HIST 101H 1W. Life, Love and War in the Middle Ages
4.00 credits
Livingstone, Amy
Prerequisite: Freshmen Section only. Supplemental Instruction available.
What was it like to live, love and die in the Middle Ages? This course will examine the lives of famous medieval people, like Charlemagne and Eleanor of Aquitaine, but also those whose experiences are not as well known – such as peasants, Jews, heretics, women and children. The lives of these people will be brought to life through modern novels but also the medieval accounts of their lives. By coming to appreciate the lives of medieval people, the larger political, economic, cultural and social developments that shaped the medieval period will be brought to life. Course assessment will consist of essay exams, papers, quizzes, presentations and class participation. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 101C 2W. Modern Japan
4.00 credits
Maus, Tanya
Prerequisite: none.
We often think of modern Japanese history as the history of an exotic culture filled with samurai and geisha. However, who are the individuals that have formed these groups and what do they mean to Japan’s modern history? What other kinds of people have lived in Japan and shaped the evolution of their nation’s modern life? In this course, through historical essays, literature, and images, we will look at modern Japan as a complex and diverse society filled with individuals who have fought for women’s rights, for environmental reform, and who have resisted the attempts of their government to define their identity as Japanese. Students’ work will be evaluated through in-class participation, in-class quizzes, presentations and a variety of written assignments. Writing intensive.
HIST 105C 1W. Pre Modern World
4.00 credits
Brooks Hedstrom, Darlene
Prerequisite: First and Second Year Students only. Supplemental Instruction available.
This course considers how in the world ancient history matters in shaping the modern world. We will discard memorization of dates to consider real questions that have historical importance in thinking about the past. We will develop skills in reading, debating and argumentation as we consider issues such as how telling stories about the world reflect core values of society, what medical beliefs about the body tell us about gender roles in the past, what beliefs were foundation to the Islamic empire, how Genghis Khan ushered in the modern age, and to what degree ancient religious beliefs predetermine the political and ethical history of a community. We will read primary sources from period, examine archaeological remains of material culture and read historical fiction as a way to engage with these questions and establish skills in thinking critically about the past. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Reading and writing intensive.
HIST 105H 1W. Pre Modern World
4.00 credits
Brooks Hedstrom, Darlene
Prerequisite: First and Second Year Students only. Supplemental Instruction available.
Please see HIST 105C 1W Pre Modern World description above.
HIST 106C 1W. Modern World
4.00 credits
Wood, Molly
Prerequisite: none.
This course is designed as an introduction to the larger themes and questions of world history from approximately 1400-present. Rather than focusing on charting the dates and times of all the world’s events, we will examine political institutions, economic/demographic trends, and social organizations in order to better understand the world today. Using a global framework, students will explore the development of modern civilizations in the Near and Far East, Eastern/Western Europe, Africa and the Americas. Assessment will focus on the students' ability to express their ideas in essay exams, quizzes, short papers, and oral presentations. Writing intensive. (This course is required for the History/Integrated Social Studies Major.)
Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum: CLAC
Interested in using your foreign language skills to earn extra credit connected to this course and to learn more about the subject matter of this course at the same time? If so, register for the CLAC components offered here. You don’t need to be fluent in the language to exercise this option. In fact, you need only to have completed two credits beyond 112 or to be currently enrolled in a course beyond 112. Your work will be guided by your professor and by faculty from the Languages Department. The CLAC module is designed for intermediate level language learners.
This course offers a foreign language component or CLAC component in the following languages: Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French, German
Students who select the CLAC option will complete work in a foreign language that will supplement the work in this course. Students who complete the CLAC assignments successfully will earn 1 credit for the CLAC component.
To register for the CLAC component, you must also register for a one-credit LANG 230 CLAC module listed among the Language Department’s offerings. Meeting times and location will be arranged at the beginning of the semester. Credit for CLAC modules may be counted toward the requirements for International Studies and as elective credit in the Language department.
HIST 106H 1W. Modern World
4.00 credits
Wood, Molly
Prerequisite: none.
Please see HIST 106C 1W Modern World description above.
HIST 106C 2W. Modern World
4.00 credits
Wood, Molly
Prerequisite: This course is for first-year students only.
