History

This is a study of western civilization from pre-historic times through the Middle Ages. The focus of the course will be on developing and understanding of European civilization in the context of world systems, including an inter- relational account of political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces. Starting with a general study of the nature of history, the course explores systems of Neolithic agronomy and social structures around the world and the emergence of the first state societies in the Ancient Near East. Students will study the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome in dialogue with other Eurasian peoples, up through the emergent world system of the late Middle Ages. Writing in content area. Prerequisites: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

This is a study of Europe from the Renaissance to the twentieth century in the context of the world systems of the early modern and modern worlds. The focus of the course is on the history of Europe in dialogue with the world, including explorations of European political, economic, social, cultural and intellectual forces and institutions and their inter-relationship with those of other cultures. The course includes the general study of the nature of History and the growth of European hegemony from the first global trading systems through world domination in the industrial age; students will examine the global context of the Age of Revolutions - scientific, industrial, and political - that shaped the modern world and lay behind world war and totalitarianism in the twentieth century. Writing in content area. Prerequisites: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

Surveys the foundations of the major cultures of today's world from the beginning of recorded history to the early modern age, with an emphasis on how these developments continue to shape the human experience. Students will utilize methods of the social sciences by researching, interpreting, and communicating an understanding of primary and secondary historical sources. This world history course studies human patterns of interaction with a particular focus on change over time, global exchange, and those phenomena that connect people, places and ideas across regional boundaries. Writing in content area. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

Surveys the cultural and continuities of selected world societies during the early modern and modern eras, from the sixteenth century CE to the present. Students will utilize methods of the social sciences by researching, interpreting, and communicating and understanding of primary and secondary historical sources. This world history course studies human patterns of interaction with a particular focus on change over time, global exchange, and those phenomena that connect people, places and ideas across regional boundaries, with an emphasis on the shaping of the modern age and the implications for the future of the global community. Writing in content area. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

Surveys the period of European history extending from late Roman Antiquity to the early Renaissance. Emphasizes the use of primary sources. Explores the tension within medieval civilization between tradition and change, order and disorder. Writing in content area. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

The history of Europe since 1815, beginning with reactionism after the "excesses" of the French Revolution and Napoleon and covering the European alliances and the wars of the 20th century. Upper-level course. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

The growth of a people, from fragmented beginnings to the early stages of empire building. Focuses on the evolutionary nature of English history; political, economic and social strengths and weaknesses; the gifts and problems England contributed to western culture. Upper-level course. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

Historical background and cultural contributions of African Americans. African heritage, the slave trade, African Americans during the colonial and revolutionary periods, slavery in America, emancipation and reconstruction, the coming of Jim Crow, the struggle for equality, and the revolution in race relations are topics. The contributions of African Americans in literature, art, music, drama, and sports are discussed. Upper-level course. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

Focuses on basic knowledge and understanding of modern Africa, its people, their history and cultures. Socio-political crises will be examined. Helps to eliminate stereotyping of Bantu African civilizations and exposes students to non-European cultures. Student will become proficient in one specific geographic realm. Upper-level course. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

Significant social, economic, and political changes in contemporary American life since 1898. Upper-level course. Writing in content area. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010.

Introduces the historical and religious events of the contemporary Middle East. Upper-level course. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

Chronological and thematic survey of modern Chinese history from the mid-nineteenth century until the present. Topics covered include imperialism, nationalism, communism, industrialization, modernization, regionalism, internationalism, and globalism. Students will explore the political, economic, and diplomatic features of modern China, as well as the cultural and social influences that have contributed to the rapid evolution and development of modern China. Upper-level course. Writing in content area. Prerequisites: ENGL1010.

Explores the defining years of 1861-1865 that created the United States of America much in the way we know it today. Emphasizes the political, social, economic, and military aspects of this turbulent time by utilizing letters, diaries, journals, newspapers, and other historical documents and references. Includes antebellum and Reconstruction periods. Writing in content area. Upper-level course. Prerequisites: ENGL 1010.

Political, social, and economic development of Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the present. Upper-level course. Prerequisite: Eligible to enroll in ENGL 1010.

An in-depth examination of historical themes and methods. Topics vary semester to semester. Writing intensive. Upper-level course. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: Eligibility to take Honors courses or special permission from the Honors Committee.