Current History Courses

Current History Courses

 

Course Descripions

Hist 05100............................... 3 S.H.
Western Civilization to 1660

This course covers the evolution of Western Culture from the Stone Age to the end of the Thirty Years War, emphasizing the medieval and early modern periods. Students study the ancient period to learn of its contribution to western culture. The course introduces students to the principles and methodology of history.

Hist 05101............................... 3 S.H.
Western Civilization Since 1660

This course examines expansion of European culture to other world areas and the consequent changes for European life. It emphasizes the impact of the Industrial Revolution on all aspects of Western culture and introduces students to the principles and methodology of history.

HIST 05110..............................3 S.H.

History of Now 

This course introduces students to the importance of history in today’s world, allows them to explore how history is made, and encourages them to develop analytical skills. Students will have the opportunity to do history by encountering and interpreting documents and artifacts from the past, and they will consider how history affects their own daily lives. The thematic focus will change from semester to semester.

Hist 05120............................... 3 S.H.
World History Since 1500

This course studies the key changes in the patterns of interaction among the major cultures of the earth from the beginnings of European Expansion in the 1500's. The course covers the roots of European Expansion, the response of the Confucian, modern, and non-Eurasian cultures, and the emergence of a non-Western Third World Block since 1914. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05150............................... 3 S.H.
United States to 1865

This course examines the historical roots of the American democratic traditions, with the emphasis on understanding the political, social and cultural forces developed in the new physical setting of North American and finally welded into a unified nation.

Hist 05151............................... 3 S.H.
United States Since 1865

This course analyzes the principal political, social and cultural factors conditioning the life of the nation since the Civil War. It emphasizes the issues facing modern America by the impact of industrialization and the problems of world leadership.

Hist 05304............................... 3 S.H.
Islamic Civilization
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course provides an introduction to the broad currents in Islamic history from the emergence of Islam in the 7th century A.D. through the 18th century. It concentrates on the heartland of the Islamic world, the Middle East, using primary sources as well as secondary interpretations. This course is typically offered during the fall semester.

Hist 05306............................... 3 S.H.
Introduction to Historical Methods
(Prerequisites: History majors)

This course studies the history of historical writing with the design of developing a deep, critical knowledge of the writings of the major schools of history. It analyzes readings in terms of the technical and philosophical problems underlying all historical study.

Hist 05307............................... 3 S.H.
Ancient Mediterranean World
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course begins with the earliest Near Eastern civilization and ends with the collapse of Rome. It deals with the wide diversities within this span through selected topics, using readings from primary sources and secondary interpretations. This course may not be offered annually.

 

Hist 05308............................... 3 S.H.
Modern Middle East
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course provides an introduction to the history of the Middle East from 1800 to the present, a period of intense change in the region. It examines the transition from empires to nation states and the rise and fall of European imperialism in the area. This course is typically offered in the spring semester.

Hist 05310............................... 3 S.H.
Medieval Europe
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the development of Europe from the particularism of the feudal age to the formation of national states. It covers political evolution, integrating it with the social, economic and cultural trends giving particular stress to the reading of primary sources in translation. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05311............................... 3 S.H.
Renaissance and Reformation
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the Renaissance in Italy and northern Europe, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations and their impact upon the politics and culture of the period, the growth of a capitalistic society, overseas expansion and the beginnings of modern science. It uses reading of primary sources. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05312............................... 3 S.H.
Age of Enlightenment 1648-1789
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course studies Europe from the end of the Thirty Years War to the French Revolution including the significant intellectual development known as the Enlightenment, the development of the national monarchies, colonization and the colonial wars. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05313............................... 3 S.H.
Age of Revolution 1760-1815
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course emphasizes the dramatic changes that occurred in European society during this period. It examines the political, social, economic and intellectual factors that stimulated change, using readings in primary sources and secondary interpretations. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05314............................... 3 S.H.
Europe 1871-1914
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the period in terms of its dual character as the climax of Enlightenment and as the source of later disillusionment. The course emphasizes Europe and not any particular country, giving particular attention to the historiographical problem of the causes of World War I. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05315............................... 3 S.H.
Twentieth Century Europe I
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course analyzes the major factors that have produced the unrest and disturbances of the present century. It stresses the important economic, social and intellectual trends and major political events. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05316............................... 3 S.H.
Twentieth Century Europe II
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

