Course Descriptions
HIS 201 - Violence, Crime, and Punishment in U.S. History
(3 hours)
Core Curr. GP GS,HU
This course explores the social, political, and cultural history of violence, crime, criminal law, policing, and punishment in the United States from the Colonial period to the present.
HIS 203 - American History and Global Systems to 1877
(3 hours)
Core Curr. GP GS,HU
Surveys the transnational history of the Americas and the United States to 1877. Emphasizes globally significant trends and systems such as colonialism, mercantilism, nationalism, and the slave trade. Investigates the relevance of systems and their supporting beliefs to the growth and limits of democracy.
HIS 204 - American History and Global Systems since 1877
(3 hours)
Core Curr. GP GS,HU
Surveys the transnational history of the Americas and the United States since 1877. Emphasizes globally-significant trends and systems such as migration, imperialism, liberalism, progressivism, and consumption economies. Investigates the relevance of systems and their supporting beliefs to the growth and limits of democracy.
HIS 205 - Non-Western Civilization: Latin America
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. WI
Overview of the history of Latin America from ancient cultures (2000 BCE) to the present. It explores the major institutions and forces that have shaped the region and common experiences in the Americas such as European colonization, African slavery, wars of independence, political exclusion of groups of color and women, regionalism vs. nationalism, neocolonialism, industrialization, and the ongoing fight for social justice. Prerequisite:
HIS 206 - Non-Western Civilization: the Middle East Since Muhammad
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
History of the Middle East from the time of the prophet Muhammad to the present. Pre-modern, modern, and contemporary Middle East.
HIS 207 - Non-Western Civilization: Modern Japan, 1860-Present
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
The rise of modern Japan: The growth of Japanese power and its influence in the world economy.
HIS 208 - Non-Western Civilization: Russian History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU,WI
Russian and Soviet history from its origins to the present. Major features of pre-modern, modern, and contemporary Russian civilization.
HIS 209 - History of Africa
(3 hours)
Core Curr. GP WC
The course examines the history of the African continent from antiquity to modernity within an interregional and global context. Africa spans the northern and southern hemispheres, and includes a diversity of geographical zones that shaped associated varying political and economic organization. Focus will be on regional developments, interregional interactions across Africa, and global interactions in the Indian, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Worlds, culminating in European colonization and the challenges African nation states face post-independence in a post-colonial world.
HIS 210 - History of European Film
(3 hours)
Core Curr. MI
Explores the relationship between filmmaking and political, social, and intellectual history from the invention of the cinema in the 1890s to the present day. Students gain a better understanding of film as both an art form and as a reflection of broader historical concerns.
HIS 300 - The United States Since 1945
(3 hours)
Social-cultural, political, economic, and diplomatic aspects of U.S. history since 1945.
HIS 301 - Topics in American History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 302 - Topics in American History: Diplomatic
(3 hours)
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 303 - American Urban History
(3 hours)
Growth and development of American cities in historical context.
HIS 304 - Women in American History
(3 hours)
Political, economic, and social status of women in American society since Colonial times. Reasons for the changing role of women; major problems confronting women in the 20th century.
HIS 305 - American Indian History
(3 hours)
History of the first Americans; Indian-White relations since 1492. Origins and varied cultures of American Indians.
HIS 306 - The United States Civil War Era
(3 hours)
U.S. history 1830-1877: events and developments leading to civil war, the war itself, and efforts to reconstruct the Union after 1865.
HIS 307 - History of the Early American Republic
(3 hours)
Explores the evolution of early national and state governments and the various attempts at practicing democracy in a nation that incorporated chattel slavery and limited suffrage. Investigates how individuals and groups employed democratic ideals to gain access to power. Analyzes civic ideals and practices with particular attention to Native Americans, African Americans, and women. Contextualizes the coming of the Civil War.
HIS 308 - Topics in American History: Political
(3 hours)
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 309 - The History of U.S. Law Enforcement
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU,MI
Historical roots of American law enforcement; establishment of an organized police in the U.S.; historical efforts to improve American police work.
HIS 310 - America and Vietnam 1940-Present
(3 hours)
The Vietnam War: America's role in it and its legacies for both nations.
HIS 311 - History of American Political Economy
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
Analyzes the economic history of the United States, stressing the influence of government policy on economic development.
