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History

History mature students' masterclass

This masterclass was designed for prospective mature students who are interested in studying History at university.

It provided an opportunity to explore, using the approaches typical in a university history department, one of the most dramatic episodes in modern history – how and why the four million slaves in America came to be freed during the American Civil War.

The class assessed the role of President Abraham Lincoln (whose Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 led him to be known as the 'Great Emancipator'), of the US army, and of slaves themselves. How much 'agency' did enslaved people have?

Did Lincoln really 'free' the slaves, or did they free themselves? The class involved the study of primary sources including the Emancipation Proclamation and the testimony of slaves and soldiers.

It was led by Dr Adam Smith, whose most recent book is The American Civil War (Palgrave).

For details of UCL's entry requirements for History, please search for the particular degree you are interested in at www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectus