During my time at Kutztown University, I declared a minor in History. I am incredibly passionate about and have conducted several research projects relating to Social Studies. The artifact I chose for this standard is a paper written for one of my History courses. The subject of the paper is literature written about the Civil War and how closely it follows Lost Cause ideology based on its publication date. 

The three novels chosen for the research study (published in chronological order) were Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. I found that the farther the novel was published from the events of the Civil War, the less the themes of the novel reflected Lost Cause Ideology. This topic is incredibly important because these novels or their adaptations are often utilized to teach future generations about the Civil War. Novels that have strong themes connected with Lost Cause Ideology often perpetuate biased perspectives and promote misconceptions about the war. 

Lost Cause Ideology has five main tenets: Robert E. Lee was the best and most admirable general of the war; Confederate armies faced overwhelming odds and mounted a gallant resistance; Ulysses S. Grant was a butcher who paled in comparison to Lee as a soldier; Stonewall Jackson deserved a place immediately behind Lee in the Confederate pantheon; Virginia was the most important area of combat. 

This paper is an excellent example of my strong content knowledge. I have conducted several research projects during my time in the History program, and this is the final paper I wrote for a History course. It demonstrates the cumulative knowledge I obtained both in the course and the program, as well the development of my writing, research, and communications skills.