HIS 314 - Non-Western Civilization: Japan & World War II
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Analyzes Japanese militarism and expansionism and examines the significance of Japan's World War II defeat and its impact on the Asian/Pacific world. Prerequisite:
HIS 315 - U.S. Social Movements
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU
Explores the major social movements of recent U.S. history. Study of the labor movement, the civil rights movement, Chicano and American Indian movements, campus and counterculture radicalism, anti-war protests, women's rights, gay and lesbian rights, environmentalism, and the nuclear freeze movement, with an examination of how activists crafted a politics of protest as they fought for greater equality and justice. Analyzes the roles that social movements played in strengthening democratic ideals and practices by expanding the role of the citizen in the community, the nation, and the world.
HIS 316 - African American History Since 1877
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Explores the integral place of African Americans in American history and culture from Reconstruction to the present. Analyzes historical achievements of African Americans, as well as social changes and cultural perspectives on race, class, gender, sexuality, and nation that have shaped the black experience. Topics include Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Great Migration, black protest organizations, labor, the Harlem and Chicago Renaissances, art and cultural production, the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, and historical and contemporary American racial politics.
HIS 317 - American Masculinities
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. CD
Core Curr. HU,MI
Investigates the historical development, change, and expression of gender ideals that Americans have labeled manhood, manliness, or masculinity. Incorporates methodologies from history, gender studies, literary studies, and the social sciences to explore how disparate gender ideals have articulated with distinctions of race, class, gender, sexuality, and nation. Applies an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with an awareness of the historically and culturally contingent nature of masculinity and how notions of masculine ideality have reinforced or challenged structures of privilege and exclusion. Develops skills of interdisciplinary gender analysis in the study of historical documents and artifacts.
HIS 320 - Renaissance and Reformation
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU, MI
An in-depth exploration of the changes in Europe from 1350 to 1600 that signified an epochal transition from the Middle Ages to early modernity. Reading and discussion-based, multidisciplinary approach to the humanistic philosophy, artistic innovation, and socio-political transformations that constituted the Renaissance; the causes and consequences of the Protestant and Catholic Reformations; and the cross-cultural encounters between European societies and those of Islam, Africa, and the "New World."
HIS 321 - Topics in European History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 322 - Ancient Egypt and the Near East
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU
The civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Levant were foundational to the later cultures of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The region witnessed the earliest occurrences of the Neolithic revolution, the invention of writing, the first cities, the first complex regional states, the first empires, and intellectual traditions that shaped the ethical monotheism of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and informed the philosophical and scientific traditions that emerged in classical Greece.
HIS 323 - Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic World
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU
An examination of ancient Greek and Hellenistic societies, politics, and cultures from circa 1200 to 30 BCE. Introduces the Minoan and Mycenaean precursors before exploring the Archaic and Classical eras in detail. Follows Alexander's conquests and investigates cross-cultural influences and everyday lives in the Hellenistic nation-states. Prerequisite:
HIS 324 - Barbarians in History
(3 hours)
Significant barbarian invaders of Inner Asia; their role in the development of human civilization.
HIS 325 - Roman Civilization
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU
Values and institutions of Roman society during Kingship, Republic, and Empire periods. Emphasis on the Republic at its peak, Rome's imperialism, and complex issues involved in Rome's fall; also impact of Roman values and practices on Western civilization. Prerequisite:
HIS 326 - Modern Military Forces and Institutions
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
European and American military experiences: 1700 to present.
HIS 327 - Topics in European History: Cultural
(3 hours)
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 328 - England and the American Revolution
(3 hours)
American Revolution from the perspective of the common Anglo-Saxon cultural, political, economic, intellectual, and social heritage.
HIS 329 - Modern Germany 1870-Present
(3 hours)
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
A reading and discussion-intensive exploration of German history in the modern era of unification, imperialism, war and revolution, Weimar democracy, Nazi racial dictatorship, World War II and genocide, Cold War division, reunification, and contemporary developments to the present.
HIS 330 - Modern China
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
The People's Republic of China is the most populous nation in the world, and for more than a decade it has had one of the largest and fastest growing economies. The last two centuries, however, have seen a succession of states and governments rise and fall in China, tremendous prosperity as well as great poverty, periods of relative social stability and of extreme unrest, continuous and yet changing involvement with the outside world, and fluctuations in what it has meant to be Chinese. This course will examine China's rich history since the 17th century in order to foster greater understanding of one of the most complex and vibrant countries in world history.
HIS 331 - Samurai in Japanese History
(3 hours)
Core Curr. GP WC,HU,WI
Describes the rise and fall of Japan's warrior class and the bushido ethos. The long history of the samurai begins in the 8th century and continues to the present. Focus on two interrelated themes: the historical reality of the samurai and the construction of mythology in both Japanese popular culture and the Western imagination. Topics include warfare, training, values, literature, and family life. Visual sources, including film, are used extensively. Prerequisite:
HIS 332 - Topics in Modern Latin American History
(3 hours)
Offers a deeper understanding of Latin American societies by focusing on one region or country and highlighting events, changes, and important achievements in their broader world context. Emphasizes social changes and cultural perspectives on race, class, gender, religion, sexuality, nation, social justice, ideology, reform, protest, revolution, and poverty. Broad topics include independence movements, regionalism vs. nationalism, neocolonialism, industrialization, politics and the state, the influence of the United States, migration, and globalization.
HIS 333 - Cross-Cultural Contacts
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Cross-cultural encounters inspire societies to look more closely at themselves and sometimes to change in significant ways. In some cases, contact created enduring conflict and misunderstanding. In other cases, contact led to mutually beneficial achievements. This course investigates examples of cross-cultural contacts in world history.
HIS 334 - Non-Western History: Social
(3 hours)
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 335 - Modern Mexico
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU,WI
Social, economic, and political development of Mexico since independence. Contemporary problems facing a developing country which has already experienced one social revolution.
HIS 336 - Early Non-Western History and Geography
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Analytical and comparative survey of the formative stages of early non-Western civilizations in five geographical regions. The basic cultural patterns and geographical patterns that emerged between approximately 3500 BCE and 1500 CE will be studied, compared, and related to present developments.
HIS 337 - Modern Non-Western History and Geography
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Growth and development of non-Western civilizations since c. 1500 CE in their geographical contexts. Reactions of indigenous peoples and cultural patterns to Western penetration and imperialism. Present development and practices. Prerequisite:
HIS 338 - Russia Since 1917
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
History of Russia from the Bolshevik Revolution to the present. Political, social, economic, and cultural development and theories.
HIS 339 - Women in Global Perspective
(3 hours)
The changing status of women in light of global economic, social, and political changes in different regions of the world. How women have participated in and contributed to 20th century transformations of the family, community, workplace, social organization, and politics.
HIS 340 - Europe Since 1914
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
A reading and discussion-intensive exploration of European history since 1914. Focuses on the First World War and its effects; the rise of fascist, communist, and conservative dictatorships in the 1920s and 1930s; the Second World War and Nazi genocide; major institutions and problems during the Cold War division of Europe; revolutions of 1989-91 and their aftermath; contemporary developments up to the present day.
HIS 341 - The French Revolution
(3 hours)
An introduction to the varied origins, tumultuous events, international ramifications, and debated aftermaths of the French Revolution
HIS 342 - Europe, 1789-1914
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU,MI
A reading and discussion-intensive exploration of the "long 19th century" from the French Revolution to the First World War, with an emphasis on social, political, cultural, and artistic change. Subjects discussed include the following: the political agenda established by the French Revolution, and ideological responses to it (liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, and socialism); the rise of industrial capitalism and its attendant social and political divisions; competing ways of building and controlling the nation-state; democratizing movements of labor and feminism; everyday family life, gender relations, and sexuality; nationalism/imperialism; cultural and artistic movements from Romanticism to Realism to Modernism.
HIS 343 - The Enlightenment
(3 hours)
The development and influence of the European Enlightenment between the late 17th and early 19th centuries. The social, cultural, political, economic, and religious contexts for intellectual transformation. The legacies of the Enlightenment in the present, and contemporary culture in light of the past.
HIS 345 - The History of England I
(3 hours)
The history of England from the earliest times to 1660.
HIS 346 - The History of England II
(3 hours)
The history of England from 1660 to the present.
HIS 350 - Historical Methods Seminar
(3 hours)
Exploration of historical arguments and debates; methods of interpreting primary sources. Prerequisite: History major or consent of instructor.
