The American past is crowded with ghosts. In this seminar, we will trace the evolution of supernatural belief in America and analyze some of its most famous ghost stories. What about the nation’s history makes it such fertile terrain for ghosts? What happens when the dead refuse to stay in the past, relegated to history? Why, in short, is the American historical imagination so haunted? We’ll dig deeply into selected hauntings, drawn from across historical North America, and encounter the spirits of French Detroit, the Gettysburg battlefield, and colonial Jamaica, among others.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: None. Open to First-Years only.

Instructor: Grandjean

Distribution Requirements: HS - Historical Studies

Other Categories: FYS - First Year Seminar

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

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