A continuation of in-depth analysis of the modern European historical experience. This study of contemporary Europe is annually subdivided by themes and/or by chronology. Students may enroll for a year of study or opt for either the first or second semester. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05319............................... 3 S.H.
Ancient Greece
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will cover the history of anicent Greece from its prehistoric beginnings, through the flourishing and collapse of Helladic culture at the end of the Broze Age, to the formation of the "Classical world" following the Dark Ages. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05321............................... 3 S.H.
U.S. History 1820-1861
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course analyzes American society and culture from 1820 to 1861 against the background of industrialization, urban development, westward movement, political campaigns, religious revivals, and evolving gender roles, race relations, and social classes. The course will also focus on the growth of the American Empire, the impact of Jacksonian democracy, and the emergence of sectional politics. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05322............................... 3 S.H.
Civil War and Reconstruction
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course provides a detailed political, economic and cultural analysis of the causes of the Civil War. It makes a searching study of the years of reconstruction and their significance for our own times, giving particular emphasis on interpreting the era and its overall significance. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05327............................... 3 S.H.
Victorian England
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the social and economic history of England from the Reform Act of 1832 to the constitutional crises of 1910, giving special attention to those social and economic factors that underlie British Imperialism. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05328............................... 3 S.H.
Colonial North America 1500-1775
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will examine in-depth the political, economic, social and cultural forces that shaped North America from the time of Columbus' first voyage to the onset of the American Revolution. This will include the study of the variety of European settlements, the impact of European conquest and colonization on native populations, and the threefold relationship between Native Americans, Europeans and Africans that the colonial experience initiated in North America. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05329............................... 3 S.H.
The Gilded Age and Progressive Era, 1877-1914
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will examine a variety of historical methods to examine the United States's late nineteenth and early twentieth century transformation into a modern society characterized by dynamic politics and fluid cultural forms. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05334............................... 3 S.H.
Urban History of the U.S.
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course surveys the development of urban America from the 17th century in the U.S. with emphasis on architecture and city planning as well as the traditional attitudes of Americans toward the city and the country. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05338............................... 3 S.H.
America From War to War, 1914-1945
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will focus on the expansion of the federal government's role in the economy and in social life and the restructuring of the American racial, gender, and ethnic systems. A central focus of the course is the development of a mass production economy and the attendant rise of consumerism and media influence that characterized the era between the wars. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05339............................... 3 S.H.
The American Revolution and Early Republic, 1775-1820
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that led to the onset of the American Revolution, the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and the creation of the United States of America. This will include study of the adoption of the Constitution, popular challenges to federal power, and the character of American society and politics during the Early Republic. This course may not be offered annually.

 

Hist 05343............................... 3 S.H.
Russia to 1914
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course traces the origin, rise and development of Russia until the end of the Imperial period. It emphasizes the formative features in Russian history, using readings from primary sources and secondary interpretations. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05344............................... 3 S.H.
Russia Since 1914
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course emphasizes the revolutionary forces which led to the explosions of 1905 and 1917. The course carefully studies the nature and dynamics of the Communist Party and the Soviet government. It involves readings from primary sources and secondary interpretation. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05.347............................... 3 S.H.
Traditional Latin America
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines racial and cultural diversity of the region, establishment of Iberian institutions and challenges from other empires, the Enlightenment in Hispanic America and the beginnings of independence movements. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05350............................... 3 S.H.
Modern Latin America
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the history of Latin America from 1825 to the present, including early revolutionary movements, cultural, economic, political and social development with special emphasis on the Organization of American States and United States-Latin American relations. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05351............................... 3 S.H.
Modern Japan
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will analysis the developments of island East Asia (Japan) from the time of the Tokugawa Shogunate's contribution to the development of modern Japan and Japanese involvement in modern Western expansionism to the emergence of Japanese expansionism and contemporary Japan, including the various aspects which affect historical development. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05355............................... 3 S.H.
Modern China
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course analyzes the development of mainland and island East Asia (China and Japan) from the early involvement with the rising Western expansionism to the present. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05356...............................3 S. H.
Late Imperial China
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This courses focuses on the history of late imperial China, or the rise and fall of the Ming and Qing dynasties from the mid 14th to the early 20th centuries. In addition, the course discusses such epoch-making events as the reconstruction of the Great Wall, Zheng He's maritime expeditions and the rise of "evidential learning" as an intellectural movement. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05362............................... 3 S.H.
History of Mexico and the Caribbean
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course focuses on the development of Mexico and her Central American and Caribbean island neighbors. Although the course deals mainly with events from the time of independence to the present, it also discusses key eras in the pre-Columbian and colonial periods. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05371..............................3 S.H.
US Legal and Constitutional History to 1870
(Prerequisites: 05.306 or AMST 31021)

