History
Department of History and Political Science
Our department explores the present and past through two distinct disciplines: History and Political Science. History is the study of the human past as it is constructed and interpreted with human artifacts, written evidence, and oral traditions. It requires empathy for people, respect for intelligent debate, and the skillful use of an evolving set of practices and tools. Political Science addresses questions about the organization and function of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior. Political scientists use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and tools and a variety of methodological approaches to examine the processes, systems, and political dynamics of all countries and regions of the world. All History and Political Science courses emphasize critical reading, rigorous research, and strong oral and written communication skills. The History program encompasses a minor and a major, with an optional concentration in Foreign Service. The department also offers a minor in Political Science, and minors in Pre-Law, Civic Engagement, Public History, and Middle East Studies. History majors complete a capstone project through a seminar course, an independent senior thesis, or by being accepted into the fall American Antiquarian Society Seminar. The department supports the Upsilon Rho chapter of Phi Alpha Theta (the National History Honor Society) and is a member of the American Historical Association and the American Political Science Association.
- 4+1 Program in History and Political Science / Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP)
- 4+1 Program in History and Political Science / Master of Public Management (MPM)
- 4+1 Program in History and Political Science / MS in Nonprofit Management
- History Major
- History Major Track for History Educators
- History Major, Concentration in Foreign Service
- History Minor
- Middle East Studies Minor
- Public History Minor
Faculty
Nathan Angelo, Assistant Professor (2016), B.A. Hofstra University; M.A. New York University and City University of New York; Ph.D., New School for Social Research
Erika Briesacher, Associate Professor (2012), B.A. Illinois Wesleyan University; M.A. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville; Ph.D. Kent State University
Anthony Dell'Aera, Assistant Professor (2016), B.A. Trinity College; M.A., Ph.D. Brown University
Martin Fromm, Associate Professor (2013), B.A. Brown University; M.A. Stanford University; Ph.D. Columbia University
Michael Gesin, Professor (2007), B.A. Worcester State College; M.A., Ph.D. Brandeis University
Aldo V. Garcia Guevara, Professor (2006), B.A. University of North Carolina, Asheville; M.A., Ph.D. University of Texas, Austin
Charlotte Haller, Department Chair, Professor (2004), B.A. Brown University; M.A., Ph.D. University of Wisconsin
Tona J. Hangen, Professor (2008), B.S. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D. Brandeis University
Tanya Mears, Associate Professor (2010), B.S. Tuskegee University; M.A., Ph.D. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Alison K. Okuda, Assistant Professor (2017), B.A. University of California; M.Phil., Ph.D., New York University
Robert W. Smith, Professor (2007), B.A. Syracuse University; M.A., Ph.D. College of William and Mary
Catriona Standfield, Assistant Professor (2020), B.A.,University of Adelaide; M.A., Ph.D., Syracuse University
Lila M. Teeters, Visiting Assistant Professor (2021), B.A., Vassar College; M.A., Columbia University; Ph.D., University of New Hampshire
Courses
HI-103 Connecting Ancient Worlds: World History to 1500
LASC Categories: GP, TLC
Surveys economic, social, political and intellectual developments of global societies and their inter-relationship from ancient times to 1500. [Applicable to Global Studies concentration.]
Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits
HI-104 Age of Empires: World History 1500 to the Present
LASC Categories: GP, TLC
Surveys economic, social, political, and intellectual development of global societies world civilizations and their inter relationship from 1500 to the present. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits
HI-105 Modern World History
LASC Categories: GP, TLC
Surveys economic, social, political, and intellectual development of global societies and their inter-relationship from 1914 to the present. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits
HI-111 US History to 1877
LASC Categories: CON, USW
From colonization through the Civil War era. A study of politics, society, economy, diplomacy, and culture in that period.
Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits
HI-112 US History 1865 to the Present
LASC Categories: CON, USW
From the Civil War era to the present. Topics include politics, society, economy, diplomacy, and culture in modern America.
Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits
HI-150 Special Topics
Special topics at the introductory level; especially appropriate for first- and second-year students. Geographic region or historical approach varies by course and instructor.
Other or on demand and other or on demand. 3 Credits
HI-181 First Year Cohort Class for History Educators
Students will work with a cohort of future History educators during the first year to practice using primary sources, to locate materials for teaching, and to support each other.
Other or on demand and every year. 1 Credit
HI-193 First Year Seminar History
LASC Categories: FYS
Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first year students. Offered only as a First Year Seminar.
Fall only and every year. 3 Credits
HI-200 The Historian's Craft
Prerequisites: two 100-level history courses.
A methods course providing hands-on exploration of history as both a professional field and a scholarly discipline.
Fall and Spring and every year. 4 Credits
HI-201 International Relations Theory
LASC Categories: USW, GP, WAC
Prerequisites: PO-110 or HI-103 or HI-104 and EN-102 or EN-202.
Theory and practice of international security (realism and internationalism) and international political economy (liberalism and protectionism) in their historical context. [Cross-listed with PO-201.]
Fall only and every year. 3 Credits
HI-202 Globalization Globalization
LASC Categories: USW, GP, WAC
Prerequisites: PO-110 or HI-103 or HI-104 and EN-102 or EN-202
The promise and problems of globalization (spread of free market capitalism and political democracy). [Cross-listed with PO-202. Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Spring only and every year. 3 Credits
HI-203 The United States Since 1945
LASC Categories: USW, DAC, WAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202
Explains the history and culture of the United States since 1945.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-204 History of Science and Technology
LASC Categories: GP, TLC, WAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202
Progress of science since the Enlightenment, including applied science or technology from the 19th century. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-205 Native America
LASC Categories: TLC, USW, DAC
This survey covers the broad sweep of Native American history and focuses on the encounter between American and European civilizations and how Native culture has adapted through the centuries.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-206 A History of Warfare
An examination of the role of war in conflict resolution, great battles which changed history, and the impact of technology on war.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-207 American West: Myth and Reality
The historic development of the West, its impact on the American character, and a study of how myths became accepted "fact."
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-208 American Immigrant History
Survey of immigration. Topics such as old-world background, impact on the United States, nativism, cultural pluralism, religion, mobility, family and politics. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-211 History of US Foreign Policy I
LASC Categories: USW
Prerequisites: HI-111 or HI-112
Colonial origins to the era of the Spanish American War. The sources and developments of United States foreign policy in that period. [Cross-listed with PO-211.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-212 History of US Foreign Policy II
LASC Categories: USW
Prerequisites: HI-111 or HI-112
From 1900 to recent times: United States foreign policy traditions and the challenges of great power status. [Cross-listed with PO-212.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-213 Colonial Latin America
The People of Latin America from Pre-Columbian societies to the wars for independence, focusing on race, sex and power. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-214 Modern Latin America
LASC Categories: TLC, GP, DAC
The people of Latin America from independence to the present, focusing on race, sex and power. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-215 History of American Thought
LASC Categories: TLC, USW, DAC, WAC
Prerequisites: HI-111 or HI-112 and EN-102 or EN-202
Explores the history of ideas in the United States, including major intellectual movements, thinkers, and texts.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-216 Economic History of the US
An introduction to United States economic development; particular attention will be paid to industrialization and the labor force. [Applicable to the Global Studies and Womens Studies Concentrations.]
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-217 US Social History
LASC Categories: TLC, USW, DAC, WAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202
Survey of social and cultural history. Topics such as family, religion, education, popular literature, architecture, transportation, and reform. [Applicable to the Womens Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-218 US Constitutional History I
LASC Categories: CON, HBS, USW
The development of constitutional history to 1865.[Cross listed with PO-218.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-219 US Constitutional History II
LASC Categories: CON, USW, HBS
The development of the United States constitution since 1865.[Cross listed with PO-219.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-220 American Military History
An overview of American military history from colonial times to the present. Students will develop a conceptual and methodological framework for studying the American military system and how it has changed over time and how it has shaped, and been shaped by, both U.S. and global history.
Spring only and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-221 African-American History I
The people of African descent from the emergence of the slave trade to the Civil War, focusing on race, gender, and power. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-222 African-American History II
The people of African descent from the end of the Civil War through the twentieth century, focusing on race, class, gender, and power.
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-223 History of France I
Prerequisites: HI-103 and HI-104
Social, cultural and military developments of France during the Middle Ages and the Capetian, Valois and Bourbon periods to 1750.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-224 English History I
LASC Categories: TLC, WAC
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104 and EN-102 or EN-202
English history from earliest settlement to the reign of Elizabeth I. Origins of the Common Law, Parliament, and English liberty.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-225 English History II
LASC Categories: TLC, WAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202 and any one of the following: HI 103, HI 104, HI 105, HI 111, HI 112, HI 203, HI 224, HI/PO 241.
English history through the English Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the British Empire, the World Wars, and decline.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-226 Latin American History Through Film
This course will explore how filmmakers have portrayed Latin American History in their movies. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-230 Nicaragua, the US and the World
LASC Categories: DAC, TLC, USW
The course will examine the impact of globalization and imperialism on the lives of Nicaraguans at home and in their diasporic communities. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Spring only and every year. 3 Credits
HI-232 European Intellectual Hist II
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104
The main theoretical works, philosophic, psychological and scientific, of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. [Applicable to the Womens Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-233 History of Latin America
The Spanish Conquest, colonial institutions, wars of independence, and development of Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-234 Russian History I
A study of major political, economic, social, intellectual and diplomatic currents in Russia, from the Kievan era to Stalin.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-235 Russian History II
A study of major political, economic, social, intellectual, and diplomatic currents in Russia, from the Kievan era to Stalin.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-236 Modern Far East History I
The cultural, political, and economic roots of modern East ASia, focusing on China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-237 Modern Far East History II
LASC Categories: GP
The transformation and re-invention of East Asian societies since World War II.
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-240 American Popular Culture
This course is an introduction and survey of the multi-disciplinary field of American Popular Culture, analyzing popular or non-elite culture in the United States from the colonial era to the present.
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-241 English Constitutional History
LASC Categories: GP, HBS
The development of English Constitution from the Magna Carta through revolution, supremacy of Parliament, reform acts, entry into European Union, and devolution. [Cross-listed with PO-241.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-242 History of Early Modern Europe
Forces that shaped Europe since the Reformation: the political, economic, and intellectual context of the external expansion as well as the external turmoils, such as the Thirty Years War and the European economy to 1789.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-243 Introduction to Public History
Introduction to the field, theory, and practice of Public History and associated institutions such as museums, archives, and historical sites.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-244 American Urban History
The process of accelerating urbanization in America since the nineteenth century: cultural, social, economic, and political aspects of urban life.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-245 History of Modern Germany I
The origins and growth of Brandenburg-Prussia; their impact on the rest of Germany from the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire to the emergence of the Second Reich in 1871.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-246 History of Modern Germany II
German economic and political crises from 1870 to the present.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-247 Central America and the Caribbean
This survey examines the political, cultural and social history of Central America and the Caribbean from pre-Columbian times to the present with an emphasis on the 20th century. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-248 Seminar on Globalization & Human Rights
LASC Categories: USW, GP, DAC
A.I.D. program participants in their sophomore year will explore globalization and human rights and issues of personal growth and academic development. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-249 US Labor History I
The relationship between workers, their employers and the surrounding community between 1815 and World War II. [Applicable to the Global and Womens Studies Concentrations.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-250 Special Topics in History
Special topics at the introductory or intermediate level; especially appropriate for first and second-year students.
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-251 Roots of China's Rise: Reform, Revolution and Reinvention
LASC Categories: TLC, GP
Examines the modern historical roots of China's rise as an international power, from the decline of its last imperial dynasty through the tumults of 20th century social movements to its recent emergence as a global economic power.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-255 Faculty-Led Study Abroad: China Cultural Immersion
LASC Categories: TLC, GP
Experientially based immersion in the culture and society of China, consisting of language study, visits to historical and cultural sites, cultural immersion activities in local life, and the opportunity to engage with Chinese students.
3 Credits
HI-257 Political Terrorism in Historical Perspective
A comparative approach to the terrorist movements of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, concentrating on the European groups.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-258 Russia Since the Stalin Era
An analysis of the major political, economic and diplomatic developments in the (former) Soviet Union since the death of Stalin; the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-260 Egypt Since 1798
A discussion of Napoleon's occupation of Egypt, the rise of Muhammad 'Ali, Suez Canal, British Occupation, Egyptian Nationalism, Nasser's Revolution.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-261 Middle East History I
LASC Categories: TLC, GP
The rise and expansion of Islam; the Caliphate; Muslim religion, civilization and its impact on the West, decline of medieval Islam. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-262 Middle East History Il: The Ottoman Empire, 1289-1920
LASC Categories: GP, TLC, WAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202
The Ottoman Empire: expansion, institutions, impact on Europe, decline of the Empire. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-263 US-Middle East Relations
LASC Categories: USW, GP
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104 or HI-111 or HI-112
Course will discuss the influence the Middle East has had on United States policy since United States independence to the present. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-267 US-Latin American Relations
LASC Categories: USW, WAC, DAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202
This course will analyze the political, economic, social, and cultural impact of the interactions between and among the governments and people of the US and Latin America. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-270 History of Modern Italy
Study of modern Italy from 1789 to the present. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-274 The History of Gender and Sexuality in America
LASC Categories: TLC, DAC, USW
The history of sexuality and gender in America. Includes investigations of lesbian and gay histories; transgender histories; attempts to regulate and define sexuality; practices of birth control; the intersections of race, class, and gender; the social construction of gender; and the challenges of doing hidden histories. [Applicable to the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-275 The History of Childhood
The central focus of this course is to determine how children were regarded and treated by adults during the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-276 Jewish History I
This course constitutes a systematic introduction to the Biblical history of the Jewish people down to the 12th century. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-277 Jewish History II
History of the Jewish people from Medieval period to early Modernity. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-278 African History I: Before 1800
LASC Categories: GP, TLC, DAC
Prerequisites: HI-103
An introduction to the history of societies and cultures of Africa up to 1800. We will consider such topics as Nubian queens in Egypt, the diffusion of Bantu languages, transcontinental trade networks, the spread of Islam and Christianity, the rise of West African empires, and the transatlantic slave trade. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Alternating and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-279 African History II: Since 1800
LASC Categories: GP, TLC, DAC
Prerequisites: HI-104
An introduction to the history of groups and countries within Africa from 1800 to the early 21st century. Like the rest of the world, Africa was also changing rapidly during these centuries. Topics include the extraction of wealth, European colonial rule, independence and development during the Cold War, and Africa today. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Alternating and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-280 Introduction to African Diaspora History
LASC Categories: TLC, GP, DAC
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104
Students will learn about the development of the African diaspora and how it has shaped the world since antiquity. We will consider the movements, experiences, and exploits of ordinary people and celebrated figures of African descent through such topics as imperial expansion; slavery, resistance, and freedom; nationalism and the civil rights movement; and current global issues.
Alternating and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-281 History of France II
Prerequisites: HI-103 and HI-104
Social, cultural, and diplomatic developments in France from 1750 to the present.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-282 Second Year Cohort Class for History Educators
Students will work with a cohort of future History educators during the second year to practice metacognitive thinking about history and teaching, to develop their own pedagogical or educational practice, and to support each other.
Other or on demand and every year. 1 Credit
HI-285 History of Baseball
LASC Categories: USW, TLC, DAC
History of baseball from the first bat-and-ball games to the present.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-290 Health and Healing in America
LASC Categories: ICW, TLC, WAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202
Explores topics in the history of medicine, health, disease, and healing in US history.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-300 The Early National Period of the US: 1783-1829
LASC Categories: USW, TLC
Prerequisites: HI-111
The Confederation, Constitution, the emergence of political parties, and the rise of American nationality.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-301 Research and Writing of History
Prerequisites: HI-200 Historian's Craft
The history of history. A study of historiography, theory of history, and practice of historical research and writing. Continues from Historian's Craft, and lays the foundation for capstone-level work.
Other or on demand and every year. 4 Credits
HI-302 Medieval History
Prerequisites: HI-103
Cultural, social and diplomatic European history of the Middle Ages from fall of the Roman Empire until the rise of the Renaissance.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-303 Colonial History I
Prerequisites: HI-111 and HI-112
European background and reasons for American colonization, intercolonial rivalries, formation of the 17th century English colonies. British colonial policy to 1689.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-304 Colonial History II
Establishment of Georgia, French and Indian Wars, 18th century colonial civilization, causes of the American Revolution, the Revolution to 1783.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-305 Ancient History
Prerequisites: HI-103
The history, culture and politics of ancient Greece and Rome.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-306 Renaissance and Reformation
Prerequisites: HI-103
Intellectual and cultural history of Europe from the middle of the thirteenth to the middle of the sixteenth century.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-308 Europe in the Age of Revolution and Nationalism: 1789-1870
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104
The French Revolution, Napoleon, Congress of Vienna; nationalism, liberalism, socialism; Second French Empire; German and Italian unifications.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-309 Diplomatic History of Modern Europe
The foreign policies of the major European nations from 1870 to the present.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-310 Massachusetts History
Prerequisites: HI-111 or HI-112
A survey of Massachusetts history from its colonial origins to the present era, including the social, economic, political, constitutional development of state history and culture.
Every year. 3 Credits
HI-312 20th Century Europe I
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104
The politics and economics of World War I; the pattern of restlessness between the wars in the rise of dictatorship in Germany, Italy, and Spain; the regimentation of economic control. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-313 20th Century Europe II
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104
Politics and diplomacy of World War II; the dynamics of the rebirth of Europe since VE Day. The effects of total war upon Europe. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-314 20th Century Middle East History
LASC Categories: GP, TLC, DAC
Prerequisites: HI-103 or HI-104 or HI-105 or HI-111 or HI-112 or HI-261
The Young Turk Revolution, division of Ottoman Empire in World War I; rise of new states; the Arab-Israeli conflict. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-316 American-Russian Relations 1781- Present
Prerequisites: HI-104 or HI-105 or HI-111 or HI-112.
An analysis of American-Russian relations from their inception to the present, stressing the period since 1917.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-318 Ethnic Identities in China
LASC Categories: TLC, GP, DAC, WAC
Prerequisites: EN-102 or EN-202
This course examines the modern history of ethnic identity formation in China and its frontiers and borderlands. It explores how China's own history of territorial expansion and political subjugation driven by ethnic minority rule shaped Chinese concepts of ethnic unity and diversity. The intersecting trajectories of European imperialism and Chinese ethnic nationalism will also be discussed, with the goal of situating the construction of ethnic categorization in China to global processes of colonialism and nationalism.
Alternating and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-319 Material Culture
Focuses on the way scholars use and analyze objects in historical, social and cultural content.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-320 Citizen Nation
LASC Categories: CON, TLC, USW, DAC, WAC
Prerequisites: HI-111 or HI-112 and EN-102 or EN-202
Explores the history and meaning of citizenship in the United States, including discrimination, rights struggles and changing citizenship criteria. [Cross-listed with PO-320.]
Fall only and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-321 Museums and Society
Course on the history of museums and their development as a major space for public history and memory.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-322 Nationalism
LASC Categories: GP, HBS, DAC
Examines the theories of nationalism, the development of the modern nation-state, and its effect on global politics. [Cross-listed with PO-322. Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-323 Empire
Prerequisites: HI-103 and HI-104
Theories and models of colonization, the reaction of colonized peoples, and the way historians analyze imperialism from 1400 to 1920's. [Cross-listed with PO-323.Applicable to the Global Studies Concentrations.]]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-325 The Kennedy Legacy in American Public Li
Prerequisites: PO-110 or HI-112
An interdisciplinary study of the impact that members of the Kennedy family have had in American politics, public policy, history, and culture. Topics for close analysis may include Civil Rights, Health Care, the Peace Corps, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Media, and Political Campaigns. In addition to traditional coursework, students will have the opportunity to engage in original research at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, the JFK Library, and other public history archives. The course uses the Kennedy Legacy as a template for students to gain knowledge and values to assume the roles and responsibilities of citizenship.
Other or on demand and other or on demand. 3 Credits
HI-330 Politics of the Middle East I
Prerequisites: one course from HI-104 HI-105 HI-111 HI-112 HI-261 HI-314 PO-110 or PO-101 (archived)
Discusses governments and politics of eastern Arab countries, Turkey, Iran, and Israel. International rivalries in the area are also discussed. [Cross-listed with PO-330. Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-333 Women in Latin America
Prerequisites: HI-213 HI-214 HI-226 or HI-247
Examines the roles of women in diverse societies including Mexico, Brazil and Caribbean nations. Emphasis on the modern period. [Applicable to the Global and Womens Studies Concentrations.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-334 Environmental Crisis and Management in China
LASC Categories: HBS, NSP
This course will examine the history of the relationship between Chinese society and culture, economic development, state power, scientific theories, and the environment. Recent media reports have highlighted a worsening environmental crisis in China while at the same time reporting on China as a new leader in the development of alternative energy sources. This course will trace the political, economic, social, and scientific history behind this environmental crisis, and will evaluate the role of local, regional, and national levels of the government, domestic and international non-governmental organizations, urban and rural activists, scientific studies and discourses, and evolving political ideologies. [Cross-listed with PO-334.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-335 Imperial Crossroads of Modern East Asia
LASC Categories: TLC, GP
Examines East Asian history at the crossroads of Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Korean colonial and nationalist movements in a region called Manchuria, presently China's northeast border with Russia, Korea, and Mongolia. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-337 Travels in Asia
LASC Categories: TLC, GP
Travels in Asia examines modern East Asian history through the lens of Chinese, Japanese, European, and American travel narratives from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-338 History of Political Theory I
The development of political thought from the Greeks to the Enlightenment. [Cross-listed with PO-338.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-339 History of Political Theory II
The development of political thought from the Enlightenment to the present. [Cross-listed with PO-339.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-345 Religions in America
LASC Categories: TLC, USW, DAC, WAC
Prerequisites: HI-111 and HI-112 and EN-102 or EN-202
Considers topics in American religious history and explores religious diversity in the past and in contemporary United States.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-349 America on Film
Prerequisites: HI-111 or HI-112
This course examines the origins and nature of the US film industry and how it uses and abuses history from 1893 to the present.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-350 Native American Women
Prerequisites: HI-205 or equivalent.
Examines Indian women from the time of European contact to the modern era. Emphasizes culture, community and arenas of power. [Applicable to the Womens Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-351 Age of Jackson
LASC Categories: USW, TLC
Prerequisites: HI-111 or HI-112
Political, social, economic, and intellectual developments in the second quarter of the nineteenth century.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-352 Civil War and Reconstruction
Prerequisites: HI-111
Sectionalism, slavery, and modern industrial warfare as well as their impact on the political and racial fabric of America.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-353 The Age of Reform: 1877-1920
Prerequisites: HI-111 and HI-112
An analysis of the transformation of America, including reform response to the Gilded Age's industrialization, urbanization and immigration patterns. [Applicable to the Womens Studies Concentration.]
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-356 The History of the Cold War
LASC Categories: USW
Prerequisites: HI-104 or HI-105 or HI-112
The origins of the Cold War, American, Soviet and Chinese foreign policies, arms control negotiations and future prospects.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-366 American Revolutionary Period
LASC Categories: TLC, USW
Basis problems between English colonies and mother country, military aspects of the American Revolution, Confederation Period, making of the Constitution. Consent of instructor.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-373 African Immigration in the 20th Century
LASC Categories: GP, TLC, DAC
Prerequisites: Writing II
Why do we commonly hear about a "brain drain" in African countries or human rights violations of refugees entering Europe? This course examines how these current global issues developed through the history of immigration from the African continent to North America and Europe during the 20th century. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Other or on demand and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-375 Popular Music and Performance in Modern Africa
LASC Categories: CA, TLC, DAC
Prerequisites: Writing II
This course looks at changes in popular music in Africa since the late 19th century. Instead of studying the practice of traditional or art music in Africa, students will gain a stronger understanding of the significance of global connections between Africa and other parts of the world by examining the performance of popular music in a variety of spaces, including streets, nightclubs, and ceremonies. [Applicable to the Global Studies Concentration.]
Other or on demand and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-380 American Foreign Policy Since the Cold War
LASC Categories: HBS, USW, CON
Prerequisites: PO-101 or PO-110 or HI-112 or HI-212
Instruments of American foreign policy; major foreign policy developments since 1989.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-381 The First World War
The origins, course, and consequences of the First World War.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-383 Third Year Cohort Class for History Educators
Students will work with a cohort of future History educators during the third year to practice professional development, to analyze historiography for teaching, to understand and apply state standards for educators to the study of history, to evaluate their own pedagogical or educational practice, and to support each other.
Other or on demand and every year. 1 Credit
HI-390 World History for Educators
LASC Categories: TLC, GP
Prerequisites: HI-200
This course examines history through global perspectives for future educators. It deals with pedagogical approaches to and frameworks for teaching on major themes running through global history from premodern to contemporary periods. The course investigates broad themes in global history ranging across technological and scientific discoveries, shifting forces of political power and imperial formation, and the evolution of ideas about culture and society.
Fall and Spring and every year. 4 Credits
HI-391 U.S. History for Educators
LASC Categories: USW
Prerequisites: HI-200 Historian's Craft
This course examines United States history while providing in-depth training and practice in approaching this content area as future educators. It deals with major themes running through US history from its early origins to contemporary periods. The course investigates broad themes in US history ranging across the processes of colonization and imperialism, economic development, slavery, political development, cultural change, and social movements.
Alternating and every year. 4 Credits
HI-400 Independent Study in History
Special topics for advanced research and study under the guidance of a faculty member. Consent of instructor.
Fall and Spring and every year. 1-6 Credits
HI-408 Directed Study: History
Directed study offers students who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.
3 Credits
HI-420 Seminar in Constitutional History
Prerequisites: one of the following: HI-218, PO-218, HI-219, PO-219, HI-241, PO-241.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of constitutional development. Possible topics may include (but are not limited to) Athenian democracy, the constitutional structure of the Roman Republic, the Magna Carta, the Glorious Revolution, the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, the ratification of the United States Constitution, and the constitutions of emergent democracies in the modern world. Each student will be required to produce an original paper of significant scholarship.
Alternating and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-430 European History and Historians
The study of Europe's major schools of historical thought with emphasis on how Europe's history has been written. Consent of instructor.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-435 Issues in Modern Middle East
Prerequisites: HI-261 or HI-314 or PO-330
Emphasizes reading, research and writing. Students will choose issues, research them, make a class presentation, then develop the presentation into a paper.
Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits
HI-440 Internship in History
Internships in museums, archives, government agencies, etc. at beginning professional level in cooperating institutions, under joint supervision of agency and faculty.
Fall and Spring and every year. 6-12 Credits
HI-445 Public History Practicum
Prerequisites: HI 243 (Introduction to Public History) and 9 credits in the Public History minor
The Public History Practicum is designed to allow students to apply the concepts they have learned in courses progressing to a Public History minor. In this course, students will create, produce, or mount an exhibit, event, or project showcasing their understanding of Public History concepts, methods, and approaches. This project can then be incorporated into a portfolio of students' work in the Public History minor.
Other or on demand and other or on demand. 3 Credits
HI-450 Special Topics in History
Advanced special topics in history; course may be taught as an upper level seminar.
Other or on demand. 3 Credits
HI-460 Senior Research Seminar in History
LASC Categories: WAC, CAP
Prerequisites: any two 100-level History courses and HI-200
Capstone research, writing and portfolio seminar for seniors in the history major; students produce a substantive original research paper.
Fall and Spring and every year. 4 Credits
HI-465 American Antiquarian Society Seminar
LASC Categories: CAP
Prerequisites: HI-200 or Permission of Instructor
The American Antiquarian Society sponsors a prestigious annual seminar each fall for a select group of undergraduates from Worcester colleges and universities; participants produce a substantial original research paper. The topic and theme varies year to year, guided by a visiting scholar at the AAS. Suitable for upper-level undergraduates who can work independently and have strong analytical and writing skills. Usually 2 slots are reserved for WSU students through a competitive application process.
Fall only and every year. 4 Credits
HI-470 Senior Thesis in History
LASC Categories: CAP, WAC
Prerequisites: any two 100-level History courses and HI-200.
History major capstone option for students who intend to write a senior thesis in history.
Fall and Spring and every year. 4 Credits