Professor Steven E. Woodworth examines the "Lost Cause" view of the Civil War—as the South as justified in going to war. Woodworth also looks at the religious life and beliefs of Civil-War-era soldiers and civilians and how religion contributed to the war and the perspectives of those waging it. He refers to the film Gods and Generals and scholarly criticism of it.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the guest lecture after session four, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the text.

Professor Mackubin T. Owens looks at perceptions of Abraham Lincoln, both during his presidency and over the course of American history.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session one; and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

An older version of this lecture can be found here.

Professor Lucas E. Morel details the debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in the 1858 campaign for an Illinois seat in the United States Senate. Morel looks at the discussion of slavery in these debates. This lecture continues from the lecture "Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Part One."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session seven, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Schramm discusses Abraham Lincoln's use of language in his composition of speeches and written works.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, August seventh, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm session; and select the RealAudio link or image in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Lucas E. Morel examines the interrelationship of political decisions and pressures, westward expansion, and the issue of slavery in the antebellum U.S. and how these forces combined to lead to the Civil War. This lecture continues from the lecture "Slavery, Antebellum Politics, and Westward Expansion, Part One."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session five, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Lucas E. Morel examines the interrelationship of political decisions and pressures, westward expansion, and the issue of slavery in the antebellum U.S. and how these forces combined to lead to the Civil War.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session four, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professors John Moser and David Tucker discuss the development of the presidency as an institution in the United States, looking at the intentions of the Founding Fathers in creating the institution and what it has evolved into over time.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session nine, and select either the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor John Moser compares and contrasts the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, looking at public perception of them and what these perceptions were based on. Moser examines particularly arguments over the extent of presidential power.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session eight, and select the RealAudio link to the left of the main body of text.

Professor David Tucker examines the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, its perception throughout history, and its impact on the course of American history. Tucker particularly looks at the Emancipation Proclamation and what it reveals about Lincoln and his intentions as president.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to session seven, and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.

Professor Sidney Milkis talks about what U.S. citizens have historically considered "greatness" in presidents, and their desire to be led by such "great" figures. Milkis asks what qualities define this "greatness."

To listen to this lecture, scroll to the Wednesday, June 19th, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm session; and select the RealAudio image or link in the gray bar to the left of the main body of text.