History Major

This course examines the history of colonial societies in the Americas. Through the use of the course’s thematic material, students will be introduced to the basic skills used by historians in their investigation of the past, including a close reading and contextualization of primary source texts, the study of historical interpretations and controversies, citation and research methods, effective writing techniques, and oral communication skills.

This course examines the history of the bubonic plague and other contagions, focusing particularly on the Black Death of 1347 to 1351. Through the use of the course’s thematic material, students will be introduced to the basic skills used by historians in their investigation of the past, including a close reading and contextualization of primary source texts, the study of historical interpretations and controversies, citation and research methods, effective writing techniques and oral communication skills.

This course examines the history of revolutions. Through the use of the course’s thematic material, students will be introduced to the basic skills used by historians in their investigation of the past, including a close reading and contextualization of primary source texts, the study of historical interpretations and controversies, citation and research methods, effective writing techniques and oral communication skills.

A broad survey of the major political and social developments from the time of Columbus to the Civil War.. Offered fall semester.

A broad survey of the major political and social developments from the Civil War to the present. Offered spring semester.

Exploration into the history and social, political and cultural significance of slavery and the slave trade in various societies and cultures; from slavery in the ancient world to transatlantic slave trade to slavery and its legacy in the modern era.

Examines the history of Native Americans from the 1400s to the present. Topics include cultural diversity before European invasions as well as Indian-European encounters. The slave trade, Indian Removal, accommodation and resistance will also be discussed. From Cahokia mounds to the Great Plains resistance, the class provides insights into the complexity of Native American societies and the diversity of the American experience.

This course examines the Atlantic world, particularly the connections between the peoples of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Topics include merchant trade, piracy, exploration, conquest, indigenous peoples, slavery, religion, and empire. Primary sources include maps, chronicles, newspapers, and slave narratives. Special focus on cultural history especially the impact and legacy of negotiation, conflict and exchange.

This course examines America’s participation in the Vietnam War and how the conflict shaped the lives of Americans who lived through that era. Offered fall semester.

This course examines the revolutionary origins of America and its transition into a new nation. Topics include the experiences of soldiers, the transformation of politics, and the social revolution that followed war. Changes for Native Americans, African Americans and women will also be examined as well as the global implications of the Revolution, and its influence on future anti-colonial rebellions.

The causes, nature and consequences of the Civil War; emphasis placed on political and social interpretations of the war, as well as its military events.

This course examines the history of Latin America. Beginning with the indigenous societies of Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, it follows the growth of colonial societies as indigenous, European, and African populations formed new and diverse cultures. Concludes with a history of decolonization and modern Latin American history.

A survey of nineteenth and twentieth century African-American history, with an emphasis on cultural, social, economic and political issues.

Selected Topics are courses of an experimental nature that provide students a wide variety of study opportunities and experiences. Selected Topics offer both the department and the students the opportunity to explore areas of special interest in a structured classroom setting. Selected Topics courses (course numbers 290, 390, 490) will have variable titles and vary in credit from 1-3 semester hours. Selected Topic courses may not be taken as a Directed Study offering.

This course provides an introduction to the Middle Ages, examining the multiple influences that shaped European history from the fourth to the fifteenth century. Particular emphasis placed on Christianity, the twelfth-century Renaissance, medieval cities, and society and culture.

This course provides an introduction to European history from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century, focusing on the Italian Renaissance and the Reformation. The first half of the class examines late medieval society, especially the society, religion and politics of the Italian city-states. The second half examines the reasons for the Reformation, with special emphasis given to the variety of religious reformations in sixteenth-century Europe.

This course will examine European history from 1650 to the present, focusing on key historical developments such as absolutism and the state, the scientific revolution and Enlightenment, revolution, and ideologies of race and empire, nationalism, liberalism, and socialism. Addresses the emergence of fascism, communism and the Cold War. Also considers the effects of these developments on the wider world.

An introduction to the art, architecture and the history of Rome to 1650. Site visits focus on ancient Roman monuments, early Christian symbolism, medieval churches and the centrality of Rome as a Christian center from Peter to the papacy. Offered as a study abroad course.

Exploration of the lives and voices of European women throughout history and the ideologies that Western society has projected concerning women.

Through an examination of trial records and documents, this course examines the life of the peasant Joan of Arc, one of the most popular figures in history. Additional focus on the context of the Middle Ages as well as myth-making and representations in literature, art, film and propaganda. In what ways are historical interpretations shaped by popular culture and cultural biases about the past? How has Joan remained an important cultural construction long after her death?

