History and International Studies

CLAS 2450 Classical Mythology — 4 credits

An introduction to the major myths of the gods and heroes of ancient Greece, along with their origins and interpretations. Because classical mythology played such an important role in the development of the arts in Western civilization, this course has a strong visual component, and every lecture is accompanied by slides. Also offered as INDI 2450 and LATN 2450. Fulfills the fine arts requirement. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults.

CLAS 2460 Ancient Greece — 4 credits

The Ancient Greeks present an intriguing paradox for our modern sensibilities. They invented democracy, but envisioned it as a system in which only elite male members of society were permitted to participate. The Greeks saw themselves as the champions of “freedom,” but their prosperity was built on the labor of slaves, most women were strictly confined to their homes, and it was permissible to kill girl babies or female members of the household for any reason. The Greeks believed themselves to be the upholders of civilization against the “Barbarians,” but the Persian “barbarians” they opposed were an elegant and sophisticated people who upheld religious freedom for all and prohibited slavery within their borders. Yet the Greeks also produced some of the most superb art and the finest achievements of literature that the world has ever seen. This course explores the history of ancient Greece from the Paleolithic through the onset of the Hellenistic era, with emphasis on art, literature and material culture, to try to form a coherent vision of this remarkable and self-contradictory people. Also offered as HIST 2460.

CLAS 2470 Ancient Rome — 4 credits

This course follows the history of Rome from prehistoric times through the rise and struggles of the Republic and into the early Empire up to the death of Marcus Aurelius, last of the "Five Good Emperors," in 180 CE. The two largest areas of focus will be on daily life in the Roman Republic (for which you will read one or more comic plays by the playwright Plautus) and the gripping saga of the five Julio-Claudian emperors (Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero), whose reigns we will explore through readings from the Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius, as well as viewings of the BBC’s masterful “I, Claudius” series. Also offered as HIST.

CLAS 2994 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies from year to year but does not duplicate existing courses. Offered in the College for Women.

CLAS 3460W Women in Greece and Rome — 4 credits

This course examines the evidence we have regarding the lives and societal position of women in the classical world from the Homeric epics through the Roman Empire. Students will read a variety of texts, including law cases, short stories, love letters, medical writings and manuals on estate management, as well as several Athenian plays. The course also deals with the visual arts and archeological evidence from the time period in order to convey as complete as possible a picture of women’s lives during these times. Writing and reflection on texts and images composes a substantial portion of each class period, as does reading these reflections aloud to one another, and critiquing the style and content of one another's writing. During the semester students will also write a substantial research paper on the topic of their choice and deliver it as a class presentation. Departmental Statement on Writing for History Courses: The ability to absorb information and turn it into clear and thoughtful prose is the most important skill required to succeed in a History class. History is a nuanced and complex subject, and we therefore stress the importance of incorporating the writing process into the learning process. Students must develop the habit of articulating their understanding of the material in a clear and straightforward manner that simultaneously conveys information and interprets the relevance and importance of that information for the reader. Producing both long and short papers is an important part of our pedagogy, as are tests that require a large amount of writing. Also offered as HIST 3460W and WOST 3460W.

HIST 1060 Europe Since 1800 — 4 credits

This course examines the impact the ideologies of the Enlightenment and French Revolution had on the development of modern Europe. Students explore how nationalism, imperialism, liberalism, fascism and communism shaped European society, politics, and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries. Events covered include the French Revolution, the Revolutions of 1848, the "scramble" for Africa, World War I, the Interwar Period, World War II, the Cold War, and the Revolutions of 1989. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 1160 East Asia Since 1600 — 4 credits

This course serves as a general survey of the history of East Asia from 1600 to the present with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. The majority of the course material focuses on China and Japan. Korea and Vietnam are also included but receive less coverage. The course focuses on the political, social, and economic systems of these countries, major historical events, intra-Asian interactions and East Asia's response to the West. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 1200 Survey of U.S. Political and Social History, 1600-1900 — 4 credits

This course is a survey of U.S. political and social history from the colonial era to 1900, with emphasis on the multiracial and multicultural aspects of the American experience. Also includes an overview of women's social and political roles and status from 1600 to the achievement of suffrage. Also offered as CRST 1200. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 2200 Twentieth Century America — 4 credits

This course provides an examination of U.S. society, culture, politics and foreign policy from 1900 to the present, with an emphasis on the connections among these various aspects of the 20th century American experience. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 2280 Ireland from the 12th Century to the 21st Century — 4 credits