This course is designed as an introduction to the larger themes and questions of world history from approximately 1400-present. Rather than focusing on charting the dates and times of all of the world’s events, we will examine political institutions, economic/demographic trends, and social organizations in order to better understand the world today. Using a global framework, students will explore the development of modern civilizations in the Near and Far East, Eastern/Western Europe, Africa and the Americas. Assessment will focus on the students' ability to express their ideas in essay exams, quizzes, short papers, and oral presentations. Writing intensive. (This course is required for the History/Integrated Social Studies Major.)
HIST 106H 2W. Modern World
4.00 credits
Wood, Molly
Prerequisite: This course is for first-year students only.
Please see HIST 106C 2W Modern World description above.
HIST 111 H 1W. Medieval Europe
4.00 credits
Raffensperger, Chris
Prerequisite: none.
The origins of medieval Europe are grounded in the world of Late Antiquity. This class begins with the last of the Western Roman Emperors by surveying the “barbarian” kingdoms that had been created in the fourth and fifth centuries. Essential to understanding Europe is the relationship between East and West. Starting with a dominant Byzantium in the early part of our course, we’ll examine ups and downs in the East/West relationship in the ninth and early twelfth centuries and their antagonistic relationship after 1204 and the sack of Constantinople. Essential to this story are the lives of women and religious minorities, such as Jews, Muslims, and pagans. Those stories will be woven in with the traditional highlights of the Middle Ages, such as Charlemagne’s ascension as Holy Roman Emperor, the Viking raids throughout Europe, the rise of the Normans and the conquest of England, the reform papacy and the Crusades, and the beginning of the Renaissance. Medieval Europe changed drastically over the thousand years studied in this course, and we will attempt to both understand the events and processes that contributed to that change as well as the shape of Europe at the end of our period. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 171C 1W. African Societies to 1500
4.00 credits
Rosenberg, Scott
Prerequisite: none.
This class will cover the major themes and issues of African history before the arrival of Europeans and the Atlantic Slave Trade. Topics will range from the African roots of human society to placing ancient Egypt within African history. We will also examine the role of Islam in Africa. In particular, this class will explore the role of oral traditions and A myth @ in African societies and will attempt to ascertain their usefulness as historical documents. Additionally, in our examination of these societies we will focus on the roles of trade, environment, and religion in African political and social systems. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 202H 1W. Luther
4.00 credits
Taylor, Tom
Prerequisite: ENGL 101E. Sophomore standing.
HIST 202 courses introduce students to problems in the interpretation of history (more technically called historiography) and to the writing of historical prose. This version of HIST 202 tackles the extraordinary and complex figure of Martin Luther. The course approaches him as a problem in biography, through readings of some of major biographical interpretations of his life, and as a problem in theology, through readings of his own writings as well as those of modern theologians and scholars. Books will include Martin Marty, Martin Luther; Steven Ozment, Protestants: Birth of a Revolution; Richard Marius, A Short Guide to Writing about History; John Dillenberger, Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings, and others. Papers and tests and quizzes. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 202H 2W. Children of the Past
4.00 credits
Livingstone, Amy
Prerequisite: ENGL 101E. Sophomore standing.
What was it like growing up in the past? Did pre modern people have a “childhood?” Historians have recently turned their attention to investigating the private lives of medieval and early modern people. In this class we will explore what historians have uncovered about growing up in the past. We will examine the experiences of children in medieval London and Florence, Reformation Germany and sixteenth-century France. This course will also examine how historians “do” history. What methods, theories, philosophies inform how historians have approached examining the history of childhood? What are the issues that confront historians in regard to the use of primary sources and historiographic traditions? Should historians be objective? Can they be objective? Each of those questions is fundamental to the task, vocation and obligation of the historian. To address such issues, students will read, analyze and critique primary sources. The “history” of historical interpretation, or historiography, will also be explored through a series of monographs and articles. Students will write several short analytical essays, as well as a longer historiographical paper, and participate in discussion and debate. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 203H 1W. The Great War: Historian’s Craft
4.00 credits
Proctor, Tammy
Prerequisite: ENGL101E . Sophomore standing.
