History (HIST)
Europe and its world relationships during the centuries of the Reformation, the scientific revolution, overseas expansion and revolution. Offered in fall, spring.
Europe and its world relationships in the age of industrialization and democratization. Offered in fall, spring.
An introduction to the study of history as an academic discipline (a major) and as a profession (a career) with a focus on research, interpretation, and teaching.
A survey of United States history from the peopling of the Americas to the present. Identifies and examines the key themes in the creation and transformation of the nation and its peoples. Offered in fall, spring.
Experimental
Content-based inquiry into the celebration of US holidays and heroes. Course covers American Revolution and founding of the United States, Indigenous America since pre-Columbian interactions, and a history of Blacks in America from 1619 to the present.
An intermediate investigation of the practices of historical investigation: formulation of research queries, location and analysis of evidence, and analytical narration of findings. Prereq: HIST 105 with a grade of C- or higher.
This course considers the social, political and economic history of Ancient Greece and Rome. No prior knowledge of history is necessary.
Examines the formation of early Christianity, the spread of Christianity from the Roman Mediterranean through Asia, Africa, and Europe, and the major issues of European Reformation.
Considers the social, political and economic factors concerning the practice of slavery in ancient world cultures. No prior knowledge of history is necessary.
Considers the social, political and economic history of the Viking explorers and their society. No prior knowledge of history is necessary.
This course offers an introduction to the methods and insights of environmental history in Europe and the Americas from 1500 to the present. It examines developments in Europe, with background in medieval dynamics and a focus on the period from 1500 onward, through 18th-century projects that cleared land and drained swamps, 19th and 20th century industrialization, World Wars I and II, and the post-World War II era. It also discuss the European colonization of the Americas, with background on Indian use of the land before contact with colonists.
Modern England: the political, social, economic and cultural evolution of England from 1688 to the present. Offered annually.
The evolution of the German people and their political, cultural and socio-economic institutions from Roman times to 1806. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
German history from 1806 to the present. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
This course examines the transformation of Germany from 1945, when, at the end of World War II, there were four occupational zones and no German state, through the era of two German states, East and West, from 1949 to 1990, to the present post-reunification Germany. The events of the Third Reich, World War II, and the Holocaust will form a backdrop to much of this history, and we will quickly review them. Then, the course focuses on the activities of the four occupying powers (the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, and France) in the post-war years, the emerging Cold War, the formation of East and West Germany, developments from the 1950s to the 1980s, the collapse of East Germany and reunification, and post-reunification developments. Prerequisites: ENGL 110 or ENGL 110H
Survey of the history of Jews in the mid 18th-20th centuries. Course designed to enrich students’ historical and cultural knowledge and improve students’ understanding of Gentile-Jewish relations in the modern world. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
Political, cultural, economic and social history from Peter the Great to the Russian Revolution. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
Political, cultural, economic and social history from the Russian Revolution to the present. Offered annually.
History of women in the United States from the early 16th century through the late 20th century, with a particular emphasis on the significance of race, class, religion and region in the shaping of women's experiences. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
Honors Course - History of women in the United States from the early 16th century through the late 20th century, with a particular emphasis on the significance of race, class, religion and region in the shaping of women's experiences.
History of African Americans from their first arrival in the Americas through the Civil War, with a particular emphasis on the process of enslavement, the formation of African-American communities and institutions, and the evolution of Black abolitionism. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
History of African Americans from the Civil War through the present, with a particular emphasis on the processes of emancipation, urbanization and enfranchisement. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
With the rise of the United States as an international power in the 1890s through its current foreign policy initiatives, it has acted as a leader in the world community. This course examines the rise, decline and resurrection of the United States as a world power through its foreign relations. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
Experimental
Examines major social, economic and political developments in pre-colonial African societies. It begins with an overview of historiographical debates of African history, the peopling of Africa, early migration, agricultural innovation, climatic changes to the development of civilizations and cross-cultural contacts. Offered annually.
A survey of African history; special emphasis on the period since 1500. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
This course examines the Transatlantic slave trade as a transcontinental episode that was responsible for the forced migration of millions of Africans to the Americas and Europe. It critically analyzes the various dimensions of the global forces that created the Atlantic World, experienced by tens of millions of enslaved African people. It illuminates the origins and continuing legacy of inequality based in European expansion, enslavement and economic supremacy. As an exploration of human history in the Atlantic World, this course discusses indepth the historiography of the slave trade and slavery in contemporary political, economic and social interactions of Africa, Americas and Europe.
From pre-Columbian America to the independence of Latin America (1825). Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
This course examines the process of the fall and dissolution of European Empires in the decades following the ending of the Second World War. It discusses the historiographical debate of factors that precipitated decolonization in teh international, metropolitan, and national arenas. The course explores colonial insurgency and counterinsurgency programs as well as negotiated, non-violent struggles that culminated in the transfer of power to African nationalists.
Examines causes, conducts, and consequences of modern wars, revolutions, and terrorism in our contemporary world. Offers students a critical understanding of the concepts and competing theories associated with the study of war. Also explores the social, political, and economic predicaments of modern states confronting the various forms of warfare.
Co-Op Ed Experience in History
An advanced investigation of a selected topic in history that combines readings colloquium and research seminar. Prereq: HIST 205 C- or better.
A thematic investigation of a significant historical topic with course structure and topic determined by the instructor prior to the preregistration period. Offered periodically.