The social and political history of Ireland is covered, from the 12th century to the present, including Northern Ireland after partition. Special emphasis is given to Irish political resistance movements and rebellions, as well as the Irish Civil War and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 2300 World History Since 1500 — 4 credits

This course surveys the global connections and networks formed beginning in the sixteenth century and continuing into the present. Course topics include exploration and conquest, colonialism and imperialism, the expansion and abolition of the slave trade and slavery, ideas of race and gender, cultural connections, and globalization. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 2320 History Goes to the Movies — 4 credits

From the golden days of Hollywood with “Cleopatra” and “Ben-Hur” to 2017’s “Dunkirk,” history has been a rich source of material to the moviemaking industry. For many people, these cinematic portrayals have served as the gateway to a rich and ongoing fascination with the study of the past. The “History Goes to the Movies” series allows students to explore these visualizations alongside the primary texts upon which they are based, in a rotating set of topics courses taught by different faculty members according to their expertise. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 2400 Revolution! Haiti, Slavery and the French Revolution 1780-1820 — 4 credits

History is marked by significant revolutionary movements, including: the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the Russian Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, and the social revolutions of the 1960s. This topics course will focus on a significant political, social, cultural, or economic revolutionary movement. Topics will rotate based on faculty expertise. Questions and themes addressed in this course include: what defines a revolution, causes and effects of revolutions, outcomes and costs, and legacy. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 2460 Ancient Greece — 4 credits

The Ancient Greeks present an intriguing paradox for our modern sensibilities. They invented democracy, but envisioned it as a system in which only elite male members of society were permitted to participate. The Greeks saw themselves as the champions of “freedom,” but their prosperity was built on the labor of slaves, most women were strictly confined to their homes, and it was permissible to kill girl babies or female members of the household for any reason. The Greeks believed themselves to be the upholders of civilization against the “Barbarians,” but the Persian “barbarians” they opposed were an elegant and sophisticated people who upheld religious freedom for all and prohibited slavery within their borders. Yet the Greeks also produced some of the most superb art and the finest achievements of literature that the world has ever seen. In this course students will explore the history of ancient Greece from the Paleolithic through the onset of the Hellenistic era, with emphasis on art, literature and material culture, to try and form a coherent vision of this remarkable and self-contradictory people. Also offered as CLAS 2460.

HIST 2470 Ancient Rome — 4 credits

This course follows the history of Rome from prehistoric times through the rise and struggles of the Republic and into the early Empire up to the death of Marcus Aurelius, last of the "Five Good Emperors," in 180 CE. The two largest areas of focus will be on daily life in the Roman Republic (for which you will read one or more comic plays by the playwright Plautus) and the gripping saga of the five Julio-Claudian emperors (Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero), whose reigns we will explore through readings from the Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius, as well as viewings of the BBC’s masterful “I, Claudius” series. Also offered as CLAS.

HIST 2520 China and Japan in Ancient Times — 4 credits

This class covers the histories of China and Japan from ancient times to approximately 1600. The course will focus on the political, social, intellectual, and economic systems of these countries, major historical events and intra-Asian interactions. China and Japan each developed distinct cultures and political systems, but for much of the early part of East Asian history, China exerted a profound influence over its closest neighbors in terms of politics, religion, philosophy and culture. We will spend the first part of the semester examining the early development of philosophical systems such as Confucianism that originated in China, as well as China’s political system. We will then turn to Japan, to examine both indigenous Japanese elements and Japan’s borrowing of Chinese cultural elements at different times, in different ways, and for different reasons. The course will include lecture, reading of both primary and secondary sources, film, and discussion.

HIST 2540 Late Imperial China — 4 credits

This course covers China’s last three dynasties, the Yuan (1279-1368) (briefly), the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911). Major topics include the social and political systems of imperial China; the Manchu conquest; missionary presence; Western imperialism; and the fall of Qing. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 2684 Directed Study — 4 credits

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

HIST 2994 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies from year to year but does not duplicate existing courses. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3000W Historiography — 4 credits

History and historiography are used to illustrate various basic aspects of the historian’s craft and to teach students how to read and write about history critically. The course explores varieties of historical interpretation and methodologies, the relationship of thesis and fact in historical argument, the issues of audience and types of sources, and the various genres of history. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3250 History of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights in the U.S. — 4 credits

The origins and evolution of American civil liberties and civil rights are covered from the colonial era through the 20th century civil rights and women’s rights movements. Course examines the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and the roles of the Supreme Court, federal and state governments, and rights movements in the development of civil liberties and civil rights. Also offered as CRST 3250 and WOST 3251. Not open to first-year students.

HIST 3390 Modern Middle East — 4 credits

This course covers the history of the Modern Middle East from the nineteenth century to the present. Beginning with a brief review of the early expansion of Islam, the course will focus on the reforming movements of the nineteenth century, the experience of European colonialism, the growth of nationalism, decolonization, and the events of the Arab Spring. The readings will blend primary sources on political and national policies with more autobiographical sources focusing on the experiences of individuals. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3460W Women in Greece and Rome — 4 credits

This course examines the evidence we have regarding the lives and societal position of women in the classical world from the Homeric epics through the Roman Empire. Students read a variety of texts, including law cases, short stories, love letters, medical writings and manuals on estate management, as well as several Athenian plays. The course also deals with the visual arts and archeological evidence from the time period in order to convey as complete as possible a picture of women’s lives during these times. Writing and reflection on texts and images composes a substantial portion of each class period, as does reading these reflections aloud to one another, and critiquing the style and content of one another's writing. During the semester students also write a substantial research paper on the topic of your choice and deliver it as a class presentation. Departmental Statement on Writing for History Courses: The ability to absorb information and turn it into clear and thoughtful prose is the most important skill required to succeed in a History class. History is a nuanced and complex subject, and we therefore stress the importance of incorporating the writing process into the learning process. Students must develop the habit of articulating their understanding of the material in a clear and straightforward manner that simultaneously conveys information and interprets the relevance and importance of that information for the reader. Producing both long and short papers is an important part of our pedagogy, as are tests that require a large amount of writing. Also offered as WOST 3460W and CLAS 3460W.

HIST 3550 Revolution and Communist Rule in China — 4 credits

This course covers the major events and themes in 20th-century Chinese history. Emphasis is on the Communist phase of the Chinese Revolution. Major topics include the social and political systems of early 20th century China; the founding and growth of the Chinese Communist Party; Civil War and Communist victory; the regime of Mao Zedong; and Deng Xiaoping's Second Revolution. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3560 Women in America to 1920 — 4 credits

Roles, status and expectations of women are covered from the colonial era to 1920; includes developments in family, sex, education, work, dress, politics; also covers the feminist movement of the 19th century. Also offered as CRST 3560 and WOST 3560. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3570 The New Woman in America and England 1880-1940 — 4 credits

This course examines the lives of women in the United States and England in the years between 1880 and 1940. This period, which spanned about three generations, saw the emergence of the so-called “New Woman” in both American and English societies. The New Woman was a term mainly (although not exclusively) used to refer to single, educated, independent women of the middle or upper classes (or working class women who pulled themselves up to the middle class) who were living in cities and who were self-supporting, pursuing professions, devoting their lives to reform, political activism and community service. These women challenged many entrenched norms of femininity and female dependence by living independently of their families and of men for either their entire lives or for significant periods of their lives, in many cases forming their most significant social bonds with other women. The emergence of the New Woman caused tremendous social anxiety in both the United States and England because she challenged traditional feminine norms and social expectation for women. Also offered as WOST. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3610 Europe: from World War I to World War II — 4 credits

This course covers World War I – the war everybody/nobody wanted; the social, political and economic impact of total war; the Russian Revolution; the Peace Settlements; the Roaring Twenties — an Age of Anxiety; the Great Depression; Authoritarian and Totalitarian States; Aggression and Appeasement; World War again.

HIST 3630 Women in Asia — 4 credits

This course examines the history of women in China, Japan and Korea from ancient times to the present. Major topics include traditional gender roles and the influence of Confucianism; industrialization and war; political and legal change; and contemporary issues affecting women’s lives. Also offered as WOST 3631. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3650 U.S. Women Since 1920 — 4 credits

This course covers roles, status and expectations of women in the United States from 1920 to the present; developments in family, sex, education, politics, work and dress; feminist ideologies, their social and intellectual contexts and opposition. Also offered as CRST 3650 and WOST 3650. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults.

