note that participants
should plan to bring fans, alarm clocks, shampoo, hangers,
irons, hair dryers, etc. There are telephones in each
room, but they require a calling card to make outside
calls. Every room is equipped with an internet connection,
but cables are not provided. Participants will have
access to computer clusters, but many choose to bring
laptops. Every floor has a lounge and a full kitchen.
MEALS
Meals will be served cafeteria-style in campus dining
halls in spaces shared by other programs. All
meals will be paid for by the Gilder Lehrman Institute
of American History.
TEMPERATURE AND
CLOTHING
In July the temperatures range from the 60s and 70s
in the evening to the 80s and 90s during the day. Since
it is difficult to predict the weather, pack articles
of clothing that may be layered to accommodate a range
of temperatures. In case of rain, be sure to pack an
umbrella. Dress is casual during the day. Since you
will be doing some walking, be sure to pack a pair of
comfortable walking shoes and a head covering.
GRADUATE CREDIT
Pittsburg
State University (PSU) is pleased to offer graduate
credit to workshop participants at a tuition fee
of $199 per credit hour. Participants can receive three
graduate credit hours for the duration of the week.
For more information, including cost, please contact
Dr.
Kelly A. Woestman. Please note the enrollment deadline
is June 1, 2009. PSU has national NCATE
accreditation.
If you plan on transferring graduate credits please
ask your higher education institution if it will accept
transfers, especially toward degree programs.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
The Gilder Lehrman Institute will arrange for computer
access and printer services to be available to participants
during the week. Throughout the workshop limited access
to campus computer labs and equipment for Internet research,
word processing, and printing will be provided. Columbia's
libraries will also be available for research during
evening hours. Classrooms located at Columbia University
will be used for workshops. These classrooms are equipped
with the technological capabilities to accommodate presenters
using a variety of media.
STIPEND
Participating teachers will receive a stipend of $400
to help cover travel expenses. All participants are
required to attend all workshop sessions to receive
full stipends. Participants who do not complete the
full tenure of the project will receive a reduced stipend.
We will present stipend checks to participants prior
to departure. Stipends are taxable. Reporting is the
responsibility of the participant.
QUESTIONS?
E-mail seminars@gilderlehrman.org
or call 646-366-9666.
|
