History Course Descriptions

HI 103 Western Civilization I

A study of the rise and contribution of the dominant ancient civilizations, the medieval Christian heritage, and the feudal way of life. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-1. (3)

HI 104 Western Civilization II

A study of the forces that shape the modern world and of transcendent problems of the contemporary age. The course emphasizes the development of European civilization. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-1. (3)

HI 110 History of the United States to 1877

A survey of the history of the United States from the colonial period to 1877 with emphasis on colonial origins, the struggle for independence, and the continuing struggle to implement and preserve the principles and government structure of a democratic republic. Major economic, cultural, and social changes also are examined. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-1. (3)

HI 111 History of the United States since 1877

A survey of the history of the United States from the Reconstruction period to the present with emphasis on foreign relations, politics, economics, and cultural and social change. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-1. (3)

HI 114 Introduction to World History

Provides an overview of world history, including an introduction to the origin and development of Indian, Arabic, Chinese, African, European, and American societies and their political, cultural/social, and economic traditions. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-1. (3)

HI 250 Research and Writing

An introduction to the sources and methods used in historical research and writing. Prerequisite: EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, WI. (3)

HI 295 Introduction to Public History

Surveys major approaches to the production and presentation of history in the public (nonacademic) sphere. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: genealogy, oral history, museum exhibitions, historic preservation, heritage tourism, archival management, the internet, documentary films, and the culture ‘wars.’ Field trips, class projects, and assignments provide practical skills and experiences, while guest speakers address career opportunities and professional concerns. (3)

HI 304 History of the British Isles: Iron Age to 1603

This course examines the major political, socioeconomic, intellectual, and religious developments in the British Isles (including Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) up to the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Specific areas examined include the indigenous Celtic populations, the Roman and Anglo-Saxon conquests, the formation of the Anglo-Norman kingdom, and the Tudor monarchy. Prerequisite: HI 103 or HI 104. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 305 History of the British Isles: 1603 to the Present

Examines the major political, socio-economic, intellectual, and religious developments in the British Isles (including Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) from the death of Queen Elizabeth I to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Specific areas examined include the English Civil War, the Hanoverians, the Industrial Revolution, the emergence of modern social classes, Victorian England, and Britain in the 21st century. Prerequisite: HI 103 or HI 104. (3)

HI 307 Museum Studies

This course discusses the history of museums, their role in society, the different types of museums, and how to prepare exhibits for different audiences. Prerequisite: HI 295, FA 201, or FA 202 or permission of instructor. (3)

HI 310 Modern European History: 1815-1914

An examination of the European civilization from the Congress of Vienna through World War I. The issues of war, imperialism, and power are studied in the context of the emerging nation states. Prerequisite: HI 103 or HI 104. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 311 Modern European History: 1914 to the Present

An examination of 20th-century European civilization with a focus on the rise of communism, fascism, and Nazism; economic developments and markets; causes and results of war; and the collapse of European colonialism. Prerequisite: HI 103 or HI 104. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 314 Revolutionary and Napoleonic France

A study of France from the rule of Louis XIV through the fall of Napoleon. The course investigates the upheavals of the French Revolution in the realms of politics, culture, and society and considers the French Revolution’s historical legacy. Prerequisite: HI 103 or HI 104. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI, HI-2. (3)

HI 315 Modern French History: 1789 to the Present

A study of the political, economic, social, and cultural history of France from the French Revolution to the present. The course charts France’s search for security through the Fifth Republic and examines the contemporary role of France in Europe and the European Community. Prerequisite: HI 103 or HI 104. (3)

HI 322 Colonial and Revolutionary America

A study of colonial American society from 1607 to 1789, beginning with the development of English colonies in North America and ending with the establishment of an independent and constitutional government. The course examines the social, economic, and political growth of the colonies leading to the American Revolution and proceeds on to the problems of creating a new nation. Prerequisite: HI 110. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2, DSINQ, WI. (3)

HI 323 The Early National Period and the Jacksonian Era

An examination of the major themes in United States history from the ratification of the Constitution through the events of the Mexican-American War. The course emphasizes the development of a political nation, the creation of a market economy, and the changing characteristics of the developing society. Prerequisite: HI 110. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 324 The Frontier

The frontier has been a source of debate among historians for well over a century. This class examines the movement west of the American population from the late 18th century into the 20th century — what factors drove the movement, the role of government in encouraging and supporting that movement, and the effects it had on Native Americans and the environment. The class also examines how historians’ interpretations of the frontier have changed from the 1893 ‘Turner Thesis’ to the 21st century. Prerequisite: HI 110 or HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 327 Virginia and the Old South

A study of Virginia and the American South from the first British settlement in the late 16th century through Reconstruction. The course examines the development of race-based slavery, evolving class and gender systems, plantation society, and the impact of the Civil War. Prerequisite: HI 110. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 330 The United States: Civil War and Reconstruction

A study of the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the United States leading to the secession and Civil War from 1861 to 1865, and an examination of the policies of Reconstruction in the decades following the war. Prerequisite: HI 110. (3)

