History
HIS 101 American Perspectives 3 SH
Analyzes the major issues which have confronted American society from its
origins to today. Rather than a chronological approach, the course presents
the ways in which historians have viewed the persisting issues of the
American past. Stress will be placed on the interaction of historians with
the facts of the past in order to assist students to form their own
interpretations. (Not for major credit.) Every semester. General Education:
Humanities/Western History.
HIS 148 American History: To 1877 3 SH
An examination of America's history from the earliest explorers and
colonial times through the Civil War and reconstruction. Fall semester.
General Education:
Humanities/Western History.
HIS 149 American History: Since 1877 3 SH
An examination of American history since 1877, focusing on major social,
political and economic trends and touching on such diverse subjects as the
rise of industry, World War I and the civil rights movement. Spring
semester. General Education:
Humanities/Western History.
HIS 186 Europe: Ancient and Medieval 3 SH
A critical examination of the forces, movements and ideologies which
established Western civilization as the dominant force of the modern world.
Fall semester. General Education:
Humanities/Western History.
HIS 187 Modern Europe 3 SH
An overview of European history and civilization from the Reformation to
the present. The main themes will be the unity of the European experience
and the dynamism and expansiveness of European civilization. Spring
semester. General Education:
Humanities/Western History.
HIS 200 Colonial America: 1607-1815 3 SH
The course will begin with the earliest European settlements on the
continent of North America, tracing the inception and expansion of the
various mercantile empires with emphasis upon British colonialism. It will
conclude with the mercantile period in United States history through the
revolutionary period to 1815.
HIS 206 Prosperity and Depression:
America 1914-1939 3 SH
A study of the United States from 1914 to 1939, emphasizing the change to a
consumer society, the debate over isolation and the problems of the great
depression.
HIS 208 Rise of Industrialism America: 1877-1929 3 SH
This course analyzes the impact of three forces, industrialization,
urbanization and immigration, on American society during a period of rapid
growth. Particular attention will be given to the response of varied
segments of the American people to the changes brought by these dynamic
forces.
HIS/WS 210 Women in American History 3 SH
This course provides a survey of the history of women in America from
colonial settlement until the present. Students consider women's economic
contributions within the household and in waged work, as well as women's
changing political status and the shifting ideologies defining women's
roles.
HIS 212 Recent American History: Since 1945 3 SH
A history of the United States since 1945, emphasizing the Cold War, the
McCarthy era, the civil rights movement and the culture of the 1960s.
HIS/ECO 214 American Economic History 3 SH
See ECO/HIS 214
HIS/PS 215 Development of American Political Thought from Colonial Times to
World
War I 3 SH
A critical study of man, movements and ideas in the development of American
political thought. Prerequisite: PS 100 level or American history course.
Spring semester.
HIS/AS 217 The American Dream: Visions and Revisions 3 SH
See AS/HIS 217
HIS 218 Age of World War II: America 1939-1945 3 SH
A history of the Second World War in all its global aspects, focusing
somewhat on America's participation.
HIS/AAS 219 African-American History and Culture 3 SH
A study of the history and the sociocultural pattern of the
African-American in the United States, with particular emphasis on how such
factors relate to current conditions and problems. General Education:
Humanities/Western History.
HIS 245 Egypt of the Pharaohs 3 SH
Examines the history and civilization of ancient Egypt from 3100 B.C. to the
fall of Cleopatra in 30 B.C. and demonstrates parallels of human behavior
between antiquity and modern times. Analysis of the history of the dynastic
period and the influence of the Nile on Egyptian civilization, religion (the
temple, funerary rites, mummification), hieroglyphic writing, function and
construction of the pyramids, the state apparatus, daily life of the people,
and special emphasis on the only intact royal tomb found, that of
Tutankhamun.
HIS 246 Judaism 3 SH
A survey of the history of the Jewish people and their religion from the
earliest times to the present. Alternate fall semesters. General Education:
Humanities/Western History.
HIS 256 Background to the Civil War 3 SH
A study of the background of the American Civil War, touching on politics,
economics, social movements, intellectual trends, and most especially,
slavery.
HIS/PS 262 The History of the American Constitution 3 SH
A description and analysis of the history of the American constitution from
its origins during the colonial period to today. Spring semester.