This course examines the witch?hunts in Early Modern Europe. To understand the historical context, the course examines magic, heresy, witch?hunts and the shifting definitions in the late Middle Ages. Primary sources highlight the words of the accused and the accusers. Additional foci include the popular modern myths associated with the witch-hunts, as well as examination of modern witch-hunts. This course has been approved as an Honors qualified course.

This course will consider the phenomena of Nazism and Stalinism, focusing on systems of authority, culture, daily life and the use of violence. This course has been approved as an Honors qualified course.

A detailed study of the origins, motivations and consequences of the Holocaust. Special focus on historiographical debates and primary sources documents. Is the Holocaust unique or does it share commonalities with other genocides?

Selected Topics are courses of an experimental nature that provide students a wide variety of study opportunities and experiences. Selected Topics offer both the department and the students the opportunity to explore areas of special interest in a structured classroom setting. Selected Topics courses (course numbers 290, 390, 490) will have variable titles and vary in credit from 1-3 semester hours. Selected Topic courses may not be taken as a Directed Study offering.

A broad survey of world history from 1500 to the present. Exploration of various modern world cultures with a focus on connections and conflicts between them.

This course examines the cultural traditions and transformations in Asian history from its origins to around 1700. Identifies specific historical events, political developments and philosophical, religious and social innovations in the history of East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia as well as highlights the contributions and transformations as it interacts with other world civilizations.

This course provides an introduction to ancient civilizations from the earliest societies through the Byzantine Empire, approximately 700 CE. The class concentrates on the ancient civilizations of India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, while also examining the influence of other societies such as the Hebrews, the Phoenicians, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. Emphasis placed on culture and society, texts, and surviving artifacts and monuments.

Food is a powerful cultural symbol that connects individuals and the community. This course examines the relationship between food and the history of agricultural practices, religion, social structure, rituals, family dynamics and state policies in Asia, particularly China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

This course examines major themes and changes in Chinese history through films and texts. Some of the themes include modernization, political and economic transformation, the Cultural Revolution and globalization.

This course examines the history of Russia from its origins in medieval Kiev to the present-day. Areas of study include the imperial Russian state, revolution, communism, nationalism, and the Soviet Union. Attention given to the multi-cultural nature of its empire and successor states in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus.

This course explores the complex relationships between women and culture in two major civilizations in East Asia: China and Japan.

This course examines the history of Africa since 1700, especially the slave trade, missionary activity and imperialism. Second half of class focuses on the development of nationalist ideologies and independence movements, decolonization and the formation of independent African states, as well as contemporary crises.

An in-depth study of contemporary Chinese culture and history, with an examination of revolutionary movements and modernization.

An in-depth study of contemporary Japanese history and culture examining the Meiji Restoration, Japanese expansion and interaction in Asia, World War II and the challenges faced by Japan after World War II.

An analysis of specific Cold War controversies, particularly those that took place in the Third World; an examination of ideological, cultural and socio-historical aspects of the Cold War.

Selected Topics are courses of an experimental nature that provide students a wide variety of study opportunities and experiences. Selected Topics offer both the department and the students the opportunity to explore areas of special interest in a structured classroom setting. Selected Topics courses (course numbers 290, 390, 490) will have variable titles and vary in credit from 1-3 semester hours. Selected Topic courses may not be taken as a Directed Study offering.

Prerequisite: At least two upper-level HIST courses before enrolling in HPRL 493: Capstone Research Seminar.
In this senior capstone seminar, students design and direct a research project as a culminating experience. Students choose, contextualize, and explicate a series of documents, artifacts, and/or images to shape an argument. Through the process, students demonstrate strong research, writing, and interpretive skills. As a result each student produces a 16-18 page paper and presents at the Capstone Conference. This course fulfills the Core Engaged Learning requirement. Offered fall only.

Exploration into the history and social, political and cultural significance of slavery and the slave trade in various societies and cultures; from slavery in the ancient world to transatlantic slave trade to slavery and its legacy in the modern era.

Examines the history of Native Americans from the 1400s to the present. Topics include cultural diversity before European invasions as well as Indian-European encounters. The slave trade, Indian Removal, accommodation and resistance will also be discussed. From Cahokia mounds to the Great Plains resistance, the class provides insights into the complexity of Native American societies and the diversity of the American experience.

This course examines the Atlantic world, particularly the connections between the peoples of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Topics include merchant trade, piracy, exploration, conquest, indigenous peoples, slavery, religion, and empire. Primary sources include maps, chronicles, newspapers, and slave narratives. Special focus on cultural history especially the impact and legacy of negotiation, conflict and exchange.

This course examines America’s participation in the Vietnam War and how the conflict shaped the lives of Americans who lived through that era. Offered fall semester.