This course focuses on how American law and the Constitution developed from its English roots. Students will explore the Constitution era and continue through the Reconstruction Amendments to gain perspective on how American law and the Constition survived and change. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05372..............................3 S.H,
US Legal and Constitutional History Since 1870
(Prerequisites: 05306 or AMST 31021)

Hist 05373.............................. 3 S. H.
Civil Rights/Black Power Movement
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course offers a profound reexamination of the Civil Rights-Black Power movements since the 1970s. Special attention is given to ongoing debates over the origins, development, regional boundaries, leadership, protest strategies , and effects of the movement. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05375............................... 3 S.H.
America Since 1945: The Modern Era
(Prerequisites: 05306 or AMST 31021)

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth study of the social, economic, cultural, technological and political forces that shaped modern America since 1945. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05376............................... 3 S.H.
Afro-American History to 1865
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course surveys the major social, economic and cultural developments of the black community from Africa to the Civil War. It emphasizes a comparison of the transition from Africa to slave culture and studies the black man's contribution to the building of America.

Hist 05377............................... 3 S.H.
Afro-American History Since 1865
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course studies the development of the black community from emancipation to contemporary America, tracing such major themes as the pattern of migration and the various methods of black protest developed and employed in the 20th century.

Hist 05379................................. 3 S.H.
Ancient Egypt
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will study the culture and history of ancient Egypt from its predynastic beginnings to its formation as the first nation state (c. 3000BCE) through its apex as an imperial power in the New Kingdom and decline (1050BCE). This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05394............................... 3 S.H.
Sub-Saharan Africa to 1800
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course surveys the regions and cultures of sub-Saharan Africa from the earliest origins to the beginning of European colonialism to provide an appreciation of the variety and significance of historical developments prior to the coming of the Europeans.

Hist 05397............................... 3 S.H.
Sub-Saharan Africa Since 1800
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

Students survey the development of sub-Saharan Africa during the colonial period and the new national period which followed, making an analysis of colonialism both as a European venture and as an episode in African historical development.

Hist 05404............................... 3 S.H.
Arab-Israeli Conflict
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course focuses on the history and development of the Arab-Israeli conflict from its genesis in the late 19th century to the present day. It covers a variety of topics including the origins of Zionism, Palestinian nationalism, the development of the conflict before 1948, the Arab-Israeli Wars, and peace plans. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05406............................... 3 S.H.
Jewish Holocaust 1933-1945
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines this unprecedented human destruction by dividing it into two phases: origins in Germany before 1939 and the war itself. Its sweep encompasses the killers, the victims of all faiths and status and the onlookers. Because this is a case study of genocide, students are urged to form their own conclusions as to its meaning for our own time. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05407............................... 3 S.H.
History of World War II
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course studies the causes and events of the Second World War with special attention to diplomatic and military history as well as to the personalities and cultural trends of the war. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05408............................... 3 S.H.
Chinese Cultural History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course covers essential features of Chinese culture from the 5th century BC to the present, including philosophy, religion, literature, geography, social and family structure, foreign cultural relations, and art. Students will also learn current scholarship on the subject and recent cultural trend. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05409............................... 3 S.H.
Latin American Revolutions and Reform
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the often violent movements in Latin American history directed to achieve social, economic, and political reform. It emphasizes the Mexican, Cuban, and Chilean movements. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05410............................... 3 S.H.
European Intellectual History Since the 16th Century
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course covers the major themes in European intellectual history. It includes such topics as the birth and diffusion of the Enlightenment, Romanticism, 19th century liberalism, positivism, the Darwinian Revolution, Marxism, nationalistic thought, irrationalism in political and philosophical thought, existentialism and contemporary ideas. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05411............................... 3 S.H.
Topics in Latin American History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course analyzes selected topics in Latin American history since 1808. It reviews various topics and historiographical controversies. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05412............................... 3 S.H.
Intellectual History of the U.S.
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course deals with the main currents in American thought and society from colonial times to the present. It emphasizes discussion of high culture as essential to the understanding of the political and economic process of the American democratic experiment. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05413............................... 3 S.H.
Comparative Race Relations: South Africa, Brazil, and the U.S.
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the development of multi-racial societies in Brazil, South Africa and the United States, and the impact of race on the political, social and economic cultures of the respective countries. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05414............................... 3 S.H.
Diplomatic History of the U.S. to 1900
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course surveys U.S. diplomatic history from the Revolutionary period through the emergence of the U.S. as a colonial power. The course stresses the impact of public opinion, cultural and political relations, as well as economic and strategic factors. It will analyze conflicting scholarly interpretations. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05415............................... 3 S.H.
Diplomatic History of the U.S. Since 1900
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course details the U.S. attempt to cope with the international complications and responsibilities brought about by 20th-century reality. The course stresses the impact of public opinion, cultural and political relations, as well as economic and strategic factors and analyzes conflicting scholarly interpretations. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05417............................... 3 S.H.
Women in Islam
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course aims to acquaint students with the role of women in Islam as a religion. it focuses on the wide range of women's experiences in different periods of history and in diverse Muslim societies, and introduces students to a variety of works and approaches to the field, including primary and secondary sources. The course is typically offered every other year.

Hist 05418............................... 3 S.H.
Women in Europe to 1700
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course traces the changing status and experience of women from classical civilizations through the early modern period of European history. Themes covered include women's role in religious life, early women's writings, women in the age of chivalry, early modern witch hunting, and the first stirrings of feminist thought. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05419............................... 3 S.H.
Women in Modern Europe
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the history of women in modern Europe, from the 18th century to the 20th. Themes covered include the rise of domesticity, feminism in the age of revolutions, Victorian women, changing patterns of work and family, and the rise of women's activism. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05422............................... 3 S.H.
Women in American History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course focuses on the role of women in American history and culture, but some consideration is also given to Western traditions, myths and ideas which have affected American women. The range of topics is almost limitless. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05425............................... 3 S.H.
History of Feminisms
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the history and origins of modern feminisms from European and American traditions to emergence in developing nations. Students will analyze and comprehend the intellectual, social, philosophical, political, and religious underpinnings of the development of feminisms from the Middle Ages to the present day in western and non-western contexts. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05429............................... 3 S.H.
Proseminar in History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course introduces students to in-depth historical analysis of a selected theme, including work with historical sources, critical reading of historians' accounts, intensive writing and class discussion.

Hist 05436............................... 3 S.H.
U.S. Home Front 1941-1945
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course explores the lives of ordinary people under the strains of war, examining social and economic factors which undergirded the military and political decisions of World War II. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05437............................... 3 S.H.
Twentieth Century African Nationalism
(Prerequisites: Hist 05.306)

In this course students will explore the history of 20th century Africa through an in-depth analysis of independence movements from their roots in the European conquest of the continent at the turn of the century to their legacies in Africa today. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05438............................ 3 S.H.
History of the Vietnam War
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will explore the political, economic, military, diplomatic, social, and cultural dimensions and ramifications of the war from the perspective of all peoples involved. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05439............................3 S.H.
Ottoman History
(Prerequisites: Hist. 05.306)

This course will examine the history and development of the Ottoman Empire from its origins in the 13th century to its partition following World War I. Topics to be covered include its system of government and ruling elite, the cultural and daily life of Ottoman subjects, 19th and 20th century reform movements, and debates about the origins and "decline" of the empire. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05441............................ 3 S.H.
Imperialism and Colonialism
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course analyzes Nineteenth and Twentieth century imperialism in terms of its meaning, origins and development. It emphasizes institutional background, theory and practice and the "national liberation" movements, using readings in primary sources and secondary interpretations. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05443..............................3 S.H.
Global Proseminar in History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course introduces students to in-depth historical analysis of a selected theme in global history including work with historical sources, critical reading of historians' accounts, intense writing, and class discussion.

Hist 05444...............................3 S.H.
Islamist Movements
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will explore the hisotry of radical Islamist movements, commonly termed "Islamic fundamentalists" , and their increasing strength since the 1970s. Students will explore the writings of influential Islamist writers as well as the goals, ideology, and tactics of a wide variety of Islamist opposition groups, regimes, and groups operating in Western countries. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05445...............................3 S.H.
History of Cold War
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will explore the history of the Cold War including the origins of the Cold War, Stalin and the Soviet system, the Berlin Crisis, war on the Korean peninsula, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam war the collapse of Communist Bloc. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05446................................3 S.H.
Race, Identity and History in East Asia
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will explore race relations in modern societies from a comparative perspective. It will trace ideas and discourses on race in China prior to the 19th century and examine their influence in shaping the world order in East Asia. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05455............................... 3 S.H.
Gender, Sexuality and History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course approaches the study of human sexuality from an historical point of view; i.e., how attitudes towards sexual behavior have varied over the centuries. The course uses the world of Western Civilization as an historical laboratory for the course. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05470............................... 3 S.H.
Issues in American History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course introduces a topical approach to U.S. history and involves an analysis of major events and ideas that have shaped U.S. society that uses historical methodology and interpretation. The course covers issues such as race, sex and youth in American Society and protest movements.

Hist 05471............................... 3 S.H.
History of the American West
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course will focus on the settlement and economic development of the American West from the arrival of Europeans in the sixteenth century to the present. Among the topics considered will be: the role of the frontier in American history. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05472............................... 3 S.H.
Cultural History of the U.S.
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course explores trends in the fine arts and literature from 1607 to the present on three different levels: high style or urban culture, popular culture and rural or folk culture. It emphasizes specific American interpretations of parallel European developments. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05473............................... 3 S.H.
American Military History, 1775-Present
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

A survey of American military experience since the Revolution, this course analyzes military action and its effect on the home front against a background of politics, technology, diplomacy, and personality. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05474............................... 3 S.H.
U.S. Labor History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course examines the changing nature of the work and working conditions and the workers' efforts to find their place in the American economy from colonial times to the era of the Wagner and Taft-Hartley Acts, with special attention to workers' organizations. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05475............................... 3 S.H.
History of New Jersey
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

This course explores the historical background of the pre-European beginnings, colonial exploitation and settlement, the Revolution, growth of the state's leading industries, the development of transportation and problems of government. It stresses the history of New Jersey.

Hist 05492............................... 3 S.H.
Seminar
(Prerequisites: Senior)

This course concentrates on a research paper of substantial length based upon primary as well as secondary sources. The course also requires critical analysis and discussion of the papers by seminar participants. Required of History majors during their senior year.

Hist 05493............................... 3 S.H.
Independent Study
(Prerequisites: Department permission)

This course provides an opportunity to pursue individual specialized historical topics under the guidance of a staff member. This course may not be used as substitute for a course offered by the Department. This course may not be offered annually.

Hist 05495............................... 3-12 S.H.
Field Service in History
(Prerequisites: 05.306)

Designed to introduce students to actual historical work, this course places students with an historical society, museum, library or similar institution, where they serve a minimum of nine hours per week for one semester as a volunteer working in the arranging of archival material, exhibits, etc. This course may not be offered annually.