CVHI 102 History of the West, Renaissance to Revolutions (3)

This course, which students take in a “cluster” with either Arts of the West (CVFA 102) or Literature of the West (CVEN 102), surveys historical developments from the Renaissance through the Age of Revolutions, about 1400-1850. (Spring)

CVHI 201 The West in the Modern World (3)

This interdisciplinary course focuses on the West in the modern world from the late 19^th century through the present. Students will study important developments in the 20^th century, discover the origins and contexts of issues facing the contemporary world, and reflect on their moral dimension. (Fall and Spring)

HIST/SOC 150 Who Were the First Americans? (3)

Who were the first Americans? Yesterday’s answers are no longer convincing. While the issues are far from settled, there is some evidence to suggest that humans may have arrived in the Americas as much as 50,000 years ago, from Europe as well as Siberia, by sea as well as by land. This course explores how scientists are using archeology, genetics, linguistics, geophysics, and other techniques to rewrite the story of the earliest Americans.

HIST 202 Making History (3)

One of two courses required for students who major in history. The course is designed to stoke the fires of enthusiasm for the conscious and deliberate analysis of the human interaction and activity that is central to historical discourse. Examines how historians piece together what they can about the past to produce a record of human activity that has meaning today. Each semester, working with a member of the department, students will address a particular theme and undertake research using primary and secondary sources. The professor may require students to work together on a course project or on other collaborative endeavors. Ideally, students should be able to apply what they learn in other department electives.

HIST  203 Environmental History: Humans and the Natural World (3)

Examines human impact on the natural environment from pre-historic times to the present. Ranges from global surveys to in-depth looks at issues like suburbanization or the role of fire in shaping the human habitat. Considers changing attitudes towards the role of humans in the natural world and looks at the history of environmental movements. The course counts for credit in the environmental studies minor.

HIST 204 Women of Faith (3)

An examination of women in the Christian tradition who have lived and taught the Christian message. Through lectures and discussions of primary texts, and student presentations on the lives of Christian women, this course will investigate women's contribution to Christianity. Meets history or theology requirements.
                                                            
HIST 205  Ancient Greece (3)

Surveys ancient Greek society, politics, economics and culture from prehistoric times to the end of the classical period through a combination of lecture and discussion of primary sources.

THHI 207 Catholic Social Teaching (3)

(Same as THEOL 207; course description may be found in theology listings)

HIST 210  The High Middle Ages (3)

Surveys European society, politics, economics, religion and culture during the High Middle Ages through a combination of lecture and discussion of primary sources.

HIST 215  Renaissance and Reformation (3)

A survey of the major intellectual, religious and political developments in western and central Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries.

HIST 220  Early Modern France (3)

A study of the major political, social, economic and religious trends in France from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Particular attention will be given to the religious reform movement, state-building under Richelieu and Louis XIV, and the long-term causes of the French Revolution.

HIST 221 Modern France (3)

A survey of French history from the French Revolution to the present.

HIST 223 Spain in the Golden Age (3)

Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries was the first world empire in history–its territories stretched around the globe, including much of the European continent, Central and South America, the Philippines, and other territories. This course will examine Spain’s history during its reign as the world’s "super power," and will include the following topics and personalities: Columbus and Spanish conquest of the Americas; Philip II and Spain’s leadership of the Catholic Counter-Reformation; Spanish religious figures, such as Teresa of Avila and Ignatius of Loyola; the defeat of the Spanish Armada; Spanish society, economy and culture during the Golden Age; the reasons for Spain’s decline as a major power during the 17th century.

HIST 226 Women in European History (3)

Catherine Morland, the heroine of Jane Austen’s novel Northanger Abbey, complained that history “tells me nothing that does not either vex or weary me. The quarrels of popes and kings, with wars and pestilence on every page; the men all so good for nothing, and hardly any women at all, it is very tiresome.”  This course is an attempt to put into historical perspective the position or role women played in the historical narrative.

HIST 236  History of the Italian People (3)

Traces the evolution of modern Italian society, with an emphasis on the 20th century. Major topics include the Fascist dictatorship, the Resistance movement, post-war reconstruction, the influence of the church and the Italian emigrant experience. Also seeks to understand the centrality of the family and the persistence of strong regional ties in Italy to this day.