This course examines the revolutionary origins of America and its transition into a new nation. Topics include the experiences of soldiers, the transformation of politics, and the social revolution that followed war. Changes for Native Americans, African Americans and women will also be examined as well as the global implications of the Revolution, and its influence on future anti-colonial rebellions.

The causes, nature and consequences of the Civil War; emphasis placed on political and social interpretations of the war, as well as its military events.

A broad survey of world history from 1500 to the present. Exploration of various modern world cultures with a focus on connections and conflicts between them.

This course examines the cultural traditions and transformations in Asian history from its origins to around 1700. Identifies specific historical events, political developments and philosophical, religious and social innovations in the history of East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia as well as highlights the contributions and transformations as it interacts with other world civilizations.

This course provides an introduction to ancient civilizations from the earliest societies through the Byzantine Empire, approximately 700 CE. The class concentrates on the ancient civilizations of India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, while also examining the influence of other societies such as the Hebrews, the Phoenicians, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. Emphasis placed on culture and society, texts, and surviving artifacts and monuments.

Food is a powerful cultural symbol that connects individuals and the community. This course examines the relationship between food and the history of agricultural practices, religion, social structure, rituals, family dynamics and state policies in Asia, particularly China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

This course examines major themes and changes in Chinese history through films and texts. Some of the themes include modernization, political and economic transformation, the Cultural Revolution and globalization.

This course provides an introduction to the Middle Ages, examining the multiple influences that shaped European history from the fourth to the fifteenth century. Particular emphasis placed on Christianity, the twelfth-century Renaissance, medieval cities, and society and culture.

This course provides an introduction to European history from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century, focusing on the Italian Renaissance and the Reformation. The first half of the class examines late medieval society, especially the society, religion and politics of the Italian city-states. The second half examines the reasons for the Reformation, with special emphasis given to the variety of religious reformations in sixteenth-century Europe.

This course will examine European history from 1650 to the present, focusing on key historical developments such as absolutism and the state, the scientific revolution and Enlightenment, revolution, and ideologies of race and empire, nationalism, liberalism, and socialism. Addresses the emergence of fascism, communism and the Cold War. Also considers the effects of these developments on the wider world.

This course examines the history of Russia from its origins in medieval Kiev to the present-day. Areas of study include the imperial Russian state, revolution, communism, nationalism, and the Soviet Union. Attention given to the multi-cultural nature of its empire and successor states in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus.

Through an examination of trial records and documents, this course examines the life of the peasant Joan of Arc, one of the most popular figures in history. Additional focus on the context of the Middle Ages as well as myth-making and representations in literature, art, film and propaganda. In what ways are historical interpretations shaped by popular culture and cultural biases about the past? How has Joan remained an important cultural construction long after her death?

This course explores the complex relationships between women and culture in two major civilizations in East Asia: China and Japan.

This course examines the witch?hunts in Early Modern Europe. To understand the historical context, the course examines magic, heresy, witch?hunts and the shifting definitions in the late Middle Ages. Primary sources highlight the words of the accused and the accusers. Additional foci include the popular modern myths associated with the witch-hunts, as well as examination of modern witch-hunts. This course has been approved as an Honors qualified course.

This course examines the history of Africa since 1700, especially the slave trade, missionary activity and imperialism. Second half of class focuses on the development of nationalist ideologies and independence movements, decolonization and the formation of independent African states, as well as contemporary crises.

An in-depth study of contemporary Chinese culture and history, with an examination of revolutionary movements and modernization.

An in-depth study of contemporary Japanese history and culture examining the Meiji Restoration, Japanese expansion and interaction in Asia, World War II and the challenges faced by Japan after World War II.

This course will consider the phenomena of Nazism and Stalinism, focusing on systems of authority, culture, daily life and the use of violence. This course has been approved as an Honors qualified course.

A detailed study of the origins, motivations and consequences of the Holocaust. Special focus on historiographical debates and primary sources documents. Is the Holocaust unique or does it share commonalities with other genocides?

Selected Topics are courses of an experimental nature that provide students a wide variety of study opportunities and experiences. Selected Topics offer both the department and the students the opportunity to explore areas of special interest in a structured classroom setting. Selected Topics courses (course numbers 290, 390, 490) will have variable titles and vary in credit from 1-3 semester hours. Selected Topic courses may not be taken as a Directed Study offering.

A study of various ways to examine the connection between geography and history-how geography has affected and been shaped by historical developments, including but not limited to physical, political, cultural and environmental elements. Specific attention will be placed on how the movements of people and human-environmental interactions impact ecosystems and cultures.