HIS 351 - Topics in Historical Methods
(0-3 hours)
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 352 - Introduction to Digital Humanities
(3 hours)
Core Curr. MI EL,HU
Digital Humanities (DH) is the application and creation of computing and digital tools and formats to and for questions and problems in the humanities disciplines. Students will approach the field through an introduction to its historical development and an examination and evaluation of current projects within the field that demonstrate how the humanities can utilize and shape digital media.
HIS 353 - Public History
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU,MI,WI
Public history takes place outside the traditional classroom intending to make history relevant and useful to the public. Explore the conventional and unconventional ways that the general public consumes history. Examine how public history creates narratives of identity and how to make these narratives meaningful, accessible, representative, equitable, and inclusive.
HIS 375 - The Holocaust
(3 hours)
Origins and course of Nazi genocide against Europe's Jews during the Second World War. Discussion of the Nazis' five million other victims. Survival and resistance. Comparisons with other examples of modern genocide.
HIS 382 - European Women, Gender, and Sexuality Since 1600
(3 hours)
Explores through intensive reading and discussion the changing everyday lives, gender relations, and sexualities in Europe from the seventeenth century to the present. Shows how a gender approach increases our understanding of modern cultures, arts, and societies; the Scientific Revolution; the Enlightenment; the age of political and industrial revolutions; cultural Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism; the evolution of liberalism, nationalism, socialism, and feminism; and dictatorships, total wars, and democracies in the 20th and 21st centuries.
HIS 383 - Sports, Play, and Games in History
(3 hours)
Core Curr. HU, MI, WC
Introduction to the study of play, games, and sports around the world and throughout history with an emphasis on theoretical approaches, comparative examples, and social contexts for contemporary and recurring issues of identity and inequality in relation to ableism, colonialism, drugs, gender, nationalism, money, race, religion, science, sexuality, and technology.
HIS 384 - Environmental History
(3 hours)
Introduction to the study of the history of human ecology, cultural traditions of ecological consciousness, and social contexts for understanding recurring conflicts. Discussion of grand narratives and microhistories with an emphasis on theoretical approaches, comparative examples, and timely issues (such as: climate change, colonialism, conservation, foodways, gender, inequality, invasive species, justice, nature, pollution, public health, race, rights, sustainability, and urban-rural connections).
HIS 385 - Science, Technology, and Society
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
An analysis of the interaction between science, technology, and society since the 1600s. The first part addresses the Scientific Revolution, the second the Industrial Revolution, and the third the contemporary scientific and industrial revolutions. In the third part of the course, the examples of the earlier scientific and industrial revolutions, insofar as they affected religious views, daily living conditions, and the meaning of philosophy and science, provide material for comparison as a means of understanding the contemporary situation. Particular attention is given to how social values and assumptions determine the direction of scientific and technological developments.
HIS 405 - Independent Reading in History
(1-3 hours)
Directed reading by qualified students with faculty guidance. For history majors primarily. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hrs. credit. Prerequisite: History major or consent of department chair.
HIS 406 - Individual Study in History
(1-3 hours)
Special study of individual topics in history with faculty supervision. For history majors primarily. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hrs. credit. Prerequisite: History major or consent of department chair.
HIS 420 - Internship in Digital Humanities and Public History
(0-3 hours)
HIS 420 provides students with an opportunity to gain supervised work experience in digital humanities and public history (0-3 credit hours).
HIS 450 - US History Research Seminar
(3 hours)
Core Curr. EL
Research paper required employing primary sources in U.S. history. May be repeated under different topic for a maximum of 6 hours Prerequisite: HIS 203 or 204; HIS 350; and history major; or consent of instructor.
HIS 451 - Global Hist Colloquium
(3 hours)
Core Curr. EL
Research paper required employing primary sources in European history. May be repeated under different topic for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: HIS 350; a 300-level European history course; and history major; or consent of instructor.
HIS 452 - Area Studies Research Seminar
(3 hours)
Core Curr. WI,EL
Research paper required employing primary sources in African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, or Russian history. May be repeated under different topic for a maximum of six hours. Prerequisite: HIS 205, 206, 207, or 208, or 300-level course in Area Studies; HIS 350; and history major; or consent of instructor.