HIS 270 Christianity 3 SH
A dialogue analyzing Christianity as a cultural, political and social
phenomenon and assessing its transcendent value for the individual. Every
semester. General Education: Humanities/Western History.
HIS 277 Modern China 3 SH
The founding of the People's Republic of China was the culmination of a
series of political, intellectual, and cultural upheavals that fundamentally
shook the country (and the world) since the mid-nineteenth century. What
happened, who made it happen and why? What have modernized and cultured
globalization brought to the life of ordinary Chinese, and at what cost?
This course invites students to explore such questions by using a variety of
primary sources.
HIS 281 Modern Middle East 3 SH
Analyzes the political, social and, economic aspects of the modern Middle
East from the early nineteenth century to the present, emphasizing the rise
of modern nation-states and their conflicts and crises, including the Arab
Israeli conflict. Here, the emphasis is on Europe's impact on the Middle
East in the form of economic domination and colonialism, the importation of
European ideas (nationalism, constitutionalism, democracy, capitalism,
communism) and scientific developments (nuclear weapons, television). The
reaction of the Middle Eastern people to this Western invasion is central to
the discussion of these ideas. Alternate fall or spring semesters.
HIS/AAS 284 Africa: From Antiquity to Colonialism 3 SH
A critical study of the major developments in the history of the continent
of Africa from ancient times to the beginning of the Colonial Era in the
nineteenth century. The concept of periodization of African history is
heavily stressed. Within this framework, the emphasis is on the
three-pronged heritage of African history: Traditional (indigenous), Semitic
(Hebrew and Arabic-Islamic) and European (Christianity, Slavery and
Colonialism). Alternate spring semesters.
HIS/AAS 285 Modern Africa 3 SH
A history of the continent of Africa in the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries. Topics include African response to European penetration
(collaboration vs. resistance), theories and practices of colonial rule,
ideologies and organizational forms of African nationalism, and problems of
development in present-day Africa. The major part of this course will cover
twentieth century African history, with emphasis on colonial administration
of the African continent, the development of the various African nationalist
movements and their struggle for independence. Conditions in independent
African states, inter-African relations as well as African relations with
the outside world will be heavily emphasized. Alternate spring semesters.
HIS/WS 286 Women in Chinese History 3 SH
This course surveys the history of women in China from antiquity to the
present, focusing on the sociopolitical, economic, ideological, and cultural
forces that shaped the lives of Chinese women. Topics include gender roles
in Confucian ideology, women and the family, the cultural politics of the
female body, alternative visions of women in Chinese religions, the
20th-century feminist movement, and women and the communist revolution. The
class will examine a variety of primary sources, literary works, and films.
HIS 287 History of Chinese Religions 3 SH
This course introduces the beliefs and practices of the major Chinese
religions--Confucianism, Daoism, Chinese Buddhism, and popular religion.
Emphasis is on the sociopolitical and cultural contexts of their historical
developments; the patterns of their interactions and mutual accommodations;
their influences in shaping gender roles and family structures in
traditional and modern China; their reflections in Chinese folklore, art and
literature; and their spread to, and further evolution in Korea, Vietnam,
and Japan.
HIS 290 The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848 3 SH
This course focuses on the origins and course of the French Revolution, the
Napoleonic era and the Age of Reaction. The impact of the industrial and
Romantic revolutions and the different ideologies of this era will receive
special attention.
HIS 291 The Age of Nationalism and Imperialism: Europe 1848-1914 3 SH
This course analyzes the force of nationalism in shaping and threatening the
European state system. Imperialistic rivalries, new thought patterns and the
road to World War I will also be examined.
HIS 292 The Era of World Wars: Europe 1914-1945 3 SH
This course explores the period covering World War I and World War II in
Europe. The impact of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Italian Fascism
and German Nazism as well as the weaknesses and strengths of European
democracies are analyzed.
HIS 293 Europe Since 1945: The Cold War 3 SH
This course focuses on the revival of Europe during the Cold War and World
War II. The impact of American and Russian power rivalry, the fall of the
Soviet empire and the dynamism of Europeans in reshaping their continent
will be explored.
HIS 294 Introduction to Historical Research 3 SH
The purpose of this course is to deepen the student's understanding of the
problems and possibilities of historical research. Through a laboratory
format, the student develops the facility to ask relevant historical
questions, to gather and evaluate data, and to present generalizations in a
variety of written and graphic forms. Readings, a series of tightly
delineated research projects, and field trips to prototype libraries are
utilized. Spring semester.
