HIST-History
HIST1030. The World and the West I (3)
This course begins with the classical eras, both east and west (ca. 600 BC) and ends in about 1600. Its goal is two fold: to understand both the primary cultural heritages of the world and their growing interconnectedness, and to put the energy and distinctiveness of the Western tradition into perspective with other political worlds and religious world-views.
HIST1040. The World and the West II (3)
This course begins in 1600 and proceeds to the present, trying to understand and assess the parallel and increasing interactive developments in the West and other parts of the world. Colonial enterprises of many types interact with indigenous cultures and systems in what we now call "third world" areas. Nation-building, with competitive empires, affects Europe, Africa and Asia. Very different independence struggles punctuate 19th and 20th century history.
HIST2030. Conflict and Consensus: American History to 1877 (3)
An introduction to American history from the period of exploration and colonization to the conclusion of reconstruction. Major themes and events include the European settlement of North America, Native American responses to European development of colonial America, the war for American independence, nation-building in the Early Republic, the development of slavery, Western expansion, and the Civil War and reconstruction.
HIST2040. Conflict and Consensus: American History from 1877 (3)
An introduction to American history from the conclusion of reconstruction to recent times. Major themes include Western expansion, industrialization and urbanization, imperialism, two world wars, American life between the wars, radicalism and revolt, and the post-Cold War world.
HIST3030. Roman Empire and Christian Community (3)
An exploration of the parallel development of two quite different "worlds," the imperial system inaugurated by Caesar Augustus and the community brought by Jesus Christ. With political history as framework, social and economic history is emphasized, especially with regard to women and public compassion. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST3040. "Not the Dark Ages" (3)
A celebration of those who preserved worship, literature, and community in the most unsettled times, from 500 to 1100 AD. Dynamic centers of energy belie the term Dark Ages: great families of monks, the Anglo-Celtic communities, Islamic cities and schools in Spain, and emperors like Charlemagne and Otto the Great. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST3094. Topics in History (2-3)
A thematic approach to historical interpretation, may be conducted in a seminar format. Topics will vary. May be repeated for credit by permission.
HIST3100. The World of Caesar (3)
A presentation of the development of the Roman Republic to its demise in the time of Julius Caesar. These include the Republic as a unique alternative to monarchy, its variety of families and the Roman life of honor, its wars against Greek and Phoenician colonies, and its struggle to maintain its tradition after acquiring an empire. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST3250. History of American Culture (3)
An examination of the social currents of American thought and culture, emphasizing ideas and concepts that have influenced the development and growth of American institutions and values from the colonial era to the present. General themes include gender values, race relations, and class conflicts. Prerequisites: ENGL2020 or instructor's permission. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST3330. US Foreign Policy (3)
An in-depth examination of the factors influencing the U.S. as a participant in the international system, especially from the end of World War II to the present. Topics include U.S. foreign policy and ideology, domestic politics and interest groups, public opinion and the media, and historical events considered chronologically. (See POLS3330). Offered: Alternate years.
HIST3390. Recent America (3)
An in-depth exploration of modern America from 1945 to the present emphasizing the political, economic, diplomatic, and social aspects of the period. The course will investigate the origins of the Cold War, McCarthyism, increasing presidential power, the U.S. and the Third World, the civil rights struggle, women's movement, student revolts, Vietnam, Watergate, and the New Right and post-Cold War America. Prerequisites: ENGL2020 or instructor's permission. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST3440. History of Christianity in America (3)
A study of American Christianity from the colonial period to the present. The course will focus on the varieties of the religious experience in historical context. Included will be such themes as Puritanism, the Great Awakenings, Christian utopias, the Social Gospel, Fundamentalism, and liberation theology. Emphasis will be placed on the mutual influence of religion and American culture. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST3480. Modern Europe (1800-Present) (3)
An in-depth exploration of Europe from the political and industrial revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries through contemporary European society and culture, including 19th century "isms" (romanticism, liberalism, socialism, nationalism, imperialism) and world wars.
HIST3490. Modern Africa (3)
An exploratory survey of African history below the Sahara and from the 18th century to the present. In addition to dealing with the extraordinary historiographic challenges, serious attention will be given to the impact of slaving operations, the persistence of tribal life and loyalties, the effects of colonial government, the movements to independence and the challenge of current situations. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST4540. American Constitutional History (3)
A survey of United States Constitutional history from its origins to the present. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional system as a whole, rather than on constitutional law as developed by the Supreme Court. The course examines the origins and general principles of constitutional thought, traces their elaboration in the founding, and development through the crises over state rights and union in the nineteenth century, the Civil War amendments, controversy over liberty of contract, New Deal intervention and the crisis of the court, the developing doctrine of civil rights and civil liberties, and the growth of the administrative state. Offered: Alternate years.
HIST4970. Senior Research and Thesis (3)
An independent research paper based upon primary source materials. Written under the supervision of the history faculty. Required of all history majors. Prerequisites: Senior standing.





