300 Level Courses
HIST 300: Introduction to Historical Method. 3 credits.
Introduces research skills and methods, as well as historical interpretation, culminating in written and oral presentations. Notes: Topics vary according to instructor. History majors strongly urged to take
HIST 300 as soon as possible after reaching 30 credits. Grade of C or better is required to graduate with BA in history. Students may repeat
HIST 300 only with permission from the Department of History and Art History and repetitions are limited. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 301: Classical Greece. 3 credits.
Political, social, economic, and cultural history of classical Greece from development of the city-state through 5th century. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 302: Classical Rome. 3 credits.
Political, social, economic, and cultural history of classical Rome from founding of the city through fall of Roman republic. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 304: Western Europe in the Middle Ages. 3 credits.
Survey of development of European society from collapse of Roman rule in 5th century to advent of Black Death in 14th century. Emphasizes political, social, cultural, and intellectual growth of society that developed from Roman, Catholic, and Germanic roots. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 305: The Renaissance. 3 credits.
Survey considering Renaissance as phenomenon rather than chronological period. Emphasizes growth of humanism in Italy in 14th and 15th centuries, development of new political concepts, and laicization of society. Includes transmission of these developments to transalpine Europe in late 15th and 16th centuries. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 306: The Reformation. 3 credits.
Late medieval ecclesiastical conditions and reform movements, late scholasticism, Protestant Reformation, Catholic Reformation, dynastic rivalries, and religious wars. Concludes with Peace of Westphalia. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 307: Old Regime and Revolutionary Europe. 3 credits.
Political, social, economic, and cultural history of Europe from 1648 to 1815. Crisis of authority, consolidation of the state, absolutism, colonial expansion, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution and Napoleon. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 308: Nineteenth-Century Europe. 3 credits.
History of Europe from Congress of Vienna to outbreak of World War I. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 309: Europe in Crisis: 1914-1948. 3 credits.
Two world wars, the Great Depression, and political and cultural revolutions transformed Europe as never before. Explores causes and consequences of these tumultuous events, and concludes with consideration of reconstruction that caps period. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 312: Nationalism in Eastern Europe. 3 credits.
Examines history of modern Eastern Europe from mid-19th century through collapse of communist regimes in 1989, and includes focus on Yugoslav wars of 1990s. Nationalism provides organizing theme; topic approached through literature, political, social, cultural, and new media sources. Class sessions emphasize discussion of central issues and sources. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 314: History of Germany. 3 credits.
Political, diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural development of Germany from dissolution of Holy Roman Empire to present. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 322: Modern Britain. 3 credits.
History of Britain from mid-18th century to present. Focuses on social, political, and economic transformations of industrialization; culture of 19th-century industrial society; problems of late 19th-century economic competition and imperialism; creation of welfare state; and experience of post-World War II political, social, and economic realignments. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 326: Stalinism. 3 credits.
Examines Josef Stalin and Stalinism as a political, economic, social, and cultural system, with a focus on the period from Lenin's death in 1924 through Stalin's death in 1953. Explores the history of rapid industrialization, collectivization of agriculture, famine, terror, war, Cold War, and human suffering in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 327: The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II. 3 credits.
Analyzes the Soviet Union, the Cold War "enemy" of the United States, from victory in World War II under Joseph Stalin through collapse in 1991. Studies the fifteen independent countries that emerged from the Soviet collapse, including Russia, the Baltic States, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, which continue to influence world politics and culture today. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 328: Rise of Russia. 3 credits.
Political, social, and cultural development of Russia from early times to the end of the 19th century. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 329: Modern Russia and the Soviet Union. 3 credits.
Russia and the Soviet Union from the early 20th century to the present. Focuses on the Russian Revolution and the political, social, cultural, and economic developments of the Soviet and post-Soviet eras. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 334: American Scriptures. 3 credits.
In this course, students will analyze texts that Americans have treated as “scripture.” Students will read texts that present themselves as scripture, such as selections from the Book of Mormon and a Holy Sacred and Divine Roll and Book (a Shaker text). They will also read texts that have attained a sort of canonicity within American culture, such as the Declaration of Independence and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Students will thus gain more than a valuable familiarity with a variety of American religious traditions. They will also reflect on the way that, even in a digital age, texts continue to shape American identity. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to
RELI 334.
HIST 335: The African American Experience in the United States: African Background to 1885. 3 credits.
History of African American experience in United States including African origins; trans-Atlantic slave trade; development of slavery in colonial, revolutionary, and antebellum periods; abolitionist movements; and African American participation in Civil War and during Reconstruction. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 336: The African American Experience in the United States: Reconstruction to the Present. 3 credits.
History of African American life in post-slavery America, and rise and consequences of racial segregation in 19th and 20th centuries. Examines African American response to continued racial inequality and repression. Covers great migration, urbanization, black nationalism, and civil rights era, as well as contemporary debates about race. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 337: Race and Gender in American Sports. 3 credits.
Examines how ideas about race and gender have affected sports in America from late 19th century to the 1980s. Will also consider how athletes and sporting activities have shaped American racial and gender paradigms. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 338: History of College Athletics. 3 credits.
Examines America's unique blend of higher education and sports from 1870s to modern collaborations between college athletic programs and America's media outlets. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 339: History of Baseball. 3 credits.
Examines development of baseball in U.S. context of labor, intellectual, economic and political events including racial segregation. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 340: Basketball and the American Experience. 3 credits.
Explores history of basketball in the United States since the late 1800s. Examines how basketball reflects and informs attitudes toward race, ethnicity, gender, and national identity. Possible topics include YMCA movement, Jews in basketball, racial segregation, growth of college basketball, international politics, evolution of black aesthetic, ABA-NBA merger, women's basketball, Magic Johnson-Larry Bird rivalry, Michael Jordan, and basketball's professionalization, commercialization, and globalization. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 341: History of Sport in the United States. 3 credits.
Examines the roots of American sport in colonial play and recreation, the emergence of organized and national sports, issues of gender and race in the sporting world, and the intersection of U.S. sport with events such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 342: History of the Olympics and the United States. 3 credits.
Traces history of American participation in the Olympics from 1896 to the present. Topics may include American leadership in the Olympic Movement, the historical legacy of American Olympic host cities, American Imperialism, Nazism, issues of race, gender and ethnicity in the Olympics, the Cold War and Olympic boycotts, and commercialization of sport. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 350: U.S. Women's History. 3 credits.
History of women and their changing status and gender roles in American society from colonial period through "second wave" of feminism in 1970s. Explores images and lives of women of different class, ethnic, and regional origins. Also focuses on women's political, economic, and legal conditions, and changes in them. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 351: History of the Old South. 3 credits.
History of South to outbreak of Civil War, with particular emphasis on rise of sectionalism. Focuses on development of distinct Southern culture through emergence of economic, political, social, agricultural, and intellectual institutions. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 352: The South since 1865. 3 credits.
History of South during Reconstruction, Redeemer era, and New South, with particular emphasis on race relations. Covers political, economic, cultural, and intellectual development from aftermath of war. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 353: History of Traditional China. 3 credits.
China from earliest times to period of modern Western intrusion. Development of traditional Chinese culture, society, and government. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 354: Modern China. 3 credits.
China from 1644 to the People's Republic of China. Emphasizes coming of West and various stages of Chinese reaction. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 356: Modern Japan. 3 credits.
Japan from Meiji Restoration to World War II. Emphasizes Japan's modernization in face of challenge. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 357: Postwar Japan. 3 credits.
History of Japan from World War II to present. Examines Japanese experience of several key moments: Japan's defeat in Pacific War, reconstruction during U.S. occupation, rise to economic prominence during 1960s and 1970s, and cultural and international identity crisis during 1980s and 1990s. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 358: Post-1949 China. 3 credits.
Puts People's Republic of CHINA (PRC) into historical context by assessing legacies of China's socialist revolution (1949-1976) and post-socialist reforms (1978-present). Explores revolutionary heritage of the Chinese Communist Party, goals and agendas of china's socialist state, ideologies and policies shaping urban and rural development, individual agency and responses to revolutionary mass mobilization and market reforms. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 359: Modern Iraq. 3 credits.
Examines the politics of Iraq under the British mandate, as an independent state under the monarchy, and as a republic after the revolution of 1958, emphasizing the social composition of Iraq's people and its ruling elites. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 360: History of South Africa. 3 credits.
Explores the historical processes that led to the rise of African kingdoms, colonialism, industrialization, resistance movements, and legalized segregation. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 364: Revolution and Radical Politics in Latin America. 3 credits.
During 20th century, Latin America has witnessed both peaceful political movements and violent revolutions aimed at achieving social justice. Considers several of these movements in comparative perspective: Mexican Revolution, Arbenz government in Guatemala, Allende regime in Chile, Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutions, and Brazilian Worker's Party. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 365: Conquest and Colonization in Latin America. 3 credits.
Examines forms of conquest and colonization practiced by Aztec, Inca, Spanish, and Portuguese in what is now Latin America. Includes role of ideology and religion in imperial rule, use of warfare to create empires and colonies, and implementation of political and economic systems to rule subject people. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 366: Comparative Slavery. 3 credits.
Examines systems of slavery from ancient world to modern world, with special emphasis on Atlantic slave trade and slave societies in Latin America and Anglo America. Considers impact of slaves and slavery on cultural, economic, and political systems in Africa and Americas from 16th to 19th centuries. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 367: History, Fiction, and Film in Latin America. 3 credits.
Explores modern Latin American history through different types of texts: scholarly histories, historical novels, fictional films, documentary films, and oral history. Explores ways these texts produce knowledge about the past. What motivates different approaches? What counts as evidence? How do we know what really happened? How do we decide what mattered and what did not? Also introduces several important episodes in 20th century Latin American history. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 370: War and American Society. 3 credits.
Examines war and American society from the colonial period to the post-Cold War era, including how military institutions, war, and the preparation for war have affected American society, and how Americans have thought about military service, experience war, and made peace through their history. Special emphasis on civil-military relations and the role of war and militarism in American culture. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 373: The Civil War and Reconstruction. 3 credits.
Analyzes the history of the American Civil War from its origins in the late 18th century to the withdrawal of federal troops from the south in 1877. Examines the political, social, and economic issues that led to war; the home fronts, war leadership, diplomacy, combat motivation, and grand strategy; problems associated with reconstituting the nation's political institutions; and the integration of millions of newly freed slaves. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 377: The Vietnam War. 3 credits.
Covers the causes, major events, and legacies of America's Vietnam War, including an introduction to Vietnamese history and culture, American decisions for war, strategy and major military engagements, diplomacy and peace talks, and the aftermath of the conflict in Vietnam and United States. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 378: History of Aviation. 3 credits.
Examines history of aviation from origins to the present in the context of culture, economics, politics, society, technology and war. Addresses such topics as the emergence of aerospace engineering as a profession, the evolution of aerospace technology and growth of the industry, military aviation, the Space Race, and aviation art, literature, music and film. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 380: Uncovering the U.S. Past Through Film. 3 credits.
Examines Hollywood films as historical sources that reveal the social, political, cultural and economic landscapes of their historical moment. Explores the ways films participate in pressing national debates over gender, race and ethnicity , and national security. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 384: Global History of Christianity. 3 credits.
Exlpores the history of Christianity around the world in the context of political and social structures as well as religious beliefs and practices. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 385: Humanities College to Career. 1 credit.
Focuses on career choices and effective self-presentation for soon-to-be graduating students with majors in the humanities. Explores how skills typically learned in humanities majors can be leveraged for a successful transition to post-graduation employment. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts. Equivalent to
ENGH 303,
FRLN 309,
PHIL 393,
UNIV 420.
HIST 386: Topics in History. 1-6 credits.
Study of historical topics of special interest. Notes: Topics announced in advance. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 387: Topics in Global History. 3-6 credits.
Study of historical topics or periods of special interest in global, Latin American, African, Asian, or Middle Eastern history. Notes: Topics announced in advance. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 388: Topics in European History. 3 credits.
Study of historical topics or periods of special interest. Notes: Topics announced in advance. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 389: Topics in U.S. History. 3 credits.
Study of historical topics or periods of special interest. Notes: Topics announced in advance. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 390: The Digital Past. 3 credits.
Teaches the fundamentals of information technology within the context of a history course. Students learn fundamentals and skills as well as how our society became so enamored of and dependent on these knowledge and information tools. Understanding a new technology requires understanding how new technologies transform the societies that embrace them. Emphasizes the use of free and open-source software whenever possible. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 391: History of Virginia to 1800. 3 credits.
Discovery and settlement of Virginia. Colonial period with emphasis on development of representative government and race relations, Golden Age of Virginia dynasty, and coming of Civil War. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 392: History of Virginia Since 1800. 3 credits.
Decision to secede, Civil War and Reconstruction, Readjustors and Populism, disfranchisement and Constitution of 1902, and rise of Senator Harry F. Byrd. Recent developments. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 393: Topics in Film and History. 3 credits.
Study of historical periods or topics from perspective of feature films and documentaries. Notes: Topics available in advance from the department. May be repeated when topic is different. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the BA in history. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
HIST 394: Globalization and History. 3 credits.
Explores major events in the making of the modern world from a global perspective, with emphasis on interconnections and the historical development of power, authority, and governance. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 395: Topics in Digital History. 3 credits.
Introduces students to issues and methods in digital history through study of a particular topic Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 15 credits.
HIST 396: Introduction to Public History. 3 credits.
Explores the role of historical memory in shaping public perceptions of the past, with emphasis on museums , monuments, and other public and popular culture expressions of historical information and themes. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 397: Topics in Public History. 3 credits.
Introduces students to issues and methods in preserving history and presenting historical information to a variety of audiences through museum exhibits, websites, public commemorations, and other means. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
HIST 398: Historical Study Abroad. 1-6 credits.
Intended for participation in formally organized course offered by Center for Global Education during intersession or spring break. Notes: May be repeated with permission of department. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
HIST 399: Internship. 1-9 credits.
Approved work-study programs in cooperation with specific organizations including area museums; archives; historic sites; and local, state, and federal agencies. Notes: Credit determined by department. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
400 Level Courses
HIST 401: Colonial America. 3 credits.
Intensive study of colonial American history from European origins through Revolutionary War. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 403: Revolutionary Era in American History, 1763-1812. 3 credits.
Study of formative years of new republic from Treaty of Paris of 1783 to election of 1820. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 404: Jacksonian America, 1812-1854. 3 credits.
Study of age of Andrew Jackson. Emphasizes democratic institutions that emerged as dominant influences in American society. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 426: The Russian Revolution. 3 credits.
Era of revolutionary activity from 19th century to end of 1920s, with emphasis on Russian Revolutions of 1917. Explores why revolutionary situation developed; political, social, and cultural issues at stake; why it took various forms; and revolution's contribution to nature of Soviet state and post-Soviet problems. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 436: European Society and Culture: 19th and 20th Centuries. 3 credits.
Examines major cultural trends in Europe since French Revolution. Major themes include romanticism; socialism; Marxism; and social effect of modernization, science, and societies. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 460: Modern Iran. 3 credits.
Modern Iran, from 1800 to present, in context of several broad themes: institutional structure of state; role of great powers in Iran and Iranian response to economic, military, technological, and ideological challenge posed by West; interaction of religion and other ideologies and politics; economic development and impact on politics and society; and ways historians have sought to understand and interpret modern Iranian history. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 461: Arab-Israeli Conflict. 3 credits.
Overview of history of Arab-Israeli conflict. Examines conflict from various perspectives: over land and between competing nationalisms and identities; in terms of national interests of various states, including Israelis and Palestinians as well as other Arab governments and great powers; and in terms of peace making and conflict resolution. Some knowledge of history of Middle East since World War I strongly advised. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 462: Women in Islamic Society. 3 credits.
Surveys history of women in Islamic society from rise of Islam to present day. Examines historical processes that affected role and status of women in society, and specific topics around which issues of gender status and identity coalesced, especially in modern period. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 465: The Middle East in the 20th Century. 3 credits.
Political, social, and cultural history of Middle East since World War I. Emergence of Israel, Arab nationalism, and political and economic influence of Middle East in world affairs. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 490: Honors Directed Readings. 3 credits.