HIST 3700 History of Feminism in Western Society — 4 credits

This course traces the development of feminist thought and activism in Western society from the ancient Greeks to the late 20th century in the United States. The course explores the social, political, legal and cultural status of women in Western society across time. Special emphasis is placed on the roots of modern feminism as it developed in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries in Western Europe and in the United States. Also offered as POSC 3700 and WOST 3700. Not open to first-year students.

HIST 3740 Topics in Women's History — 4 credits

In this course, using gender as a lens of analysis, we will explore an aspect of women's and/or gender history. Topics might include a focus on a woman's life cycle in the Victorian era, girlhood in world history, or the experiences of women who were enslaved in the Americas. Regardless of the specific focus, the class will examine the ways that women have made and continue to participate in history and the experience and impact of women's intersectional identities. Additionally, the class will analyze the work of female historians. The topic will change to reflect the interests and expertise of the faculty. Details about the specific semester's topic can be found on the registrar's website. This course can be taken more than once under different topics. Also offered as WOST.

HIST 3795 The History of British Feminism through Literature — 4 credits

The history of the evolution of British feminist thought and activism from the 18th through early 20th centuries is studied within the broader historical contexts of women's roles and status across classes and the major political, social and economic developments of the period in Great Britain. A primary focus of the course is the treatment of women's issues and the expression of feminist ideas in literature, especially works by female authors. Also offered as WOST 3795. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3974 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies from year to year but does not duplicate existing courses. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3984 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies from year to year but does not duplicate existing courses. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 3994 Topics — 4 credits

The subject matter of the course is announced in the annual schedule of classes. Content varies from year to year but does not duplicate existing courses. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 4604 Internship — 4 credits

Structured out-of-class learning experience that takes place on or off campus and includes a substantial work component. An internship involves students in a particular profession in an exploratory way to test career interests and potential. To initiate an internship experience, students need to meet with the internship coordinator in the Career Development Office and then with their faculty advisor.

HIST 4682 Directed Study — 2 credits

HIST 4684 Directed Study — 4 credits

Directed study is provided for students whose unusual circumstances prohibit taking a regularly scheduled course but who need the material of that course to satisfy a requirement. Availability of this faculty-directed learning experience depends on faculty time and may be limited in any given term and restricted to certain courses.
Prerequisites: Faculty, department chair and dean approval.

HIST 4850W Senior Seminar: Humanities Capstone — 4 credits

The primary goal of this course is for students to develop a capstone project, which they will complete by the end of the semester. To support students on their projects, there will be weekly meetings focusing on different steps of the writing and project development process. Students will also be expected to present their work as part of a symposium near the end of the semester. This course is a writing-intensive course and is open to majors in selected fields in the Humanities. Offered in the College for Women. Co-convenes with PHIL4850W, ENGL 4860W and SPAN 4860W.

HIST 4851 History Senior Seminar I — 2 credits

Students review the historiographical and methodological issues involved in researching and writing history. During this semester, students will select their research topic and identify available primary sources. They will spend the majority of the semester mastering the secondary literature on their topic and compiling an annotated bibliography.
Prerequisite: HIST 2000W or HIST 3000W. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 4852 History Senior Seminar II — 2 credits

Students will complete the research in primary sources and write and revise their major research paper. They will also publicly present their research to the University community.
Prerequisite: HIST 4851. Offered in the College for Women.

HIST 4954 Independent Study — 4 credits

Independent study offers students the opportunity for specialized research not covered in a course offering, by the action project or thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop a learning contract, which specifies the content and objectives of the study as well as the requirements and procedures for evaluation. The amount of credit earned for the study also is included in the learning contract.
Prerequisites: Permission of the faculty and department chair or program director.

LATN 2450 Classical Mythology — 4 credits

This course is an introduction to the major myths of the gods and heroes of Ancient Greece, along with their origins and interpretations. Because classical mythology played such an important role in the development of the arts in Western civilization, this course has a strong visual component, and every lecture is accompanied by slides. Fulfills the fine arts requirement. Also offered as CLAS 2450 and INDI 2450. Offered in the College for Women and the College for Adults.

LATN 4954 Independent Study — 4 credits

Independent study offers students the opportunity for specialized research not covered in a course offering, by the action project or thesis. Students work with a faculty advisor to develop a learning contract, which specifies the content and objectives of the study as well as the requirements and procedures for evaluation. The amount of credit earned for the study also is included in the learning contract.
Prerequisites: LATN 2120 and permission of department chair.