10 - 12th Grade U.S. Civil War Rationale The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara The History Department has carefully evaluated The Killer Angels as a whole and deemed it worthy for the 10 - 12 th grade history curriculum. Plot Summary The Killer Angels tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, the Army of Northern Virginia, or Confederate army, and the Army of the Potomac, or Union army, fought the largest battle of the American Civil War. When the battle ended, 51,000 men were dead, wounded, or missing. All the characters in the novel are based on real historical figures. They include General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate army; General James Longstreet, Lee’s second in command; and Union Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain, w ho participated in one of the most famous segments of the Battle of Gettysburg, the fighting on Little Round Top. Learning Objectives Based on Standards Concept 6: Civil War and Reconstruction PO 2. Analyze aspects of the Civil War: a. changes in technolog y b. importance of resources c. turning points d. military and civilian leaders e. effect of the Emancipation Proclamation f. effect on the civilian populations Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies (RH) 11 - 12.RH.1. Ci te specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole. This standard requires students to examine the details of a primary (first - hand accounts) or secondary source (s econdhand accounts) to support their analysis of the document. Sources for analysis include: journals, maps, illustrations, photographs, documentaries, logs, records, etc. Textual evidence could include: author’s main point, purpose and perspective, fact v ers us opinion, differing points of view, credibility and validity of the text. Students might also consider date, bias, intended audience and the possibility of changes due to translation. Students connect details to attain conclusions of the text as a who le. Sensitive subjects in the text and how possible objections will be handled Possibly sensitive Topics: War, death, race issues In the classroom, sensitive topics will be dealt with in a mature fashion, toward an understanding of why t his material is i ncluded in the novel. The History department feels that the literary merit of this novel more than compensates for the inclusion of this sensitive subject matter. The student is encouraged to feel comfortable expressing his/her beliefs and views openly wit hin the classroom environment. If the student is uncomfortable at any time, the student should meet with the teacher to discuss his/her concerns. .