HIST 240 Modern Russia (3)

A survey of Russian history from the reign of Peter the Great to the present. Major themes include the expansion of the tsarist empire, the rivalry between Westernizers and Slavophiles, the revolutions of 1905 and 1917, the Stalinist dictatorship, the impact of World War II, the Cold War, and the decline and fall of Soviet communism.

HIST 245  European Diplomacy, 1815-1914 (3)

A chronological survey of European relations from the Congress of Vienna to the eve of World War I. Considers the special role of ambassadors in the early 19^th century and forces that complicated the diplomatic process as Europe moved toward a general war. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of documents, treaties, memoirs and period literature.

HIST 246-249  Topics in European History (3)

(As needed)

HIST 247 Pre-Revolution Russia (3)

Backward, Illiterate, Reactionary. All words used to describe pre-revolutionary Russia, Russia under the tsars. Unfortunately, there is not a grain of truth in the common assertions about Russia previous to the Bolsheviks. Far from backward, Russia enjoyed a vibrant economy and a well-fed peasantry. By the end of the 19th century, Russia was feeding most of the world, and experiencing growth in industry and trade only envied by the rest of the world. While English ruling elites attacked the tsars, St. Petersburg enjoyed an infant mortality rate roughly half that of London by 1800. What else have the history books been "fibbing" about?

HIST 248 History of the USSR (3)

The USSR is directly responsible for the political murders of over 10 million people, and that’s a very conservative estimate. What was the system that permitted and actively praised this policy of mass murder? How did it function, and why did so many western intellectuals support it? Few Americans understand these complicated issues, and still fewer politicians. It is very difficult to make a course on the land of such violent dictators boring. This course will revolve around economic, political, historical and religious issues as it affected both native Russians and the exile movement abroad from the overthrow of A. Kerenskii to the forcible retirement of the hapless M. Gorbachev.

HIST 251 Colonial America (3)

An examination of the changing lives and cultures of Native Americans, Africans and Europeans in the almost two centuries between the first British settlement on the continent and the emergence of mature colonial societies on the eve of the American Revolution. By reading and discussing the historical literature on four or five major issues in the history of the period, the course will explore how these cultures interacted and how this complex process of development occurred.

HIST 253  Age of the American Revolution, 1760-1789 (3)

A study of American thought and culture from the succession of America's last king to the election of its first  president. Through lectures and the discussion of readings drawn from the period, the course will trace the origins of the American Revolution, the conduct of the war and revolutionary politics, the era of the Confederation, and the creation and ratification of the Constitution.

HIST 255  Age of Jefferson and Jackson, 1790-1848 (3)

This course investigates the evolution of American society from the beginnings of the federal republic to the end of the Jacksonian period. Special attention is devoted to the influence of Jefferson and Jackson, changes in politics and culture, and the interrelationship of Europeans, Africans and Native Americans during this formative half-century.

HIST 260 Age of the American Civil War, 1848-1877 (3)

An examination of the causes, conduct and aftermath of the bloodiest conflict in American history. Through lectures and the discussion of readings drawn from the period, the course will examine antebellum American society and the break-up of the union, the course of the war and the political and social changes it engendered, and the effort to "Reconstruct" the defeated South.

HIST 265  Pastimes: The History of Sport in America (3)

This course investigates the evolution of athletic activities in relation to larger changes in American society. Special attention will be paid to economics, politics, race, class and gender as each has played and continues to play an important role in shaping participatory and spectator sport in the United States.

HIST 270 The Emergence of Modern America: U.S. History 1900-45 (3)

Explores American history from the Progressive Era to the end of the Second World War. In addition to an examination of the significant events of domestic and foreign policy in this period, this course will pay special attention to questions of culture, gender, race and ethnicity.

HIST 275 U.S. History from 1945 to the Present (3)

Examines American social, cultural and political history from then end of World War Two to the present. Through lectures, primary and secondary source readings, class discussions, films and music we will explore the most significant themes of our most recent past. Additionally, students will engage in their own research projects during the semester. This course will especially focus on social and political movements, American foreign policy at home and abroad, changing notions of the role of government, and transformations in American popular culture.