HI 331 Women in the United States

This course will survey women’s roles throughout U.S. history, from the 17th century to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the construction of gender and sexuality and intersections with race and class. Highlights women’s evolving political and social roles through both individual and collective action. Prerequisite: HI 110 or HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 332 American Foreign Policy

A history of the policies of the United States toward other governments and an analysis of the principal factors to be considered in formulating and executing American foreign policy. Prerequisites: POL 102 and POL 250 or any other WI course, or permission of instructor. (3)

HI 334 America and the World Wars

Twice during the 20th century the U.S. was a belligerent in a world war. When the second war was finished, the U.S. found itself one of two remaining world powers standing. This course examines how the U.S. entered each of the world wars, how it fought in the wars, and how these conflicts changed American society, including the roles of women and minorities, as well as how and why America’s place in the world changed. Prerequisite: HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 339 Ethnicity and Immigration

The United States is famously a ‘land of immigrants.’ This class examines the history of immigration to the U.S. beginning in the colonial era and continuing to the present day. The class will examine how different groups made their way to the U.S., how they and the country changed one another, and the opposition new groups encountered from those already here. Prerequisite: HI 110 or HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 341 African Americans Since 1865

African Americans have been part of the history of the U.S. from the very beginning. This course examines the roles their community has played in the U.S. after the Civil War. Among the issues discussed will be Reconstruction, the establishment of Jim Crow, the role of women in African-American society, and the ongoing struggle for civil liberties in the U.S. Prerequisite: HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 342 The Old West in American Memory

The frontier experience is one of the defining experiences of the American people. This course examines how Americans have chosen to remember that experience and how interpretations of the frontier have changed over time among historians as well as in popular culture, including film and television. Prerequisite: HI 110 or HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 345 The Gilded Age and the Progressive Era

Examines the social, political, economic, and cultural changes that occurred in the United States from the end of Reconstruction through World War I. Topics include urbanization, consumerism, immigration, political machines, the rise of Big Business, social reform, Populism, Progressivism, and Imperialism. Prerequisite: HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 350 Modern United States History

Focuses on the development of the United States since World War I. Among the issues examined are the United States as a world power, the development of popular culture, and the civil rights movement. Prerequisite: HI 111. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2. (3)

HI 360 Ancient Greece and Rome

A study of the political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. The course focuses on the development of the Greek polis; the rise, expansion, and collapse of the Roman Republic; and the legacy that these civilizations left to European history. Prerequisite: HI 103, HI 104, or HI 114. (3)

HI 365 Medieval Europe

Covers topics in medieval European history from the end of the Roman world to the transitional period of the 15th century. The study includes an examination of the church-state relations, the development of Christian culture, and the institution of feudalism. Prerequisite: HI 103, HI 104, or HI 114. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: HI-2, WI. (3)

HI 370 History of Christianity in Medieval Europe

A survey of the history of Christianity and the church from late antiquity of the end of the Middle Ages. Students gain an appreciation of the diversity of traditions, perspectives, and practices that characterize ancient and medieval Christianity, as well as the factors that unified the Christian movement, while acquiring a critical and analytical approach to history in general. Prerequisite: HI 103, HI 104, or HI 114. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI, HI-2. (3)

HI 375 The Renaissance and the Reformation

A study of topics in European history from the end of the medieval period to the Thirty Years War. The course examines the cultural contributions of the Italian Renaissance, the major events of the Catholic and Protestant Reformations, and the wars of religion. Prerequisite: HI 103, HI 104, or HI 114. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: WI, HI-2. (3)

HI 380 The History of Early Modern Europe

Traces the major intellectual and political trends in European history from the Thirty Years War to the fall of Napoleon. Specific areas examined include Royal Absolutism, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution. Prerequisite: HI 103 or HI 104. (3)

HI 385 Approaches to Teaching Secondary History and Social Science

Prepares the student to teach history and social science at the secondary level by integrating content mastery with effective pedagogical strategies. Field experience: 20 hours. Prerequisites: ED 200SL and ED 327. (3)

HI 400 Internship

Students register for an internship with a service or research agency in the Washington metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by the supervising professor and a representative of the cooperating agency. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 75 hours, a grade point average of 2.5 in major courses, and permission of the chair or academic internship mentor. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

HI 400SL Service Learning Internship

Students register for an internship with a community-based service or research agency in the Washington metropolitan area. The internship is monitored by the supervising professor and a representative of the cooperating agency. This course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 75 hours, a grade point average of 2.5 in major courses, and permission of the chair or academic internship mentor. Service Learning Designation: SL (approx. 20-40 hours of service). Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: EXP. (3-6)

HI 420 Senior Seminar

An examination of interpretations and arguments regarding the purpose and meaning of history. The seminar aims to develop a critical understanding of the discipline of history required for continued and coherent study and to challenge the student to develop an analytical interpretation of historical events. Offered spring semester only. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in HI 250 or its equivalent or permission of instructor, and EN 102. Liberal Arts Core/University Requirements Designation: DSINQ, WI. (3)

HI 421 Project

An investigation of a selected topic in the emphasis discipline. The project is intended to demonstrate a student’s ability to conduct independent research and present the results in writing of commendable quality. Prerequisite: consent of the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. (3)