H Topics:
Major political, cultural and socioeconomic developments in Europe, c. 500-1300 A.D. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
The history of the European Crusade movement to the Levant, as it was then called. The course will not concentrate on military history, but rather on the social, cultural and political factors that led to and resulted from these expeditions. The course will consider these issues from the point of view of the several groups of people, European and West Asian, who were involved in these events. Offered annually.
Cultural, social and political history of Europe, 1300-1650, with emphasis on Renaissance arts and literature and 16th century religious upheaval. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
The history of 19th-century Europe, including social, political, intellectual, cultural, religious and economic history. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
The political, social, economic and intellectual development of England and the British Empire from the end of the Napoleonic wars to the outbreak of World War I. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
Honors Course - The political, social, economic and intellectual development of England and the British Empire from the end of the Napoleonic wars to the outbreak of World War I.
The political, socio-economic, cultural and diplomatic transformation of Europe, 1900 to the present. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
The origins, development and impact upon Germany and the rest of the world of National Socialist theory and practice. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
The founding and growth of the British Colonies to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, with particular attention devoted to society, beliefs and government. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
America from the Glorious Revolution to the completion of the American Revolution, with particular attention to social, cultural and political developments such as the Enlightenment, the Great Awakening and the War for Independence. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110.
The social, political and economic causes of the Civil War, the military and social events of the war, and the postwar developments of Reconstruction, with particular emphasis on the place of African Americans in U.S. society.
Honors Course - Responses to industrialization from populism through the progressive era. Changes in thought and culture. World War I and American society. The rise of America as a world power.
The United States from 1900 to the present. Focus is on political and social, not military, history. Offered periodically
This course focuses on the military strategy and tactics employed by the combatants during the First World War (1914-1918). Offered annually.
The course focuses on the military strategy and tactics employed by the combatants during the Second World War (1939-1945). Offered annually.
Experimental
Provides an informed understanding of major themes in late 19th- and early 20th-century Africa, with a particular focus on the impact of British, French, Belgian and German imperialism. Special attention will be given to the discussion of the historiography of imperialism related to Africa. Contemporary Africa will be used to provide a background for assessing the effect of imperialism on African society, politics and economies. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110/H.
Course surveys major developments in 20th-century Africa by situating them in their respective historical contexts. It examines the idea of race, cultural representation of others, colonial economic relations, decolonization, national liberation movements, debts, structural adjustment programs, democracy, post-apartheid South Africa, the emergence of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Human Rights and Development. Offered periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110.
Co-Op Ed Experience in History
Honors Course - This perspectives course will compare the social, economic, political and religious relations of three areas: Africa, Europe and the Native Societies of the Americas in and during the period of the formation of the Atlantic World.
Students will prepare and defend a seminar paper of approximately 25 pages. Prereq: HIST 205 with a grade of C- or higher; junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Satisfies advance writing (AW) requirement if a grade of B or higher is attained.
Early Pennsylvania became home to a variety of groups in the course of the 18th century. This course takes a transatlantic approach as it explores the diverse backgrounds of European settlers and the Native Americans whom they encountered, and interactions following the establishment of the colony. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior status.
The Vietnam War continues to be one of the more controversial moments in the history of the United States. Course examines the war with the objective of achieving a greater understanding of why the United States entered into the conflict and how the war was fought on the military battlefields in Vietnam and political battlefields in Washington, D.C., Saigon, Hanoi and around the world. Offered annually. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior status.
Honors Course - The Vietnam War continues to be one of the more controversial moments in the history of the United States. Course examines the war with the objective of achieving a greater understanding of why the United States entered into the conflict and how the war was fought on the military battlefields in Vietnam and political battlefields in Washington, D.C., Saigon, Hanoi and around the world.
Experimental
The history of medicine, health and disease, including political, social, cultural, religious and economic factors from the ancient world to the present. The course includes material from European, American and world perspectives. Offered periodically.
Honors Section. The history of medicine, health and disease, including political, social, cultural, religious and economic factors from the ancient world to the present. The course includes material from European, American and world perspectives. Offered periodically.
Honors Course
For further information on independent study, see the Special Academic Opportunities section.
Departmental Honors
Co-Op Ed Experience in History
An intensive readings and discussion course focusing on the major issues and interpretations of early American history. Offered every third semester.
An intensive readings and discussion course focusing on the major issues and interpretations for the period 1815-1919. Offered every third semester.
An intensive readings and discussion course focusing on the major issues and interpretations for the period since World War I. Offered every third semester.
An intensive readings and discussion course focusing on the major issues and interpretations of early modern Europe. Offered every third semester.
An intensive readings and discussion course focusing on the major issues and interpretations of European history from the French Revolution to the First World War. Offered every third semester.
An intensive readings and discussion course focusing on the major issues and interpretations of recent European history. Offered periodically.
A topical readings course devoted to selected issues and problems in the history of the United States. Offered annually.
A topical readings course devoted to selected issues and problems in European history. Offered annually.
A topical readings course devoted to selected issues and problems in regional and comparative history. Offered periodically.
Essential to the practice of history are the ability to think historically, familiarity with its basic sources and an understanding of past historiographical traditions. This course seeks to offer instruction in the traditions of history writing that shaped and contextualized the present historiographical tradition, as well as provide training in the execution of various methods of historical research and writing. Offered annually.
A research seminar devoted to selected issues and problems in United States history. Offered annually.
A research seminar devoted to selected issues and problems in European history. Offered annually.
A research seminar devoted to selected issues and problems in regional and comparative history. Offered periodically.
Independent Study
Thesis: