History (HIST)
HIST-306 International Relations 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
A study of the central issues and problems in the history of modern international relations. This course will explore such issues as the connection between the First World War and the Second World War, the impact of the policies of great powers on conflicts in the non-western world, and the causes and consequences of the Cold War. This course will also examine the rise of international organization, the expansion of Western power, and the acceleration of global interdependence.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
HIST-308 America and the World 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
A study of the central issues and problems in the history of America’s relations with the larger world. This course will examine such topics as American independence and expansion, the Civil War and the “new empire”, the Spanish-American War, American involvement in the First World War, U.S. foreign relations in the interwar period, American involvement in the Second World War in the Pacific and Europe, The Cold War, the impact of the U.S. in Latin America, Asia and Africa, and American foreign relations since 1989.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
HIST-319 The Rise of the Global Community 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
A study of the central issues and problems in the history of international organizations and the rise of the modern global community. This course will give particular attention to the past, present, and future of the United Nations in world politics. It will explore such topics as the legacy of the League of Nations, the development of international law, and the nature of human conflict and conflict resolution. Using case students, the primary and secondary sources, as well as simulations of the activities of international organizations, students will examine and debate such contemporary issues as arms control, human rights, war crimes, international terrorism, collective security and peacekeeping, humanitarian intervention, global threats to human health and the environment, and the use of science and technology fro human development.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
HIST-320 Modern Middle East 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
The history of the Middle East from World War I to the Gulf War of 1991 will be surveyed. It focuses on the Arabic-speaking areas of the former Ottoman empire, Turkey, Iran, and Israel. Thematically, the course explores major themes in Middle East history; the rise of nationalism and formation of nation-states; economic development strategies of the new states and formation of new social classes; the impact of Israeli and Palestinian nationalism and conflicts; oil and politics; the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and the Gulf War. The course also examines the impact of outside powers on the region; problems of political, economic, and cultural decolonization; and efforts to reassert Islamic identity in an era of tightening globalization. Considerable attention will be devoted to the region since 1945 and to the problems and promises of the present day.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
HIST-322 Africa in the World Economy 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
Africa’s involvement in the changing world economy and its role in the contemporary world will be examined. Its goal is to provide students a framework for understanding Africa’s contemporary economic challenges and opportunities. The course begins by examining the political, social and economic history of the continent since independence, focusing on how the lack of visible material and social progress in the post-independence period framed popular perceptions about Africa. The role of external players and ideas and the nature of local initiatives and responses in shaping Africa’s place in the world economy will also be examined.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
HIST-329 Science, Technology, and the Modern World 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
This course will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural consequences of science and technology over the past 500 years as well as consider how science and technology have contributed to some of the most important ethical problems of the modern age. This course will explore such topics as the scientific, commercial, and industrial revolutions; the technologies of imperialism and the expansion of Western power; the roles of science and technology in the First World War and the Second World War; the influences of scientific and technological developments on the rise of modernism, consumerism, and globalization; the impact of science and technology on human health and the environment; and the changing interactions between humans, materials, and machines over time. It also aims to raise questions about the myths, promises, and perils of science and technology for contemporary society as well as the meaning of “progress” and the making of “a better world” through scientific and technological innovation.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
HIST-391 History Special Topics 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
An interdisciplinary advanced course focusing on a specific topic. This course is a one-time offering whose content is determined by current faculty interest, and provides a comprehensive and coherent examination of the chosen topic. This course may be repeated for credit under a different topic.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0
HIST-499 History Independent Study 4 Credits
Prerequisites: LA-201 or LS-201
This course facilitates depth and breadth of study in a particular area of History. This course may not serve as a substitute for any of the courses in the general education component, including the Social Science elective and senior seminar. Students must request and receive approval of the independent study topic with the instructor and the Liberal Studies Department Head.
Lecture: 4, Lab 0, Other 0