History
Chair: Mark V. Barrow, Jr.
Associate Chair: Heather L. Gumbert
Professors: M.V. Barrow Jr., A.R. Ekirch, E.T. Ewing, R.F. Hirsh, B. L. Shadle, and P.R. Wallenstein
Associate Professors: G.R. Bugh, B. Bunch-Lyons, H. L. Gumbert, M. Heaton, M. Mollin, A. Nelson, P. Quigley, P. Schmitthenner, H. Schneider, B. L. Shadle, N.L. Shumsky, R. P. Stephens, and D.B. Thorp
Assistant Professors: D. Agmon, C. Gitre, E. Gitre, D. Halpin, M. Kiechle, and L. Winling
Collegiate Assistant Professor: M. Dufour
Senior Instructor: T. H. Becker
Adjunct Professors: M. Alexander and R. Shelton
Web: www.liberalarts.vt.edu/departments-and-schools/department-of-history.html
Overview
History is the study of people and events of the past to better understand how to meet the challenges of the future. Our students develop important 21st-century skills in research and analysis, speaking and writing excellence, the synthesis of diverse information, digital and media literacy, intercultural understanding, and historical/contextual expertise.
Widely recognized for promoting undergraduate research, the history curriculum prepares students for fulfilling careers in the technology sector, law, business, the military, intelligence, non-profit management and administration, healthcare, media and communication, information management, and education. History also provides the knowledge and skill students need for graduate work in Journalism, Law, Business, and Medicine, or the liberal arts or social sciences.
Courses at the 1000 level are introductory surveys open to anyone with an interest in history but without a strong background in the subject. Students intending to continue in history should take these courses in their freshman or sophomore years. Courses at the 2000 level, with the exception of Historical Methods, are broad surveys of particular topics for a general undergraduate audience. Courses at the 3000 level, primarily for sophomores and above, provide more focused and detailed study of a period, place, or topic introduced at the 1000 or 2000 level. Courses at the 4000 level are conducted as seminars that emphasize original writing and research, and are generally restricted to students with junior standing or above who have already taken six hours or more of college-level history.
Majors
The history curriculum is designed to introduce fundamental skills of the discipline, followed by upper division courses that develop knowledge and skills, culminating in a capstone experience. It is a deliberately flexible curriculum built to encourage students to double major, minor, or undertake study abroad, internships, or undergraduate research.
History majors complete a minimum of 36 hours in History, including 18 hours of core history courses and 18 hours of depth studies that can be tailored to students' own interests.
Majors who choose to undertake the Research/Thesis Option will complete the requirements of the B.A. in History and: six hours of undergraduate research that results in the completion of Thesis, or three hours of undergraduate research that builds on work completed in HIST 4914 and three hours of History elective credit at the 2000 level or above.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Majors may select a concentration within the history major. Concentrations require that at least 12 of the 24 hours of history taken at the 2000 or 3000 level be appropriate to the field of concentration, and the completion of 6 hours of undergraduate research. Concentrations are available in: Military/Political/Diplomatic History; Social/Cultural/Economic History; Global/Comparative History; and History of Science/Technology/Environment.
A faculty advisor and/or professional advisor will assist each major in planning a suitable course of study. The student is expected to confer with the faculty advisor at regular intervals regarding the progress of his or her studies.
To earn a minor in history, a student must complete satisfactorily (with at least a 2.0 average) a minimum of 18 hours of history courses. You may find requirements by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Minors
History minors complete a minimum of 18 hours of history courses, some of which must meet a Depth Studies requirement. We offer minors in War and Society, Russian Area Studies, and History. You may find requirements by visiting the University Registrar website http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Advising
A professional advisor assists each major in planning to meet their degree requirements. The student is expected to confer with the advisor at regular intervals regarding the progress of his or her studies. Students will also work with a faculty mentor who will provide guidance regarding academic and professional choices.
Virginia Tech offers extensive career advising.
Experiential Learning
This history department encourages our students to undertake study abroad, internships, and undergraduate research projects and offers students curriculum that allows them to achieve academic credit for these experiences. Check out the wide variety of study abroad programs available through the Global Education Office. Research the wide array of career-related experiences you can have while still in College, especially Hokies4Hire.
Honors
The Honors Program is open to outstanding history majors, and students may choose among a variety of honors diplomas. Several of these require a senior honors thesis written under the direction of a faculty member in the department.
Student Organization
The department is host to a History Club and Phi Alpha Theta, a chapter of the National History Honors Society. Social events allow for informal interaction between students and faculty. Don't miss our annual trivia competition Stump the Chumps--the undergraduates are the current champions!
Satisfactory Progress
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in history.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the B.A. in history can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (HIST)
1004: INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY
Introduces students to the main concepts and issues of
discipline of history. Familiarizes students with the
Department of History, educational requirements, university
resources, and career opportunities for History majors.
(3H,3C)
1024: ANCIENT HISTORY
Surveys the civilizations and peoples of Greece, Rome, and
the Ancient Near East (including Egypt and Mesopotamia) from
the invention of writing around 3,000 B.C. to the fall of
the Roman Empire in the fifth century C.E. through study of
literature as well as archaeological artificts. Examines
the interactions and interdependencies of these
civilizations and considers their enduring influence.
(3H,3C)
1025,1026: INTRODUCTION TO EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION
Significant problems and processes in the history of
Europe from the Middle Ages to the recent past. 1025:
From Medieval society to the mid-18th century; 1026:
Mid-18th-century to the recent past. Sequence is
recommended in preparation for advanced courses in European
history.
(3H,3C)
1115,1116: HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
Examines the history of the United States through
intersections of politics, economics, sciences, the arts and
significant social movements. Considers how the modern
United States has emerged through the interactions of
diverse ethnic, racial, national, class, and religious
groups. 1115: pre-Columbian societies through the Civil
War; 1116: Reconstruction through present. Sequence
recommended as preparation for advanced courses in
United States history.
(3H,3C)
1214: HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORLD
An examination of the global significance of the critical
political, social, cultural, and international issues in the
20th century.
(3H,3C)
1215,1216: INTRO TO WORLD HISTORY
Examine political, economic, social, and cultural change
around the world over the course of human existence, with
particular emphasis on connections and comparisons of human
societies across space and time. 1215: Cover early
civilizations to 1500 CE. Major themes include the
development of human civilization and the interactions of
different societies through exchange of people, ideas,
goods, and disease. 1216: Covers from 1500 CE to present.
Major themes include the spread of European imperialism and
resistance to it, development of nation-states, world wars,
and post-colonial globalization.
(3H,3C)
1224: INTRODUCTION TO LATIN AMERICA
The peoples of Latin America from the earliest times to the
present. Historical approach to understanding ancient and
contemporary cultures, their environmental impact, and their
socio-political dynamics from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego
over 5000 years.
(3H,3C)
1515,1516: HISTORY OF AFRICA
Examines political, economic, social and cultural themes in
African history from the beginnings of human civilization to
the recent past, with particular emphasis on historical
experiences of race, gender, class, religion, ethnicity, and
nationality. 1515: Covers early civilizations through the abolition of the slave trade. Examines migrations and trade, the expansion of
Islam, and slavery in Africa and the Atlantic and Indian
Oceans. 1516: Covers Africa since the nineteenth century.
Examines European conquest, and major political, cultural
and social changes during the colonial and post-colonial
eras.
(3H,3C)
1984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2004: HISTORICAL METHODS
Explanation of the discipline of history: its history,
philosophies, and methods, with emphasis on historical
research.
(3H,3C)
2054 (STS 2054): ENGINEERING CULTURES
Development of engineering and its cultural roles in
historical and cross-national perspectives. Explores roles
of engineers and engineering in popular life, development of
national styles, changing values in engineering problem
solving, and effects of evolving forms of capitalism.
(3H,3C)
2104: ISSUES IN US HISTORY
This course allows students to explore more
thoroughly selected themes in the history of the United
States, from its initial settlement to the present.
(3H,3C)
2104H: CRITICAL ISSUES IN AMERICAN HISTORY
This course allows Honors students to explore more
thoroughly selected themes in the history of the United
States, from its initial settlement to the present.
Students must have University Honors status or
permission of the instructor to take this course.
(3H,3C)
2114: ISSUES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY
An exploration of critical issues in modern European
history, through the study of source materials and
historical interpretations.
(3H,3C)
2114H: CRITICAL ISSUES IN EUROPEAN HISTORY
An exploration of critical issues in modern European
history, through the study of source materials and
historical interpretations. University Honors standing is
required.
(3H,3C)
2124: CRITICAL ISSUES IN WORLD HISTORY
An examination of significant themes and important topics
in world history.
(3H,3C)
2165,2166: HISTORY OF FRANCE
French history from Roman Gaul to the present. 2165:
Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance France; Absolute Monarchy.
2166: The Revolution; Nineteenth and Twentieth Century
France.
(3H,3C)
2184: HISTORY OF THE BALKANS
History of Southeastern Europe from the sixth century to the
present. Chief themes are movement of peoples, Byzantine
and Ottoman Empires, religious conflicts, social
developments, and rival nationalisms.
(3H,3C)
2275,2276 (AFST 2275, 2276): AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
African continent through Civil War. Examines trajectory of
slavery as well as its global impacts and legacy, the
development of racial thought, slave resistance and
rebellions, the fight for Emancipation, and African American
contributions to culture, economics and society of United
States.
(3H,3C)
2304: AFRICA IN THE MODERN WORLD
The peoples and societies of Africa. Emphasis on major
themes and developments since the eighteenth century.
Historical approach to understanding indigenous African
cultures and their encounters with global forces.
Concentration on African achievements, the response to
colonialism, the rise of modern nationalism, and the
problems and prospects of independent Africa.
(3H,3C)
2345,2346: HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST
History of the Middle East from the seventh century to
today, with emphasis on formation of Islamic civilization,
medieval and early modern political systems, European
imperialism, and the struggle for independence.
2345: seventh century to 1914; 2346: independence, wars,
revolutions, and social change since 1914.
(3H,3C)
2355,2356: HISTORY OF CHINA
China from prehistory to the present. Special attention to
political, social, economic, and cultural developments.
2355: Prehistory, Imperial China to the sixteenth century;
2356: late Imperial China to modern and contemporary China.
(3H,3C)
2364: HISTORY OF JAPAN
Political, social, economic, and cultural development of
Japan from earliest times to present; emphasis on problems
of modernization in the nineteenth and the twentieth
centuries.
(3H,3C)
2375,2376: HISTORY OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
History of the Indian subcontinent (South Asia) from ancient
times to the present, with special emphasis on cultural
developments. 2375: Development of traditional South Asian
civilization from ancient times to 1500; 2376: Development
of modern South Asian civilization since 1500.
(3H,3C)
2604 (SOC 2604) (STS 2604): INTRODUCTION TO DATA IN SOCIAL CONTEXT
Examines the use of data to identify, reveal, explain, and
interpret patterns of human behavior, identity, ethics,
diversity, and interactions. Explores the historical
trajectories of data to ask how societies have increasingly
identified numerical measures as meaningful categories of
knowledge, as well as the persistent challenges to
assumptions about the university of categories reducible
to numerical measures.
(3H,3C)
2715,2716 (STS 2715, 2716): HISTORY OF TECHNOLGOY
Development of technology and engineering in their social
and cultural contexts. Examines the interaction of people,
cultures, technologies, and institutions such as
governments, religious bodies, corporations, and citizens'
groups. 2715: Examines the creation and modification of
technologies to establish the basic structures of
civilization, from prehistory to the Industrial Revolution
(about 1800). 2716: Examines the nature of technological
change and consequences in society, from about 1800
to present.
(3H,3C)
2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984H: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
3004: COLONIAL AMERICA
Critical analysis of early American society. Founding and
development of the colonies in the 17th century; 18th
century colonial life.
(3H,3C)
3014: THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Causes, nature, and results of the American Revolution,
1763- 1789.
(3H,3C)
3054: THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Causes, course, and consequences of the
American Civil War. Emphasis on
transformations in regional and national identity, race
relations, the status of African Americans, gender roles,
military affairs, and the United States' place on the world
stage. Develop skill in written and oral discourse.
(3H,3C)
3064: EMERGENCE OF MODERN AMERICA, 1877-1917
American from end of Reconstruction to World War I:
industrial and urban growth, the last frontier, worsening
status for blacks, immigration and new ethnic currents,
Populism and Progressivism, cultural ferment, and overseas
expansion, America's entry on the world stage.
(3H,3C)
3084: RECENT AMERICA, 1917-PRESENT
Social, economic, cultural, and political history of America
from the entry into World War I, the turbulent 1920's, the
Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, postwar
prosperity, the Cold War, social and cultural ferment,
Vietnam, Watergate, to the new anxieties about the limits of
power in the 1980's.
(3H,3C)
3104: UNITED STATES SOCIAL HISTORY
Examination of the lives of ordinary people in order to
understand the human experience through a focus on race,
ethnicity, class, gender, and region.
(3H,3C)
3105,3106: WOMEN IN U S HISTORY
Roles of women from colonial settlement to the present.
Special attention to family experiences, political agendas,
and economic contributions of women and to social
construction of gender identities. 3105: to 1865; 3106:
since 1865.
(3H,3C)
3114: HISTORY OF CAPITALISM
Examines the changing economic and political conditions
under capitalism since the Industrial Revolution. Outlines
key ideas and figures that shaped the system of capitalist
accumulation and industrial production. Identifies changes
in systems of production, exchange, labor, and distribution
and distinguishes between organizational innovations,
technological advancements, and political responses.
Discusses the ethical and moral implications and
consequences of state policies, economic exchanges, and
individual actions in the capitalist creation and
distribution of wealth and various critiques of the system.
(3H,3C)
3134: SPORTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Impact of sports in American history. Emphasis on the
impact of team sports (college and professional basketball,
baseball, and football) and individual sports (golf, boxing,
and automobile racing) have had on the development of
American society and culture.
(3H,3C)
3144: AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY
Explores interactions between Americans and the environment
from the time of European contact to the recent past.
Traces the sometimes unexpected ways in which nature has
shaped history, humans have altered the natural world,
environmental attitudes have evolved, and environmental
inequalities have arisen.
(3H,3C)
3155,3156: HISTORY OF AMERICAN CITIES
Growth and development, form and functioning of American
cities from the settlement of the country to the present.
3155: 1565 to 1870. 3156: 1870 to the present.
(3H,3C)
I,II.
3164: SEXUALITY IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Examines the changing social and cultural meanigns of sexual
behavior and identity in American life from the colonial era
to the present. Explores relationships between sexuality
and power, culture and politics, and government regulation
with consideration of theoretical frameworks of
interpretation. Focuses on dynamics of race, ethnicity,
gender, and class.
(3H,3C)
3175,3176 (AFST 3175, 3176): AFRO-AMERICAN HISTORY
The Afro-American experience in the United States from 1619
to the present. Emphasis upon slavery and the strategies of
economic and social survival in the twentieth century.
3175: 1619-1877. 3176: 1877-present.
(3H,3C)
3205,3206: U.S. SOUTH
The southern experience from Old to New South with
emphases upon racial accommodation, social hierarchy,
cultural identity, political struggle, and intellectual
change. 3205: to 1900; 3206: since 1900.
(3H,3C)
3214: HISTORY OF APPALACHIA
Early settlement, religion, the pre-industrial economy, the
coming of the coal and lumber industries, labor activism,
politics, migration, and regional identity.
(3H,3C)
3224: HISTORY OF VIRGINIA
Social, political, cultural, and economic developments in
Virginia, from the sixteenth century to the present.
(3H,3C)
3234: THE NORTH AMERICAN WEST
A study of the peoples and history of the North American
West from the sixteenth century through the twentieth.
(3H,3C)
3254: THE VIETNAM WAR
A critical study of the causes and consequences of the
Vietnam War, 1945-1975. Analysis of America's strategic
and military objectives, the nature and conduct of the
war, and the growth of the antiwar movement at home.
(3H,3C)
3274: THE GREEK CITY
History of the ancient Greek city-state (polis) from the
Archaic period (800-500 BC) to the creation of the Roman
Empire. Principal topics are: origins and definition of the
polis; Greek colonization throughout the Mediterranean and
Black Seas; the struggle for autonomy in the Classical and
Hellenistic periods; and the Hellenizing impact of the polis
on non-Greek populations.
(3H,3C)
3284: THE ROMAN REVOLUTION
History of the Roman world from 264 B.C. to A.D. 180.
Particular attention to the three themes of imperialism,
revolution, and empire through extensive reading of the
contemporary authors.
(3H,3C)
3294: ROMAN BRITAIN
Examines the social, political, and military origins of
early England from Stonehenge to the Norman Conquest;
emphasis on archaeology and material culture; and the
legacy of the Romans and Romanization on forging a British
identity.
(3H,3C)
3304: THE WORLD OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Examines the life and times of Alexander the Great and the
Hellenistic World, a new cosmopolitan multicultural world
initiated by his conquests. Analyzes the rise of Mecedon,
the accomplishments and powers of Alexander, and discusses
the world forged after him through analysis of literary and
non-literary primary sources.
(3H,3C)
3314: THE LATER ROMAN EMPIRE
Roman Empire in the west from A.D. 180 to A.D. 476 and in
the east from A.D. 476 to A.D. 1071. Particular attention
to the causes of the fall of the empire in the west and to
the Byzantine Empire in the east until the coming of the
Turks and the Christian Crusaders.
(3H,3C)
3324: THE MEDIEVAL WORLD
Characteristic thought and institutions of high and late
Middle Ages.
(3H,3C)
3334: THE RENAISSANCE
The Italian Renaissance in its European context. Emphasis
upon the culture and institutions of Italian states from
1300 to 1500.
(3H,3C)
II.
3344: THE ERA OF THE REFORMATION
Development of Protestantism and reformation of the Catholic
Church from 1500 to about 1600. Emphasis upon social,
political, and economic factors as well as theology.
Examination of conflicts engendered by the reformation
movements.
(3H,3C)
3364: THE AGE OF REVOLUTION AND NAPOLEON
The French Revolution in its European and global context,
with particular attention to social and political causes of
unrest, strategies of popular mobilization, debates about
authority and order, the emergence of empires, and the
long-term implications of revolutionary change.
(3H,3C)
3374: FRENCH EMPIRE
History of French empire from the seventeenth century to the
present, in the Carribean, Canada, Asia, North America and
Sub-Saharan Africa. Considers indepdendence movements
and the effects of post-colonial migrations on metropolitan
France. Focus on issues of religion, race, and human rights
(3H,3C)
3394: EUROPE SINCE WORLD WAR II
Europe's political and economic recovery since 1945;
development of the "Cold War"; Soviet Union and Eastern
Europe before and after Stalin; Western European integration
and development of a consumer society; Ostpolitik and
Detente; decolonization and neo-colonialism; Europe's
position in the world economy, dependence on imported
materials and energy; the Revolutions of 1989 and
post-Marxist Eastern Europe.
(3H,3C)
3424: TUDOR AND EARLY STUART ENGLAND, 1509-1660
Causes and consequences of the English Reformation and
subsequent Civil War. Decline of royal power and increasing
importance of Parliament. Cultural and intellectual
developments of the Elizabethan period.
(3H,3C)
3484: TWENTIETH-CENTURY GERMANY
Political, social, economic, and cultural history of
twentieth-century Germany.
(3H,3C)
3494 (JUD 3494) (RLCL 3494): THE HOLOCAUST
This course provides a historical account, a psychological
analysis, and an occasion for philosophical contemplation on
the Holocaust. We will examine the deliberate and
systematic attempt to annihilate the Jewish people by the
National Socialist German State during World War II.
Although Jews were the primary victims, Gypsies, people with
disabilities, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses and political
dissidents were targeted; we will discuss their fate as
well. The class will be organized around the examination
of primary sources: written accounts, photographic and film,
and personal testimony.
(3H,3C)
3504 (RLCL 3504): THE AGE OF THE CRUSADES
The origins and development of religious violence examined
from an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective;
that place of that phenomenon in medieval society.
Christianity, Islam, Judaism and their interactions in the
medieval world.
(3H,3C)
3524: EUROPEAN MILITARY HISTORY TO 1789
Analysis of change in warfare from the ancient Greeks to the
French Revolution. Emphasis on the social and technological
causes of military change.
(3H,3C)
3534: MODERN MILITARY HISTORY
Evolution of warfare in its political and social setting
since the French Revolution. Discussion of both European
and American military institutions.
(3H,3C)
3544: WORLD WAR II
Examines the origins, nature, and consequences of the Second
World War in transnational perspective. Discussion of
social, economic, political and diplomatic conditions that
led to and shaped the conduct of the war. Engagement with
diverse perspectives on the war and its implications through
primary and secondary source materials.
(3H,3C)
3554: AGE OF GLOBALIZATION
An examination of historical forces that have shaped
patterns of globalization, with emphasis on the late
twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Key themes:
debates about the origins of globalization, causes and
consequences of global inter-relatedness, influence of
key people, events, and ideas on patterns of globalization,
and the effects of disease, technology and environment on
processes of globalization.
(3H,3C)
3564: THE COLD WAR
Examines politics, society, and culture of the Cold War in
transnational perspective. Discussion of origins of the
Cold War and the emergence of "superpowers;" cultural,
economic and territorial imperialism in the Cold War; the
role of ideology; lived experience and the legacy of the
Cold War. Engagement with diverse perspectives on the
Cold War and its implications through primary and secondary
source materials.
(3H,3C)
3584: COLONIAL LATIN AMERICA
Major themes and issues in Colonial Latin American History.
Discussion of the Spanish and Portuguese empires in the
western hemisphere, emphasizing indigenous responses to
colonization, the privatization of land and labor, the
Church and village as financial and cultural institutions,
imperial policies and reforms, and the collapse of empire
after 300 years.
I
(3H,3C)
3594: THE RISE OF MODERN LATIN AMERICA
Major themes and issues in Modern Latin American History.
Discussion of the rise of Latin American nations, stressing
the internal and external challenges new republics
confronted during the nineteenth century and the
opportunities and conflicts of the twentieth century.
(3H,3C)
3604: RUSSIA TO PETER THE GREAT
Russian history from the founding of Russia in the ninth
century to the reign of Peter the Great in the early
eighteenth century, with special attention to political
developments, changes in society and culture and
regional context.
(3H,3C)
3614: IMPERIAL RUSSIA
Russian history from Peter the Great to the Revolution
of 1917, with special attention to political developments,
changes in society and culture, and the impact of the
regional context.
(3H,3C)
3624: HEALTH AND ILLNESS IN AFRICAN HISTORY
Examines key subjects and themes in the history of
health, medicine, and disease in African history. Topics
include indigenous health systems, colonial medicine, and
post-colonial health crises, including HIV/AIDS.
(3H,3C)
3634: MAU MAU: COLONIALISM AND REBELLION IN KENYA
Examines the social, political, economic, and cultural
origins of the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya; insurgency
and counter-insurgency; and the continuing debates in
Kenya over the meaning of Mau Mau.
(3H,3C)
3644: TWENTIETH-CENTURY RUSSIA
The history of the Soviet Union from 1917 to the present,
with particular emphasis on collectivization,
industrialization, ideology, international relations, and
other factors that have determined the peculiar character
of the Soviet state.
(3H,3C)
3654: THE ARAB-ISRAELI DISPUTE
Historical origins and development of the struggle for
Palestine. Emphasis on post-WW II including conflicting
nationalisms, wars, history of Israel, and Great Power
diplomacy.
(3H,3C)
3664: REVOLUTIONARY CHINA
Ideological and institutional development of the Chinese
Communist movement since 1920; emphasis on problems of
historical change in modern China.
(3H,3C)
3674: TOPICS IN CHINESE HISTORY
Examination of variable topics in Chinese history, ranging
from the beginnings of civilization to the recent past.
Examines the primary sources and histriographic debates
of a particular issue. Explores the diversity within China
and its relatiionship with the rest of the world. Can be
repeated with different content up to 9 hours.
(3H,3C)
3684: CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE SOVIET UNION AND THE SUCCESSOR STATES
History and main characteristics of cultural life and the
arts in the former Soviet Union, with emphasis on film,
music, literature, and the relationship between elite and
popular culture.
(3H,3C)
3694: HISTORY THROUGH FILM
This course introduces students to critical issues in
history and representation, utilizing film to analyze
central historical issues. The specific thematic content
is variable. Course may be repeated for up to 9 credits.
(2H,3L,3C)
3705,3706 (STS 3705, 3706): HISTORY OF SCIENCE
Conceptual and institutional development of physical and
biological sciences viewed within a cultural and societal
context. 3705: Early Science; 3706: Modern Science.
(3H,3C)
3714: WAR AND MEDICINE
Examines the relationship between war and medicine. Focus
on suffering and care during and after major conflicts, both
on the battlefield and the home front. Emphasis on race,
class, and gender.
(3H,3C)
3724: HISTORY OF DISEASE, MEDICINE, AND HEALTH
Development of Western concepts of disease, medicine, and
health with emphasis on period from eighteenth century to
present. Social construction of disease and relationship
between health and social, economic, and political
structures. Special attention to impact of public health
and the development of scientific and technological
medicine.
(3H,3C)
3734 (STS 3734): HISTORY OF MODERN BIOLOGY
This course explores the development of biology from the
Enlightenment to the end of the twentieth century, with a
particular emphasis on biology's impact on society.
(3H,3C)
3744: SOCIAL HISTORY OF FILM
This course introduces students to critical issues in the
social history of film, examining the production and
consumption of film in specific historical moments as well
as the effects of film on society, culture, and politics.
The specific thematic content is variable. May be repeated
with different content for a maximum of 9 credits.
(3H,3C)
3754: PUBLIC HISTORY
Investigation of the ways which historians research,
interpret, and present the past to the public.
(3H,3C)
3764: ORAL HISTORY: METHODS AND PRACTICES
Explores the theory and methodology of oral history
practice. Considers the use of oral history interviews in
historical research, and explores questions of ethics,
interpretation, and the construction of memory. Includes
training in technical operations and a variety of interview
techniques, transcription, and historical use of interviews.
(3H,3C)
3774: DIGITAL HISTORY
Develops skills and methods for researching and presenting
history in a digital environment, with special emphasis on
use of digital media as a tool for public historians.
(3H,3C)
3914: CRITICAL READING AND ANALYSIS IN HISTORY
Develops critical reading skills in history. Demonstrates
that historical knowledge is part of a scholarly
conversation that grows and evolves over time. Assesses the
critical role of interpretation in history, investigates
historical controversies and debates and develops skills to
evaluate historiographical trends.
Pre: 2004.
(3H,3C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
4004: TOPICS IN SOCIAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY
Selected topics in social and cultural history. May be
repeated with different content. 3 other hours of history
and junior standing required.
Pre: 2004.
(3H,3C)
4914: HISTORY RESEARCH SEMINAR
Variable topic, writing-intensive, capstone course for
history majors. Provides in-depth knowledge of a specific
historical subfield. Utilizes archival historical sources,
online research databases, and existing literature to create
an original work of historical scholarship. May be repeated
with different content up to 6 hours. Junior standing or
above required.
Pre: 3914 or 3904.
(3H,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.