HIST 276 U.S. Women’s History to 1877

Explores the experiences of women from the colonial era to the beginnings of the women’s rights movement in the nineteenth century. It will examine the private lives of women, including marriage and family, sexuality and reproduction, and labor and education, and women’s participation in the public sphere, paying particular attention to how changing conceptions of gender have expanded or limited women’s social and cultural roles. While this course will explore the unity of women’s lives in the American past, it will also explore the ways race, ethnicity and class have shaped women’s experiences. Students will gain an understanding of how gender was historically constructed and of important interpretive issues in early American women’s history.

HIST 278  Founders of America: The Histories and Cultures of Native Americans (3)

Native Americans have lived in America for more than 15,000 years. During that time, they have built great cities, developed continent-wide trading networks, and made thousands of beautiful artistic objects. Since 1492, they have been in contact with Europeans and Africans. While some Indian nations have lost their identity as a result, many others survive today as distinct cultures. This course takes a broad look at the histories of selected Native American peoples, in an attempt to grasp their rich diversity of cultural experiences, both before and since contact with Europeans. Readings will include works of history, folklore and contemporary fiction by Native Americans.

HIST 280  Early Canada (3)

A chronological survey from French settlement to political confederation of British provinces in the late 19^th century. Emphasizes the imperial policies of France and Britain; the origins and implications of Anglophone-Francophone duality; America’s impact on the developing Canadian nation; the reasons for Canada’s confederation in 1867. This course incorporates literature, film and music as appropriate. Cross listed as HIIS 280.

HIST 285-289 Topics in Military History (3)

(As needed)

HIST 290-294  Topics in North American History (3)

(As needed)

HIST 293  Cabinet of Curiosities - An Introduction to Museum Studies (3)

What is a museum? Discover the array of possibilities within the museum field, learn how museums work, and find out how to pursue a career in museums. A mixture of lectures, field trips, hands-on activities and visits from museum professionals will open the door to the fascinating world of museums.

HIST 295-299  Topics in Non-Western History (3)

(As needed)

HIST 297 Modern Chinese History: China Since 1600 (3

A survey history of China designed to give students a broad background in the fundamentals for understanding and appreciating the development of modern China.This course explores the history of China through lectures, readings, discussions, films, and student research projects. Introduces changes in Late Imperial China that range from dynamic population growth and internal rebellions to the intrusion of the West. The second part will examine the breakdown of the traditional order and China’s quest for modernity through reform. The third part will discuss the evolution of revolutionary theory and practice. Events covered include The Long March, Japanese invasion, Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The third section will also look at post-Mao reform era developments including China’s reemergence in international trade, critical social issues and environmental problems. No prior knowledge of China or Chinese is required. Readings will include secondary and translated primary sources, as well as fiction. 

HIST 297 Modern Chinese History: China Since 1600 (3

A survey history of China designed to give students a broad background in the fundamentals for understanding and appreciating the development of modern China.This course explores the history of China through lectures, readings, discussions, films, and student research projects. Introduces changes in Late Imperial China that range from dynamic population growth and internal rebellions to the intrusion of the West. The second part will examine the breakdown of the traditional order and China’s quest for modernity through reform. The third part will discuss the evolution of revolutionary theory and practice. Events covered include The Long March, Japanese invasion, Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. The third section will also look at post-Mao reform era developments including China’s reemergence in international trade, critical social issues and environmental problems. No prior knowledge of China or Chinese is required. Readings will include secondary and translated primary sources, as well as fiction. 

HIST 305  Crusades to Columbus: The West and the World in the Middle Ages, 1095-1492 (3)

An investigation of encounters between western Europe and the outside world between the beginning of the crusading movement and the voyages of Columbus. Topics include medieval Spain, the Crusades, Marco Polo and the Mongols, and Christopher Columbus. Readings in primary and secondary sources and a research paper are required.

HIST/HISO 310 History of the Family in Europe (3)

This course will examine the changing structure of the family in Europe from the late Middle Ages to the 20^th century, with special emphasis on the following: the development of the stem, nuclear and extended families; affection between parents and children, and between husband and wife; and the changing roles of women.

HIST 315 Early Modern European Society (3)

This course will examine the social structure of Europe from the 15^th to the 18^th centuries, with special emphasis on the following: social mobility; the patterns of elite control; the place of women within the various social orders; peasant revolts; and the Annaliste and Marxist interpretations of social hierarchies.