Students must have completed at least one course in the field, or with the professor, chosen for these honors courses. Notes: The 3 reading credits should be taken before 3 research credits, though they may be taken concurrently. Either may be taken concurrently with
HIST 499. Linked, individualized courses, usually given by same instructor. Involves directed readings. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 491: Honors Directed Research. 3 credits.
Students must have completed at least one course in the field, or with the professor, chosen for these honors courses. Notes: The 3 reading credits should be taken before 3 research credits, though they may be taken concurrently. Either may be taken concurrently with
HIST 499. Linked, individualized courses, usually given by same instructor. Culminates in research paper related to subject of readings. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
HIST 498: Directed Readings/Research in History. 1-3 credits.
Readings, research conducted on individual basis in consultation with instructor. Notes: Only 3 credits may be applied to credits for degree. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
HIST 499: RS: Senior Seminar in History. 3 credits.
Research on specialized historical topic culminating in seminar paper and oral presentation. Synthesis course; students expected to integrate knowledge and skills acquired in Mason Core courses. Notes: Subject determined by instructor. Student may present no more than 3 credits for graduation credit. Must receive passing grade to graduate with BA in history. Offered by
History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
500 Level Courses
HIST 510: Approaches to Modern World History. 3 credits.
Introduces historical study of world beyond Europe and United States. Students read major theoretical works and case studies of particular regions. Examines imperialism, national identity, and various forms of popular resistance; familiarizes students with range of scholarly approaches, including world systems theory and subaltern studies. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 525: Problems in Latin American History. 3 credits.
Analysis of selected problems. Emphasizes reading and discussion of historical interpretations, and development of bibliography. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 535: Problems in Comparative World History. 3 credits.
Investigates selected problems in global and comparative history, covering multiple countries or world regions. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 555: Problems in Asian History. 3 credits.
Discussion of readings and historical interpretations and compilation of a comprehensive bibliography on given theme. Notes: Topics announced by instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 565: Problems in African History. 3 credits.
Analysis of selected problems in African history. Emphasis on reading and discussion of historical interpretations and development of bibliography. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 575: Approaches to Middle East and Islamic History. 3 credits.
Introduces students to the central issues and debates surrounding the study of the Middle East, Islam, and Muslim societies. Covers key methodological issues including the role of area studies vis-a-vis disciplinary approaches and debates on the politics of knowledge production and historiography. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 576: The Crusades. 3 credits.
Explores the interaction between the Christian East, the Muslim World and the Christian West. Examines primary sources (in translation) and secondary sources that render a wide spectrum of ideologies and scholarship on the crusading movement. Emphasizes cultural interaction and transmission, warfare and coexistence between competing societies from Western Europe, Byzantium, and the Middle East. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 585: Problems in Middle Eastern History. 3 credits.
Analyzes selected problem. Emphasizes reading and discussion of historical interpretations, and development of bibliography. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 598: Historical Study Abroad. 1-3 credits.
Intended for participation in formally organized course offered by the Center for Global Education. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
600 Level Courses
HIST 601: Themes in U.S. History I. 3 credits.
Survey of U.S. History prior to 1877. Designed for individuals entering the graduate program who need to strengthen preparation in area, or who seek to enhance knowledge of latest interpretations in field. Stresses factual knowledge and its interpretation. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 602: Themes in U.S. History II. 3 credits.
HIST 605: Themes in European History I. 3 credits.
Survey of European history from 1500 to 1815. Designed for individuals entering graduate program who need to strengthen preparation in this area, or who seek to enhance knowledge of latest interpretations in field. Stresses factual knowledge and its interpretation. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 606: Themes in European History II. 3 credits.
Survey of European history from 1815 to present. Designed for individuals entering graduate program who need to strengthen preparation in this area, or who seek to enhance knowledge of latest interpretations in field. Stresses factual knowledge and its interpretation. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 610: The Study and Writing of History. 3 credits.
Methodology of the historian including techniques of research, use of documentation and other sources, development of bibliography, and synthesis of material. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 613: The Colonial Origins of American Society. 3 credits.
Examines European colonization in North America from a variety of perspectives, including cultural interaction, exchange, and conflict among Native, European, and African peoples, the political, social, economic, and cultural development of European colonies, and historical interpretations of the colonial era within national, continental, Atlantic, and world-historical frameworks. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 615: Problems in American History. 1-6 credits.
Readings and discussion of bibliographies, interpretations, and research trends in topics selected by instructor. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 616: U.S. Westward Movement. 3 credits.
Investigates continuity and change in American West. Topics include economic development, ethnicity, rural and urban life, and role of federal government. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 617: Topics in the American Civil War Era. 3 credits.
Joint project of instructor and students into various aspects of common topic in Civil War era, with emphasis on historiography and historical method. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 618: The Age of Jackson, 1815-1854. 3 credits.
Survey of social, cultural, intellectual, economic, and political changes in United States during period of rapid growth and expansion. Topics include second-party system; growth of sectionalism, nationalism, and expansionism; industrialization and spread of market economy; rise of romantic reform and evangelical religion; and growth of abolitionist and proslavery movements. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 620: Development of the Early Republic, 1783-1815. 3 credits.
Investigates breakdown of Confederation, Constitutional Convention, and role of revolutionary ideology of republicanism. Discusses leadership and policies of republic in hostile international context. Students read extensively in monographic literature and prepare research paper. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 622: U.S. South Since 1865. 3 credits.
Provides a graduate level survey of the major themes and trends in the historical literature on the U.S. South since 1865. Topics covered include Jim Crow, the New Deal, the long Civil Rights movement, the rise of the Sunbelt, and the changing role of the South in national politics. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 623: Recent U.S. History, 1945 to Present. 3 credits.
Selected political, social, economic, diplomatic, and cultural forces that shaped the post-World War II American experience. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 626: Approaches to American Culture. 3 credits.
Focuses on various approaches historians have taken to history of American culture: questions they asked, assumptions they made, disciplinary tools they used, and types of materials they analyzed. Concentrates on patterns of culture, and what they say about American past and present. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 627: Disasters in U.S. History. 3 credits.
Examines disasters as lived experiences and cultural constructions from the seventeenth century to the industrial era. Presents so-called natural disasters as partly the result of human agency. Shows how that storms, fires, and other unfortunate events become “disasters” only when they intersect with human lives. Uses case studies of disasters to explore their larger cultural and social contexts. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 629: The Gilded Age and Progressive Era. 3 credits.
Examines history of United States from 1877 to 1918, with attention to history of reform movements and politics, and social history of the period. Familiarizes with major issues and historical literature of the period. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 630: U.S. Women's History. 3 credits.
Wide-ranging survey of burgeoning field of women's history, emphasizing critical evaluation of sources and interpretation. Readings represent variety of approaches, which may include material culture studies, medical history, history of sexuality, political history, and social and cultural history. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 631: Era of the American Revolution. 3 credits.
Examines history and historiography of revolutionary era, with special emphasis on social and ideological interpretations of period. Includes events leading to War for Independence, war itself, and social and political effects of war on American society. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 633: Reconstruction. 3 credits.
Examines panoply of political, social, economic, and constitutional concerns from 1863 to 1880, as North and South struggled over outcome of Civil War. Addresses political institutions and power in postwar North and South, and place of former slaves in society, politics, and economy. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 634: Interwar America: 1918-1939. 3 credits.
Considers issues of United States between the two world wars. Explores various ways issues complemented and contradicted each other in rich and complex historical era. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 635: Problems in European History. 3 credits.
Investigates selected problems. Readings, discussions, development of bibliographies. Primary sources used where possible. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
HIST 636: Political Culture in Twentieth-Century Germany and Austria: Continuities and Discontinuities. 3 credits.
Recent interpretations of key political events of 20th century. Asks if there were fundamental continuities in structure of German and Austrian society that can be observed throughout the period under review. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 637: Great Britain: Empire to Commonwealth, 1870-1970. 3 credits.
Examines rise of "new imperialism" in Great Britain from 1870 to end of empire, and gradual formation of Commonwealth of Nations. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 639: Society and Politics in Western Europe, 1750-1914. 3 credits.
