More Areas of Study

History

History Course Offerings

HIST–111 World History to 1500 (3 credits)
Examines major political, religious and cultural developments in Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean basin, Europe and the Americas from ca. 3000 BC to 1500 AD. Through a combination of lectures, class discussion and close reading of primary sources, course focuses on how geography, climate, social structures and cultural values combine to shape political systems, religion and gender relations in diverse societies.
HIST–112 World History Since 1500 World History 1500-PRESENT (3 credits)
Guides students through the key forces shaping the modern world, and adopts a broad global approach to the period, paying appropriate attention to Asia, Africa and the Middle East as well as to Europe and the Americas. Includes the struggle for democracy, the emergence of capitalism and socialism, the experience of imperialism and racism, and related developments in science, culture and gender relations.
HIST–141 American History to 1865 (3 credits)
Surveys political,economic, social and military developments in the United States from the time of exploration and the founding of the colonies to the end of the Civil War.Pays particular attention to slavery, the frontier, the rise of democracy, the roots of secession and issues of class, ethnicity and gender.
HIST–142 American History Since 1865 (3 credits)
Surveys political, social, economic and cultural developments in the United States from the time of exploration and the founding of the colonies to the end of the Civil War. Special attention to the impact of industrialization, the crisis of the Great Depression, race relations, gender and foreign policy.
HIST–290 Approaches to History (3 credits)
Examines the evolution of the field of history. Explores questions concerning the nature of the discipline and studies the principles of historical methodology. Focuses on questions of how historians gather and evaluate evidence and considers directions the discipline is currently taking.Intended for history freshmen and other beginning history majors.
HIST–300 History Elective (3 credits)
HIST–311 The Greeks and the East (3 credits)
Examines the historical relationship between the Ancient Greeks and their contemporaries in the Near East. Prerequisite:Sophomore standing or History 111 or 312 or consent of instructor.
HIST–312 The Evolution of Rome (3 credits)
Examines the history of Rome from the early republic to the end of the imperial era. Focuses on internal sources of stability and Rome's success in integrating the empire. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 111 or 311 or consent of instructor.
HIST–313 Medieval Europe 410-1350 (3 credits)
Introduces students to the history and culture of Western Europe and the Mediterranean between 410 and ca. 1350. Traces the collapse of the western Roman Empire in the mid 5th century, the evolution of civilizations of Byzantium, Islam and western Christendom, and the fusion of Roman, Christian and Germanic elements that create medieval Europe. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 111 or 312 or consent of instructor.
HIST–314 Birth of the Modern West: Europe 1350-1603 (3 credits)
Examines underlying causes of new modes of artistic and intellectual expression, expansion into the New World and the aggressive pursuit of scientific knowledge in Europe during this period. Also explores why the promise of the Renaissance and "liberty" of the Reformation co-existed with a Europe racked by bitter and vicious religious wars, peasant revolts and aggressive attempts to control or eliminate "the other" (e.g., witches, heretics, homosexuals and Jews). Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 111 or 313 or consent of instructor.
HIST–316 Europe in the 18th Century 1774-1850 (3 credits)
Examines the economic, social, political and cultural history of Europe in the eighteenth century, with particular emphasis on economic and social changes in both town and country. Considers the role such changes played in the origins, course and continent-wide impact of the French Revolution. Prerequisite: History 112, History 314 or per¬mission of instructor.
HIST–317 Europe in the 19th Century 1774-1850 (3 credits)
Explores the impact of the industrial revolution on urban and rural life in Europe, paying particular attention to changes in the distribution of wealth that occurred during this period and the political and cultural responses to those changes. Prerequisites: History 112 or history 316 or consent of instructor
HIST–318 The First World War (3 credits)
Examines the causes, course and consequences of the First World War. Traces the roots of the war to the European power politics of the 1870s, and follows the consequences up to the rise of fascism. In studying the war itself, focuses on the experience of individuals involved, women and men, combatants and non-combatants. Includes extensive discussion of painting, poetry, sculpture, photography and the novel. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 112 or 317 or 381 or consent of instructor.
HIST–319 The Second World War (3 credits)
Examines the origins, courses and results of the Second World War, with focus on the experience of the individual caught up in one of the most horrific experiences of the 20th century. Studies the rise of Nazism and fascism throughout Europe as the key to understanding the origins of the war. Includes discussion of painting, poetry, sculpture, photography and the novel.Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 112 or 318 or consent of instructor.
HIST–320 Women's Lives Before the Modern Age (3 credits)
Studies the lives of women primarily in western society from ca. 500 to 1700; some segments focus on women in eastern and Islamic societies as well. Pays close attention to factors shaping gender relations, the role of religion in determining the status and treatment of women, how the expansion and contraction of economic space for women affects how they are viewed and how women are able to interact in formal and informal networks and communities. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 111 or 313 or 314 or consent of instructor.
HIST–321 The West and the Islamic World in the Middle Ages (3 credits)
Studies the discovery and settlement of North America with emphasis on the political, economic, social and military events that culminated in the achievement of American independence.Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 112 or 141 or 317 or consent of instructor.
HIST–323 The United States and the Middle East, 1919-PRESENT (3 credits)
This course will examine the legacy of Wilson146s vision for the Middle East and how it shaped United States decolonization policy following World War Two. Students will learn about the emergence of independent states including Israel and the emerging conflicts between various nations and non-state actors since 1945. The United States role in the Middle East and its specific actions towards various states will be examined and students will gain an understanding of how these policies have helped to shape thetttcurrent state of affairs in the area.
HIST–324 The Emergence of Modern China & Japan Since 1600 (3 credits)
This course examines the distinct historical development and modernization of both China and Japan as well as the intersection of their cultures, economies, and political institutions. Beginning with the rise of the Qing dynasty and the Tokugawa shogunate, the course will outline their development and eventual decline in the face of Western imperialism. The remainder of the course will trace the alternative paths taken to challenge Western domination, assert national independence, and regional strength.
HIST–329 Rural Society in America 1780-1900 1774-1850 (3 credits)
Examines the changing nature of rural society in selected regions of the United States in the nineteenth century, with particular attention to the Middle West. Studies the impact of the emerging market economy on traditional social structures and value systems and considers the evolution of land policies over the century; pays special attention to the themes of class, community and ethnicity. Prerequisites: History 112 or history 141 or History 142 or permission of instructor.
HIST–341 Class, Comm, Race Col N Amer 1607-1783 (3 credits)
Examines the economic and social history of British and French America in the Colonial period, partly by the method of regional case studies; considers the origins and nature of the American revolution, with particular attention to the dimension of social class in that conflict. Prerequisites: History 112 or History 141 or permission of instructor.
HIST–343 The Civil War & Reconstruction (3 credits)
Studies the events leading to the Civil War. Examines the economic, political, social and military aspects of the war and considers the post-war period of Reconstruction. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 141 or 142 or 341 or consent of instructor.
HIST–345 United States Foreign Policy Since 1776 (3 credits)
HIST–348 The Great Crash and Depression: U.s. 1919-1941 (3 credits)
Examines the causes of the Great Depression, compares it to previous economic crises, compares the responses of Hoover and Roosevelt to the depression, and discusses the origins, development and impact of the New Deal. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 142 or 319 or consent of instructor.
HIST–349 America in the 1960S (3 credits)
Studies the time period between Brown versus Board of Education (1954) and the end of the Vietnam War (1975). Considers how well-established traditions, in such areas as governmental policies (domestic and foreign), gender and race relations, faced new challenges. Examines important people, events and ideological arguments in this pivotal period of American history. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 142 or 348 or consent of instructor.
HIST–352 Dictatorship & Democracy Latin America (3 credits)
Examines complex forces that shaped these five countries from independence to the present day. Uses comparative study to consider issues of nationalism, race, agrarian and labor concerns, relations with the United States and environmental problems. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 112 or 151 or 353 or consent of instructor.