HIST/HIPS 317  The American Presidency (3)

This course is an examination of the history, operations and politics of the American Presidency. It also examines the impact of various modern presidents. Theories that attempt to understand the psychological factors that affect presidential actions are also presented. This course is identical to PSCI 317.

HIST 330  Social and Political Movements in the Modern United States (3)

Explores several of the major issues and political and social movements of post-1945 America. Considers the internal workings of groups of people working for change and examines what impact those groups had on the larger society. While each movement will be approached as its own phenomenon, the course will also consider what social movements have in common and how they continue today. Questions include: What were the movement’s core beliefs and how did these beliefs affect their actions? What was the role of key leaders within the movement? What were some of its flaws and failings? How did it have an impact on the larger society? Although many of the movements that define this era of American history are considered progressive (i.e., the civil rights movement, the women’s movement), the course will also explore social and political movements that worked to make society more conservative or traditional (i.e., the conservative women’s movement, the evangelical movement).

HIST 332  The Second World War (3)

A study of the causes, course and consequences of World War II, with emphasis on the European theater. Major themes will include the nature of Fascist ideology, the role of charismatic leadership (among both Axis and Allied forces), the social impact of "total war," the Holocaust, collaborationist and resistance responses to Nazi occupation, efforts at post-war reconstruction, and reflections on the enduring legacies of the war.

HIST 345  Issues in Modern Diplomacy (3)

Examines a variety of issues that have transformed diplomacy since World War I. Examples of likely discussion topics include: the roles played by middle powers during periods of superpower competition; the nature and impact of Islamic Jihad; the building of strategic alliances; America’s war against terrorism. Students will gain historic perspectives on topics discussed, and they may be required to develop strategies designed to achieve specific diplomatic objectives.

HIST 346-349  Issues in European History (3)

(As needed)

HIST 350-354  Issues in North American History (3)

(As needed)

HIST 355  Race and Slavery in America, 1619-1919 (3)

A study of the questions of slavery and race in American society and culture from their origin in the colonial period to the end of the first world war. In the course students will read and discuss the historical literature that has been written on several key topics in this subject. Possible topics include: the origins of slavery and racism, the slave community, slave resistance, emancipation and reconstruction, and the creation of segregation in the turn-of-the-century South.

HIST 358  American Frontiers: Columbus, Cannibals, Corn Mothers and Captain Cook (3)

An investigation of cross-cultural contact in the Americas. Topics include cultural developments among Native American societies before European contact, European encounters with Taino, Carib and Pueblo peoples, the tri-racial frontiers of colonial and early national America, and Captain Cook's voyages to the Polynesian islands. The focus will be on processes by which cultural ideas and practices are exchanged, and "middle grounds," hybrid cultures that spring from such contacts.

HIST 360  Religion in America (3)

Using the Great Awakening hypothesis (McLoughlin) as an organizing principle, the course investigates the inter-relationship of American social, economic and intellectual trends and the evolution of American religion from the colonial period to the present. In addition, the course will examine the role that a variety of religious traditions (e.g., Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, evangelical Protestantism, African American religion, and neopaganism) have played in American history.

HIST 370 Recent Native American History (3)

This course will examine the experiences of Native American peoples from the late nineteenth century to the present. It will trace the development and consequences of key areas of federal Indian policy during this time, including: the period of intense pressure to assimilate after the passage of the Dawes Severalty Act (1877), the so-called Indian New Deal of the 1930s, the battles waged during the Relocation and Termination periods of the 1950s, the rise of Indian activism in the 1960s and 1970s and current battles to retain tribal sovereignty and cultural continuity. The course will focus on the views and experiences of Native peoples, drawing on sources produced by Native American writers, activists  and speakers. It will also pay attention to the ways in which Native Americans and representations of their cultures have played an important role in the social and cultural history of the United States in this period.  

Readings, discussion and research on a selected topic related to Canada's history, politics, culture, or foreign relations. Using published works and primary source material, each student writes a paper and presents a summary before the class and invited faculty. Prior completion of HIST 280 Early Canada is recommended. Cross listed as HIIS 380.

HIST 387 Manhood in America (3)

Manhood in America investigates competing models of manhood from the colonial period to the present. Few people realize that Americans have never had a cultural consensus on what it means to be “a man.”  This course will investigate the origins of competing models of manhood by examining Native American, European and African cultures. The course will also examine constructs such as Puritan fatherhood, the Code of Southern Honor, the male bachelor subculture, muscular Christianity, and the Organization Man. The roles of media, economic change, class status and religion in forming and perpetuating manhood models will be investigated. The course will be run in a seminar format and will emphasize class discussion.

HIST 395-399  Issues in Non-Western History (3)

(As needed)

HIST 402 Senior Research Thesis (credits to be determined)

In the fall of their senior year, majors will work with an individual member of the department to produce a research paper, based on primary sources. (Fall)

Non-Western Courses 

(These courses satisfy the senior core curriculum requirement.)

HIST/HINW/HIIS 420 Islamic Civilization (3)       

With its emphasis on reading, writing and discussion, this seminar is designed to challenge students who already know much about Islam as well as those who know little but desire to learn about the Muslim faith and culture. Principal themes include Allah's revelations to Muhammad and the divine imperatives of Islam; Islamic literature and arts; Arab contributions to Western culture; and Muslims in the modern world and in contemporary American society.

HIST/HINW/HIIS 421 The Inuit: Traditions and Transformations (3)

The Inuit (the "Eskimo") have inhabited Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Siberia for thousands of years. Their traditions have included respect for spirits in the sea, the sky, animals, and in themselves. They survived in relative isolation, having little contact with Kalunait (or "strangers") until the late 19th century. As contact accelerated, Inuit life has been transformed and the future has looked less certain. By studying the Inuit, the class explores the human will to survive; ponders the moral dimensions of intercultural contact; and evaluates faith in capitalism, industry and Western political institutions.

HIST/HINW 425 Age of Decolonization (3)

Explores the drama of national liberation and decolonization in several modern Asian and African settings. Surveys a variety of violent and nonviolent national insurgencies and imperial responses. Particular attention devoted to the ideologies and legacies of such statesmen as Mahatma Gandhi, Frantz Fanon and Haile Selassie I.

HIST/HINW 430 Cultural History of China (3)

Focuses on the development of Chinese culture from the earliest times until the modern age. Students will study aspects of Chinese history, art, literature and philosophy/religion beginning with the Neolithic period and ending with the 20th century and the impact of the West. Since China is the mother civilization of all of East Asia, this class will be of interest to all of those who have an interest in the cultures of Japan, Korea and Vietnam, as well as those who would like to know more about this emerging world power, whose actions affect us all.

HINW/HIIS 435 African Diaspora (3)

Examines the migration and dispersion of African peoples from pre-historic times to the present, emphasizing both the experience of Africans and their impact on world civilizations. The course begins with the exodus of humankind from Africa to the rest of the world in the Old Stone age. The focus then turns to the diaspora of the slave trade over the past 2,000 years, and the forced migration of Africans to the Americas, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean basin. The last unit deals with African cultures in the diaspora and return to Africa following the end of slavery.

HINW/HIST 440 East Asian Civilizations (3)

This course is an introduction to the histories of China and Japan from ancient times to the early seventeenth century. The class revolves around experimenting with a range of discussion questions to examine and analyze the elements of Chinese and Japanese tradition including why Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Legalism were competing and sometimes intersecting philosophical systems, how historical events, developments, and trends influenced the lives of ordinary men and women, the evolution of the imperial legal system, and the place of science and technology in ancient times. Readings are designed to introduce students to sections of important works and to provide a sense of the culture and society of the periods examined. This course fulfills the non-Western history requirement and has no prerequisites.

HIST 480 History Internship (1 to 6)

Work experience in a field related to history for seniors or juniors. Only three credit hours will apply toward requirement for the major.

HIST 398  Independent Study (1 to 6)

Independent research or study in history. Requires approval of the instructor, the department chair and the dean for academic affairs.



HIST 277 Modern U.S. Women’s History (3)

Students will examine the lives and experiences of American women from the onset of the women’s right movement in the second half of the 19th century to the recent past of the late 20th century. While this course will focus on women’s efforts to achieve political equality, it will also explore women’s changing roles in relation to work, education, family life and popular culture. This course will pay close attention to the ways that class, race, and ethnicity have shaped women’s experiences and the social movements of this period. Students will gain an understanding of significant events in modern women’s lives, the ways in which gender is and has been constructed, and the major interpretive issues shaping women’s history.