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Events
Jun. 30 | 2012 Bode-Pearson Prize
Nominations for the 2012 Bode-Pearson Prize for Outstanding Contributions to American Studies due
Jun. 30 | 2012 Mary C. Turpie Prize
Nominations for the 2012 Mary C. Turpie Prize for Outstanding Contributions to American Studies Teaching, Advising, and Program Development due
Oct. 1 | Travel Grants for Graduate Students
For submission guidelines, click here
Resources: Abstracts of American Studies Dissertations
By University | By Year
Woodiel, Loftin C.. "William C. Quantrill, Deviant or Hero?," American Studies, Saint Louis University, April 2000.
This dissertation explores the dynamics and effects of the sobriquet process by examining the roles which popular culture and mass communications have played in judging and labeling William Quantrill and his behavior as inside or outside the lines of legitimate social behavior. Each media examined presents a distinctly different depiction and label of Quantrill’s life which aids Americans in verbalizing and visualizing their interpretation and understanding of him and his actions. In doing so, they attempt to define the illusive boundary between moral and socially acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Society develops and consistently adjusts the boundaries of socially acceptable behavior as it applies labels to those who move inside and outside these parameters, or whom society moves inside or outside of the parameters. Quantrill’s life brings understanding and clarification to our American culture. Through historical accounts we are better prepared to understand the political and socioeconomic influences which propel the actions of men in volatile environments. Through fictional accounts we are better prepared to identify and release our inhibitions and judgements regarding right and wrong. Just as important, we are able to recreate the myth of a vanishing breed of hero who provided stability to our fantasies and interpretation of the past and of the American fight for truth and justice.
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