Notes: Includes a required 2-day field trip to National WWI Museum on Sept. 5-6, 2010
In August 1914 a war commenced that transformed the political, economic, cultural and social landscape of several continents and instituted a new era of militarization. This World War touched the lives of men and women of different nationalities, classes, and occupations. The course will train students in research methods through an examination of this world crisis. Students will be asked to understand political structures, intellectual and cultural change, and social transformations that characterized this era. Assessment will focus on the students’ ability to express their ideas in essay exams, papers, and oral presentations. In particular, students will complete an independent research project focusing on some aspect of the Great War. Students will need to explore their questions using a variety of sources (text, documents, novels, film) in order to gain an understanding of how experiences on the home front and in the trenches shaped lives, nations and cultural mores. Writing intensive.
Optional Addition: Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum (CLAC).
Interested in using your foreign language skills to earn extra credit connected to this course and to learn more about the subject matter of this course at the same time? If so, register for the CLAC components offered here. You don’t need to be fluent in the language to exercise this option. In fact, you need only to have completed two credits beyond 112 or to be currently enrolled in a course beyond 112. Your work will be guided by your professor and by faculty from the Languages Department. The CLAC module is designed for intermediate level language learners. This course offers a foreign language component or CLAC component in the following languages: Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, French, German and Russian. Students who select the CLAC option will complete work in a foreign language that will supplement the work in this course. Students who complete the CLAC assignments successfully will earn 1 credit for the CLAC component. To register for the CLAC component, you must also register for a one-credit LANG 230 CLAC module listed among the Language Department’s offerings. Meeting times and location will be arranged at the beginning of the semester. Credit for CLAC modules may be counted toward the requirements for International Studies and as elective credit in the Language department.
HIST 203H 2W. Conversions in Medieval Europe
4. 00 credits
Raffensperger, Chris
Prerequisites: ENGL 101E. Sophomore standing.
Conversion is a tremendously important process, not only spiritually, but also historically. The type of conversion examined in this class will be “political conversion,” which is both a religious and a political experience. As Christianity spread throughout medieval Europe, people and political entities encountered Christianity, the Christian Church, and its Roman legacy in their own ways. This class will deal with that interaction and examine the process of conversion, the experience of conversion, and the ramifications of conversion. This examination will serve as a laboratory for the study of history, and specifically our sources and our relationship with them. It will also serve as the background for the main purpose of this class, which is to teach students the basic skills in researching and writing a history paper. As a result, class time will be divided between a study of medieval conversion and a discussion of writing skills and research techniques. The ultimate goal of the class and the main component of your grade will be the creation of a piece of historical research relevant to medieval conversion. Leading up to that will be completion of all of the relevant portions of the paper, including a proposal, outline, bibliography, and multiple revisions. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 221H 01. U.S. History to 1877
4.00 credits
Taylor, Thomas T.
Prerequisite: none.
An introduction to US history from colonization through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The course combines lecture and discussions to develop an understanding the facts and story of American history and to problems in interpreting that story. The course is divided into three units: early America to the revolution; from the revolution into the early republic; and the era of the Civil War. Books include The American Promise and Interpretations of American History. Not writing intensive. Quizzes and tests. (This course, or an equivalent course, is required for the History/Integrated Social Studies Major. See the history department chair for information on possible equivalent courses.)
HIST 222H 1W. U. S. History 1877 to Present
4.00 credits
Weeks, James
Prerequisite: none.
How did new technology change the lives of average Americans in the late nineteenth century? What role did American women play in World War I? How did the Civil Rights Movement change American society? How and why did Harry Truman decide to use the atomic bomb on Japan? How did Americans react to the Vietnam War? These are just a few of the questions we will discuss in HIST 222, a survey of some of the major themes, topics and issues in American history from 1877 to the present. We will focus on selected social, political, diplomatic, economic and cultural developments that have shaped the nation, its varied regions and peoples. This course will consist of lecture, class discussion and numerous reading and writing assignments. Attendance is very important. Students will grapple with problems of historical perspective and interpretation, and are expected to participate in discussion, raise questions and form opinions based on material presented in class and in reading assignments. Students will be evaluated on their participation in class and on their timely completion of all assignments. Writing intensive. (This course, or an equivalent course such as HIST 226 or HIST 227, is required for the History/Integrated Social Studies Major. See the history department chair for information on other possible equivalent courses.)
HIST 251C 1W. The History of Russia to 1796
4.00 credits
Raffensperger, Chris
Prerequisite: none.
Russia occupies a unique position between Europe and Asia. This class will explore the creation of the Russian state, leading into the modern period. We will begin with the exploration and settlement of the Vikings in Eastern Europe, which began the genesis of the state known as “Rus’.” That European state soon encountered threats from Asia when the Mongols invaded in the thirteenth century. The Mongol invasions changed Russian history and contributed to the “othering” of Russia which has continued to the present day. It also created a situation which leads to the creation of Tsars, Russian emperors who come to dominate their European and Asian territory, eventually leading to the creation of a multi-ethnic empire under Tsar Ivan IV. Ivan’s spiritual heirs Peter and Catherine are where we will end the class. The two “greats” dominate the eighteenth century in Russian politics and have a huge impact on the international political scene, changing Russia from the inside out. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 301 1W. Satire, Critique, and Rebellion in Early Modern Japan
4.00 credits
Maus, Tanya
Prerequisite: One course in History or EAS 100 or permission of instructor.
Can a samurai exchanging the sword for a pen serve as a metaphor for social change? How did various groups of commoners, peasants, and outcastes in early modern Japan find their political voices? This course examines popular dissent in early modern Japan (1600 to 1868) through samurai critiques of the government and society, popular art such as ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock prints), literary genres such as gesaku (satirical stories), as well as peasant rebellions. Students’ work will be evaluated through written assignments, in-class presentations and focused discussion. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 312 1W. From King Arthur to King Edward I: England in the Middle Ages
4.00 credits
Livingstone, Amy
Prerequisite: One course in History or permission of instructor.
The history of medieval England from the Anglo-Saxons through the Plantagenets is full of compelling historical personalities who left a lasting imprint on England and medieval Europe. This course will focus on some of the famous or infamous personages of that time, such as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, as well as some of the heroic kings, like William the Conqueror and Edward I, and the mythic figures of King Arthur and Robin Hood. In addition to these well-known historical personages, the lives of less extraordinary including medieval peasants, merchants and monks, will also be explored. In addition to exposing students to the rich history of medieval England, another learning objective for this course is to develop students’ appreciation for the complexities of historical study by having them read primary sources and the often-conflicting interpretations of medieval scholars. Students will write several short response papers, two source analyses (one of a primary source, one of a historiographical debate) and will produce a major research paper on the topic of their choice, which they will present to the class. This course counts toward the PAST minor. Writing intensive.
HIST 319 1W. European Women's History
4.00 credits
Proctor, Tammy
Prerequisite: One course in history or WMST 100L or permission of instructor.
Examination of European women in the modern period, which will explore the history of women’s lives and their contributions to the development of European politics, society, and culture from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Specific themes that we will cover include: religious experience, sexuality, political change, social lives, war, and work. Assessment: essay exams, papers, presentations, class participation. Writing intensive.
HIST 390 1W. Making of Aparteid
4.00 credits
Rosenberg, Scott
Prerequisite: HIST 202C/H or permission of instructor.
A colloquium focusing on the development of Apartheid in South Africa and how scholars have sought to explain the emergence of this racial system. We will examine how scholars of four different generations have sought to explain why Apartheid was created. After focusing on the construction of Apartheid, we will review the movements, which resisted legislated racism. Our discussion of resistance will cover political movements, aspects of cultural struggle, and women’s strategies. Most of this course will be dedicated to discussing the selected readings, and papers will be based upon those readings. Writing intensive.
HIST 411 1W. Senior Seminar
4.00 credits
Taylor, Thomas T.
Prerequisite: Senior history majors only and HIST 202, HIST 203, and HIST 390.
The primary focus of the course is on a senior-level research paper, on a topic of the student’s choosing and in accord with the student’s previous course work. The course also includes discussion of differing philosophies of history and of the evolution of the discipline of history. Quizzes and research paper. Writing intensive.
HIST 490 00. Independent Study
1.00-4.00 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: Permission only.
HIST 490 01. Independent Study
1.00-4.00 credits
Rosenberg, Scott
Prerequisite: Permission only.
HIST 491 00. Internship
1.00-4.00 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: Permission only.
HIST 491 01. Internship
1.00-4.00 credits
Rosenberg , Scott
Prerequisite: Permission only.
HIST 499 00. Senior Honors Thesis
0.00-8.00 credits
Staff
Prerequisite: Permission only.