HIS 298 Faculty Developed Study 1-6 SH
HIS 299 Student Developed Study 1-6 SH
HIS 301 Research Paper
Individual research under the guidance of a faculty member.
Prerequisite:
HIS 151 and junior standing. Every semester.
HIS 309 American Frontiers 3 SH
This course examines the creation of American frontiers from the colonial
period to the present. Topics include the New England frontier, the
settlement of the "Wild West," the experiences of Native Americans, and
twentieth century interpretations of the frontier in film, fiction, and
politics.
HIS/ECO 312 History of Economic Thought 3 SH
See ECO/HIS 312
HIS/ECO 313 The Economic History of American Business 3 SH
See ECO/HIS 313
HIS 318 The Civil War 3 SH
An examination of American History from 1860 to 1877, focusing particularly
on the Civil War and its effects. Prerequisite: HIS 256, HIS 248 or
instructor's written permission.
HIS/WS 320 Women and Leadership 3 SH
This course examines the historical role of American women in political and
social reform. Through historical investigation, students will explore how
women confronted barriers and created opportunities for leadership.
HIS 332 The Germans 3 SH
An historical evaluation of the myths and realities of German culture and
politics since the middle of the nineteenth century. Alternate spring
semesters.
HIS 341 The Russians 3 SH
A study of Russia and the Russians as a civilization apart: how geographic
and historic factors separated it from both the west and the orient and how
Russia worked its way from its prolonged Middle Ages into the twentieth
century within a system of unyielding absolutism. Alternate fall semesters.
HIS 350 Historiography 3 SH
An intensive analysis of historians whose writings have presented differing
interpretations of the past. Prerequisite: HIS 151. Fall semester.
HIS 363 The American City 3 SH
Today most Americans live in cities. The purpose of this course is to trace
the development of the modern American city. Particular emphasis will be
placed on the 19th and 20th centuries when the industrial city evolved. The
impact of urbanization on American life, shifting reactions of individuals
and institutions to the problems and promise of urban life, and the efforts
of Americans to shape the urban environment will be examined. Fall semester.
HIS 367 Building America: History As Revealed Through Architecture 3 SH
Because of their cost, monumentality and permanence, buildings are prime
indicators of the commitments and priorities of society. This
interdisciplinary course will explore the connection between art and society
by an examination of specific buildings and architectural styles as carriers
of cultural images. The meaning of buildings and styles for those who
commissioned, built and used them will be sought. The student will become
more sensitive to the importance of visual evidence to an understanding of
the American past. This course is particularly appropriate for those
interested in historic preservation and museum work. Spring semester.
HIS 368 New York City: Its History and Culture 3 SH
This course surveys the political, social and cultural development of New
York City with emphasis on the borough of Manhattan. At their own expense,
students will frequently visit the city and explore its resources.
HIS 380 Film as History 3 SH
An analysis of representative films as reflections of the cultural and
political attitudes of their creators.
HIS/PS 382 Contemporary Middle East 3 SH
Analysis of the governments and politics of the Middle East and North Africa
since the Second World War. Topics include the Arab League, the
Arab-Palestinian-Israeli conflict, regional alliances, the major powers
rivalries, the emergence of OPEC and power of "petro-dollars", economic
development, the various political systems and their reaction to social
change and women's movements. Consideration will be given to the
legislative, executive and judicial machinery of politics and the elements
that affect the actual translation of goals and policy into action in a
Middle Eastern case study. Alternate academic years.
HIS 383 Islam: A Religion and Civilization 3 SH
A historical study of the religion of Islam, its basic beliefs and pillars
beginning with the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and early revelations to
the European incursion at the end of the eighteenth century. The course
follows the growth of a small Muslim community in the western part of the
Arabian peninsula to Islamic Empires(s) ruling over territories stretching
from central and southern Asia to the Iberian peninsula in Europe,
emphasizing the origins, achievements and developments of the politics,
economics, and religious conditions of the Islamic age. Alternate fall or
spring semester.
HIS 490 Senior Seminar 3 SH
A seminar designed to reinforce research methods and provide students with
an opportunity to produce a significant research project. Prerequisite:
senior standing.
