Research Interests
Research interests are primarily in 19-century U.S. political and social history. My research has explored the nature of Jacksonian politics and political ideology as well as the later sectional crises that culminated in the Civil War. I have been particularly interested political ideology and decision-making. In recent years, I have focused attention on the Salem witchcraft trials, considering questions of religion, psychology, social violence, and other concerns. Finally, I have a continuing interest in relating research and teaching to technology, and I have developed two historical websites, one about the crisis at Fort Sumter and the other about the Salem witchcraft episode.

Teaching Interests
Broadly speaking, my teaching interests parallel my research interests. My courses in Jacksonian America and the Coming of the Civil War explain the political, economic, social, and cultural changes that occurred in the United States from the War of 1812 to the Civil War. I have also developed an interest in Thomas Jefferson, as a person and as a representative figure in American history from the late colonial period into the early national era. I am especially interested in Jefferson’s political thinking and concepts of a viable American republic. I also regularly teach a class on the Salem witchcraft episode.