History course descriptions

Examines the nature of history as a discipline and its role in understanding the human experience. A study of major changes in the American economy, in the role of government, and in the place of the U.S. in world affairs since the Civil War, along with an analysis of social change and the experience of minority groups in American society.

Hist-131 World Civilization I (3)

Assesses the development of the basic political, philosophical, and cultural patterns of the ancient, near eastern, Asian, Greco- Roman, medieval and early modern European societies.

Hist-132 World Civilization II (3)

Special emphasis on major political, philosophical, cultural and economic trends in the modern world (since c. 1700) and the emergence of the world community. (May be taken independently of Hist-131.)

Hist-306 Colonial and Revolutionary American (3)

European background and its relationship to the exploration, settlement, and development of the American colonies, with particular emphasis on English North America; economic, social, political, and cultural aspects of colonial life; the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution.

Hist-307 The Early American Nation: 1789–1865 (3)

The forces and institutions which shaped the development of the U.S. from 1789 to 1865: political parties and issues; economic change; religion, thought and reform; race and slavery; women and families in U.S. society, foreign relations, expansionism; the causes and course of the Civil War.

Hist-308 The Rise of Modern America: 1865–1918 (3)

National reconstruction after the Civil War with emphasis on the place of Black Americans; industrialization and reform; the American position in world affairs through World War I.

Hist-309 Recent History of the United States: 1919–1960 (3)

Reviews the social and economic conditions of the United States between the world wars and in the post World War II period. Surveys the extent and degree of American involvement in world affairs.

Hist-311 American Foreign Relations (3)

An analysis of U.S. foreign policy from the early national era to the present, with emphasis on the 20th century and Cold War years. Focuses on major theme — the impact of idealism, territorial and commercial expansion, American exceptionalism. Variant interpretations of U.S. diplomacy are studied critically.

Hist-313 Religion and Society in the United States (3)

A historical analysis of the interaction between religion and society in the United States from pre-colonial to contemporary times; emphasis on themes such as Puritanism, revivalism, social reform, religious pluralism, civil religion, and on-going theological issues. Attention is given to the development of Lutheranism in the American setting.

Hist-314 History of the American Presidency (3)

The history of the American Presidency as well as the forty-two men who have served in that office. It begins with the origin of the office itself in the US Constitution and examines the changes it has gone through in 200 plus years.

Hist-334 Early and Medieval Christianity (3)

This course surveys the early and medieval history of Christianity and the Church. Attention is given to the development of theological thought, ecclesiastical structures, and the various relationships between the Church and the “world” during this period of time.

Hist-335 The Renaissance and the Reformation (3)

The beginning period of the modern world. The three main divisions: Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Catholic Reform.

Hist-339 Europe since 1914 (3)

European thought and institutions in the twentieth century. The impact of total war and totalitarianism on contemporary Europe and the world; the development of a mass society; attempts at international organization; and the relative decline of European influence in the world. Prerequisite: Hist-132, or the permission of instructor.

Hist-341 Modern England (3)

A survey from the accession of the Tudors to the present day. Institutional developments and political theory, technological innovation and social change, and the impact of Britain in European, American and world affairs.

Hist-381 Baseball in American History (3)

This course will examine the relationships between our National Pastime and those forces that have significantly affected American society. (Summer Term)

Hist-410 Contemporary American History (3)

A study of the social, economic, political, legal, cultural, and foreign policy issues before the American people since 1960.

Hist-417 African-American History (3)

Surveys the positions and conditions of Afro-Americans in various aspects of life in the United States. The problems and progress of blacks forced from Africa to present situations are included. Same as Soc-417.

Hist-421 Latin America (3)

Emphasis is placed on major forces and institutions shaping Latin America: Pre-Columbian cultures, Iberian heritage, economic development and dependence, social and political change after independence, relations with the U.S., study of selected nations.

Hist-451 Russia, the Soviet Union, and After (3)

A survey of Russian and Soviet history from early beginnings with special emphasis on political, social, economic, religious and cultural developments of modern Russia and the Soviet Union.

Hist-455 East Asian Civilizations (3)

Survey of traditional and contemporary social, political, and intellectual patterns of China and Japan. Asia and the West, the challenge of modernization, and the overturning of traditional social order in the twentieth century.

Hist-499 Honors Course (1) or (2)

Arranged for qualified Seniors.