Focuses on changes in social conditions and ramifications in political life. Attention to urbanization of workers, changes in peasantry, growth of middle classes, decline of nobility, and major political developments and expansion of liberal reforms. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 640: Metropolitan Cities of Europe in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. 3 credits.
Studies individual cities, and investigates particular cities in depth. Considers economic, social, cultural, and political features of urban life. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 642: Humanism and the Renaissance. 3 credits.
The Renaissance as a unique period in European cultural history from ca. 1350 to 1520. Concentrates on Italian situation as standard, with consideration given to manifestations of Renaissance in northern Europe, especially Germany, until Reformation. Focuses on recent studies of political, social, intellectual, and religious changes. Students write class reports and a larger bibliographic paper. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 643: Religion and Society in the Reformation Era. 3 credits.
The Reformation, ca. 1500 to 1650, was a time of major religious, intellectual, social, and political upheaval in European history. Investigates reasons for changes, and effects on European society. First half focuses on Germany, but major events throughout Europe are studied. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 644: Society and Culture in Early Modern Europe. 3 credits.
Overview of most recent historical work on social and cultural history of premodern West, ca. 1400 to 1800. Uses theoretical approaches and empirical methodologies of other disciplines, especially social anthropology, sociology, and literary theory, to shed new light on popular culture, class, manners, taste, rituals, religion, language, gender, and the state. Formulates new topics of research and poses new questions, and suggests new approach to more traditional topics such as politics, religion, and ideas. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 646: Stalinism. 3 credits.
Explores differing interpretations of the history of Stalinism. Topics include Soviet ideology, terror, Stalinist culture and society, the politicization of everyday life, industrialization and urbanization, family and gender politics, nationalities policies, and foreign policy—all of which combined to create the strange new culture that has been called Stalinism. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 661: Religion in North America to 1870. 3 credits.
Dimensions of religion and religious experience in early America, from the beginnings of European settlement into the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 662: U.S. Religion since 1870. 3 credits.
Dimensions of religion and religious experience in the United States, from the mid-to-late nineteenth century through recent decades. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 663: Topics in U.S. Religious History. 3 credits.
Readings and discussion of bibliographies, interpretations, and research trends in U.S. religious history. Topics selected by the instructor. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
HIST 675: Problems in Military History. 3 credits.
Readings and discussion of bibliographies, interpretations, and research trends in military history topics selected by the instructor. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
HIST 677: The Vietnam War. 3 credits.
Considers the causes, major events, and historiographic debates of America's Vietnam War including the war's antecedents in Vietnamese history, American decisions for war, strategy and major military engagements, the American antiwar movement, and diplomacy and peace talks. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 679: War and Remembrance. 3 credits.
Considers various approaches to the study of public or collective memory as it pertains to war, in particular how people around the world have constructed memories of war and how those memories have been expressed in literature, popular culture, memorials, and commemorative activities. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 680: Introduction to Digital Humanities. 3 credits.
Introduces students to key concepts, tools, and practices of digital humanities. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 685: Topics in Applied History. 3 credits.
Addresses specific topics in applied history selected by the instructor, with emphasis on combining theoretical analysis and readings with attention to practices and skills of applied history. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 15 credits.
HIST 688: Topics in History and New Media. 3 credits.
Covers specific topics in history and new media selected by the instructor, with an emphasis on combining theoretical analysis and readings with hands-on projects and problem-solving. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
HIST 689: Teaching and Learning History in the Digital Age. 3 credits.
Examines what happens when instructors integrate new media technology into history classroom. Includes consideration of learning theory, new media theory, and an in-depth examination of state-of-the-art in practice. In the final third of semester, students produce practicum that is either working history teaching web site or concept paper for site, depending on student's degree of technical sophistication. No prior facility with information technology required. Course appropriate for graduate students working as teachers or planning career in teaching. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 690: The Administration of Archives and Manuscripts. 3 credits.
Introduces principles and practices of managing records and administering archival and manuscript collections, public and private. Designed for graduate students with special interest in historical sources as well as for those specializing in applied history. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 691: Museum Studies. 3 credits.
General introduction to museums of history and museum studies in the United States, intended for interested citizen as well as for assistance to students in course and career choices. Explores development, present state, and future possibilities of U.S. Museums, with some reference to international developments. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 692: Historical Editing. 3 credits.
Introduces fundamentals of historical editing of documents, including microform, word processing, and computer techniques. Designed for those seeking introduction to various areas of applied history, and those intending to edit historical documents for publication. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 693: Historic Preservation. 3 credits.
General introduction to historic preservation in the United States, intended for interested citizen and to assist students in course and career choices. Explores development, present state, and future possibilities of historic preservation in the United States, with some reference to international aspects of preservation. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 694: Digital Public History. 3 credits.
Introduces students to the theories and methods central to doing digital public history, and develops the skills necessary for students to plan and execute their own projects. Topics include digital strategy development, developing effective digital exhibits, describing and publishing digital collections, mobile computing and curating the landscape, creating participatory history projects, and effective methods for evaluating digital public history work. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 695: History Symposium. 1-3 credits.
Subject of academic and community interest pursued through discussions and lectures by distinguished guest instructors. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 696: Clio Wired: An Introduction to History and New Media. 3 credits.
Students with limited computer competency should consult department before enrolling. Introduces changes that new media and technologies are bringing to how we research, write, present, and teach about the past. Students explore theoretical and historical issues as well as learn hands-on skills in digital history. Notes: Students with limited computer competency should consult with department before enrolling. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 697: Creating History in New Media. 3 credits.
Seminar; students create original historical projects in digital media. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 698: Programming in History and New Media. 3 credits.
Provides students with advanced conceptual and technical skills to enhance historical practice and research in the digital arena. Focuses on in-depth analysis of theoretical frameworks and on developing proficiency in a variety of programming languages and tools for humanistic and historical research. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
700 Level Courses
HIST 711: Research Seminar in U.S. History. 3 credits.
Research in specialized topics using primary sources. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits. Equivalent to
HIST 797.
HIST 731: Research Seminar in European History. 3 credits.
Research in specialized topics using primary sources. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits. Equivalent to
HIST 797.
HIST 751: Research Seminar in Comparative World History. 3 credits.
Research seminar requiring comparative research and analysis. Organized around significant topic or theme in field of world history. Notes: Topics vary from year to year. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to
HIST 797.
HIST 790: Comprehensive Readings in U.S. History. 3 credits.
Integrates past work in major field and fills gaps before comprehensive exam. After a review of graduate experience, student and instructor design reading list to round out preparation for exam. Notes: To be taken in final semester of program. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 791: Comprehensive Readings in Comparative World History. 3 credits.
Integrates past work in major field and fills gaps before comprehensive exam. After a review of graduate course work, student and instructor design reading list to round out preparation for exam. Notes: To be taken in final semester of program. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 792: Comprehensive Readings in European History Since 1500. 3 credits.
Integrates past work in major field and fills gaps before comprehensive exam. After review of graduate experience, student and instructor design reading list to round out preparation for exam. Notes: To be taken in final semester of program. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 794: Internship in Applied History. 1-6 credits.
All internship placements must be approved by the department to ensure suitability to student's program. Introduces applied history through work and study at historical museum, site, library archive, editing project, or other approved agency. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
HIST 795: Practicum in Digital History. 3 credits.
Exposes students to various projects in digital history through work and study at the Center for History and New Media. All placements must be approved by CHNM to ensure the suitability of students and projects. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 12 credits.
HIST 796: Directed Readings. 1-6 credits.
Independent reading on topic agreed to by student and faculty member. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
HIST 797: Research Seminar in History. 3 credits.
Research in specialized topics using primary sources. May be repeated for credit when topic is different, or with same topic with permission of the department. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits. Equivalent to
HIST 711,
HIST 731,
HIST 751.
HIST 798: Directed Research and Writing in History. 3 credits.
Intended for students in department's predoctoral track who are not writing master's thesis. Goal is to produce substantial and original contribution to historical knowledge on model of article in scholarly journal. Offered by
History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
HIST 799: Thesis. 1-6 credits.
Master's thesis research and writing under direction of faculty committee. Offered by
History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree.