What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will assess the importance of slavery and Manifest Destiny in the rise of American sectionalism from the end of the American War of Independence (1783) to 1850. This sectionalism created a political, social, and cultural atmosphere in the US which laid the basis for the crises of the 1850s and the Civil War. Slavery was the major issue which the Founders left unsolved in the aftermath of independence from Great Britain. As a result, it continued to divide the United States through the early republic and antebellum periods. Manifest Destiny was supposed to bring the sections together by uniting them in a quest to expand the United States westward. Ironically, Manifest Destiny exasperated the slavery issue and divisions between the North and the South. You will also study historiography of this period throughout the semester and you will be expected to become familiar with it. Students are expected to study relevant primary documents. This module will build specifically on the basic information learned in the early sections of the level-4 From Sea to Shining Sea. It will equip you to think critically about academic literature, primary sources, and historical interpretation.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn on this module by attending lectures that examine the various historical events influenced by slavery, sectionalism and manifest destiny, as well as a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to studying American history between 1783 and 1850. You will be expected to prepare for the weekly seminars by undertaking essential and recommended reading, and will build on your independent reading by presenting your ideas and arguments in seminar discussions with your peers. All learning materials, tasks and readings will be posted on the eLearning Portal (Blackboard) to enable participation within the seminar programme. You will participate in formative assessment activities and receive feedback, and will be responsible for your own guided and independent learning. Summative assessment matches your learning against the learning outcomes for the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your peers, academic tutors, and programme leaders. Academic support is provided through group/individual tutorials which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised office hours and via email. Your peers will provide you will a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the academic literature, lectures, and resources available on the eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and through assessment tasks.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically analyse the way in which scholars understand the key issues of slavery, sectionalism and manifest destiny in the development of the United States between 1783 and 1850.
2. Critically discuss and consider the role of slavery and manifest destiny of in creating and exacerbating sectional tensions in the United States.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Critically engage with historical theories and methodologies to investigate and analyse slavery and manifest destiny in specific case studies of section crisis.
4. Apply knowledge and communicate your informed opinions about the major issues in U.S. history between 1783 and 1850
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the connections between historical evidence around subjects such as race, labour, class, and their impact on concepts of nationalism, democracy, and freedom in an international context.
How will I be assessed?
Your knowledge and understanding of slavery, sectionalism and Manifest Destiny and your ability to analyse and critically discuss historiographical theories, their assumptions and application, and present a variety of primary evidence will be tested in one 2,500 word essay and one exam which will span the breadth and depth of the module’s coverage. (MLOs 1-5)
You will have the opportunity to present your work in the seminars and will receive formative feedback from your lecturer in classroom discussions and tutorial sessions. Formative assessment through your lecturer will be written and verbal, and you will also receive feedback through engagement with your peers who will enable you to test your explanations and understanding of slavery, sectionalism and manifest destiny.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code T710
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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