HIST–353 Mexico: Conquest to the Present (3 credits)
Studies the development of Scotland over 300 years from the political union with England, through the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, to the two world wars and modern political devolution. Includes study of culture, religion, society and literature. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or History 112 or 381 or 382 or consent of instructor.
HIST–380 Topics in History (3 credits)
Identifies and studies in detail a topic such as immigration, the frontier, Russian or Irish history. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.
HIST–381 Modern Britain: Challenge, Continuity, and Change, 1815 to Present (3 credits)
Studies British politics and society during a period of remarkable change, as Britain acquired the biggest empire in human history and then lost it, while progressing from being a country that fought wars with its European neighbors to one that was close to the heart of the European Union. Covers religion, gender, politics, race, sport, art and literature. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or History 112 or 317 or 382 or consent of instructor.
HIST–383 Modern Scotland: Politics, Culture, And Identity, 1707 - Present (3 credits)
HIST–418 War, Politics, & Gender (3 credits)
Examines various aspects of warfare in the Middle Ages,including weapons and tactics, the circumstances in which warfare was resorted to, the role of the church in shaping the intellectual and ethical framework of warfare, and the involvement of women in war as both armed and unarmed participants. Prerequisite: History 313 or 321 or consent of instructor.
HIST–428 The French Revolution (3 credits)
Studies the origins, course and impact of the revolution. Focuses on developments in France itself. Also examines the effect the revolution had on other parts of Europe with special attention to the impact it had on rural societies. Incorporates primary as well as secondary sources, including memories, government documents and land records. Prerequsite: History 112 or 313 or 314 or 317 or consent of instructor.
HIST–438 War, Death, and Memory 1914-1939 (3 credits)
Investigates the impact of the First World War's enormous death toll on European society, and in particular its impact on Christianity. Examines how societies responded to death both formally and informally. Studies the evolution, meaning and impact of war memorials, as national, civic and individual loci for grieving. Prerequisite: History 112 or 142 or 317 or 318.
HIST–448 The Mexican Revolution, 1911-1917 (3 credits)
Studies the complexity of the revolution that profoundly influenced the history of Mexico in the 20th century. Examines the various actors that propelled Mexico into revolution and those who sought to advance particular causes during the upheaval. Uses primary as well as secondary sources and considers the extent to which the ideals of the revolution are still influencing social and political behavior in Mexico today. Prerequisite: History 112 or 151 or 352 or 353 or consent of instructor.
HIST–450 The Decolonization of Africa 1919-PRESENT (3 credits)
Examines the various paths that African peoples have taken to attain independence from European imperial powers. The course will take an in-depth look at the writings, political activities, and violent struggles of several African societies as they challenged their colonial masters. Students will compare these histories and understand the relative success or failures of these independence movements.
HIST–482 Ireland 1700-1925 (3 credits)
Examines the origins and nature of the independence movement in Ireland between 1700 and 1925. Pays particular attention to the social, economic and cultural changes (in both town and country) which fuelled the movement, including the role played by expanding Irish emigrant communities in America. Prerequisites: History 112 or History 317 or history 381 or permission of instructor.
HIST–490 Senior Seminar in History (3 credits)
Enables history majors to apply the principles of historical methodology learned in History 290, in the preparation of a major research paper. Required for history majors. Prerequisite: Senior standing or consent of instructor.
HIST–491 Independent Study in History (1-3 credits)
Research and/or focused reading for history majors and minors on topics not sufficiently covered in the regular course offerings.May be repeated for a maximum of six hours. Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of instructor.
HIST–492 History Internship (1-3 credits)
Supervised field experience in agencies such as archives, historic preservation agencies, historical museums or similar locations of direct relevance to a history major. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and consent of department internship coordinator.
HIST–H378 Britain and the Middle East to 1922 (3 credits)
HIST–H379 Africa and British Imperialism, 1815-1919 (3 credits)