Colloquium: Civial War Era Behavior

Discourses from the Academy: The Colloquium Series Sponsored by the Department of Psychology

Looking at the Civil War Era via Material Behavior Expressions*

by

Karen L. Suksi, Ph.D.

Psychology Department

We are pleased to extend an invitation to all interested persons -- Faculty, Staff, Students, Members of the Public -- to join us in listening to and participating in this session of our Colloquia Series. For further information please contact the Psychology Department, N.M.U., 227-2935.

* The Civil War was one of the most powerful "storytelling" events in our nation's history. Recent publications and films have triggered an interest in the political and social events of that period. Examining artifacts made during that time helps in shaping what was culturally significant. Quilts made during this era are tangible narrative examples of that experience. Not only are the visual representations interesting, but understanding the cognitive, sensory, and interactional processes that played a role within the quilt's production are the forgotten parts of the narrative. This presentation will view some of the historical artifacts of the period and their stories as "describable, transmissible [examples of] material behavior."