Course Descriptions
History

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

101 The Great Civilizations to 1300. 3 hrs. I. II.
Comparative study of the origin and course of major civilizations focusing on the Middle East, India, China, and the West.
 

102 The World and the Rise of the West, 1300 to the Mid-19th Century. 3 hrs. I, II.
An interdisciplinary analysis of the foundations of Western development.

103 The World Since 1850. 3 hrs. I, II.
Major world developments and trends from the middle of the 19th century to the present and their implications for the future.103H The World Since 1850 - Honors. 3 hrs.
Survey for superior students of world developments and trends from the 19th century to the present and their implications for the future. (PR: 3.0 GPA perm.)

125 American Business History. 3 hrs.
A survey of the development of the major financial, commercial, manufacturing, and transportation enterprises which transformed the United States from an agricultural to a leading industrial nation.

200 Sophomore History Methods Workshop. 3 hrs.
An introduction to the most fundamental methods of the discipline. Students will learn to use library resources, practice document interpretation skills, and identify and evaluate historical arguments.

205 English History to 1642. 3 hrs. I.
A political and social survey of England. Emphasis is placed on the development of the English Parliament.

206 English History Since 1642. 3 hrs. II.
A continuation of English History 205. Special attention is given to the development of ministerial government and to the growth and decline of the British Empire.

208 The Developing World. 3 hrs.
A comparative survey of selected Third World countries focusing on imperialism, colonialism and present developmental efforts.

219 Ancient History. 3 hrs.
A survey of the ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome with emphasis on Greek and Roman civilization from Mycenaean times through the Roman Empire of the 5th Century.

220 European History - Medieval. 3 hrs.
A survey of the history of Europe from the later Roman Empire to the end of the Middle Ages, with emphasis on religious, cultural, social, political, and economic developments. Open to all undergraduates.

221 War in Modern Times. 3 hrs.
Emphasis upon trends in military thought and practices in western civilization. Special attention to the two world wars of the Twentieth Century.

223 The Rise and Fall of Nazi Germany. 3 hrs.
A study of the origins, course, and collapse of the Third Reich. Some attention will be given to pre-Nazi period.

230 American History to 1877. 3 hrs. I, II, S.
A general survey from the discovery in 1492 through the period of Reconstruction.

230H American History to 1877 - Honors. 3 hrs.
A survey of American history to 1877 for the superior student. (PR: 3.0 GPA)

231 American History Since 1877. 3 hrs. I, II, S.
A general survey since Reconstruction.

231H American History Since 1877 - Honors. 3 hrs.
A general survey since Reconstruction for the superior student. (PR: 3.0 GPA)

250 Women in United States History. 3 hrs.
A study of the public and private contributions of women in the shaping of the United States from the Colonial period to the present.

260 Rise of Islam, 570-1750. 3 hrs.
A study of the Middle Eastern region from pre-Islamic Arabia to the pinnacle of Ottoman imperial control. Emphasis is placed on cultural, social, and political developments.

261 The Modern Middle East. 3 hrs.
A survey of the modern Middle East with emphasis on the historical background of current controversial Issues confronting the region.

280-283 Special Topics. 1-4; 1-4; 1-4; 1-4 hrs.
Selected topics not covered in regular course offerings.

301 Latin America: Discovery to Independence. 3 hrs. Emphasis is on conditions which influenced the development of Latin America and eventually led to the independence movement.

302 Latin America: Independence to the Present. 3 hrs.
Emphasis is on the political, economic and social institutions of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.

303 The American Military Experience. 3 hrs. I.
Examines the American military tradition from the colonial period to the present with particular emphasis on the Twentieth Century.

304 Spanish History Since 1475. 3 hrs.
A survey of Spain’s historical development emphasizing her rise and decline as a world power, the impact of persistent internal conflict, the Franco dictatorship and the transition to democracy.

312 African-American History, 1619 to Present. 3 hrs.
A survey of African-American History from African and West Indian origins to the present.

317 History of U.S. Immigration. 3 hrs.
A study of America’s unprecedented “melting-pot” heritage via the personal and collective experiences of immigrant groups and how they fared socially, economically and politically in the 19th and 20th centuries.

323 Religion in America. 3 hrs.
The rise and development of religion and of religious thinking in America. (Same as Religious Studies 323)

333 American Colonial History. 3 hrs.
A study of the historical development of the English colonies in America.

342 American Legal History. 3 hrs.
Historical development of American law in areas ranging from slavery and racial discrimination to civil liberties and crime and punishment.

345 History of Mentalities. 3 hrs.
This course provides an introduction to the literature and methods of the history of mentalities which is the study of the world views and activities of ordinary, largely inarticulate peoples.
350 American Labor History. 3 hrs.
The history of the American labor movement.

378 The Emergence of Modern Asia. 3 hrs.
A selective look at Modern Asia, focusing on Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Indonesia and American interaction with the Asian nations.

380 Civilizations of Asia to 1600. 3 hrs.
This course will introduce students to the political, cultural, social, and intellectual environment of pre-modern Asia. Students will also learn to think critically about their own and other societies.

400 Senior Seminar. 3 hrs. II.
A capstone course for History majors. Survey of literature and practical experience in methods and sources of history through bibliographical study and research papers. Capstone experience. (PR: HST 200, Senior standing or by permission.)

402 American Intellectual History 1865 to Present. 3 hrs.
A critical examination of intellectual, creative, and literary movements in the modern era.

403 American Urban History. 3 hrs.
Study of the political, economic, social, and intellectual impact of the city upon American history, and the impact of history upon the growth of American urbanization.

404 American Diplomacy, 1789-1900. 3 hrs.
American foreign policy from colonial times to 1900 emphasizing the gradual development of the United States and its achievement of membership in the family of nations.

405 American Diplomacy, 1900 To Present. 3 hrs.
American foreign relations in the 20th century. The gradual retreat from isolation in the period between World War I and World War II and modern American involvement in international commitments are stressed.

406 Tudor and Stuart England, 1450-1688. 3 hrs.
A history of England under the Tudors and Stuarts, focusing primarily on demographic, social, cultural, and political developments.

409 American Revolution. 3 hrs.
A varied view of the American Revolution and its impact on the American people.

410 Conquering the Continent: America’s Frontier Experience. 3 hrs.
A survey of the American frontier experience with particular emphasis on the fate of the American Indian, the environment and the character of the American-created culture.

411 American Social and Cultural History 1607 to Present. 3 hrs.
A study of the changes and continuities in American Social Cultural History from 1607 to present.

413 History of the Old South, 1492-1860. 3 hrs.
A study of the political, economic, social, and cultural conditions in the South that led to the development of the South as a distinct section in the United States.
 

414 Civil War and Reconstruction. 3 hrs.
A discussion of the economic, political, social, and cultural differences leading to the Civil War, the war itself, and an analysis of the political and economic importance of Reconstruction.

415 History of the New South, 1877 to the Present. 3 hrs.
A study of the political, economic, social, and cultural changes in the South after Reconstruction, which explains conditions in the contemporary South.

416 American Social Movements. 3 hrs.
A study of the social movements which have influenced the course of American History. Includes abolition, women’s rights, Progressivism, civil rights.

421 The Era of the Renaissance and Reformation. 3 hrs.
The impact of the Renaissance upon esthetic, economic and political developments especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. The decline of Catholicism and the growth of the Protestant movement, and the influence of the two movements upon each other are stressed.

422 The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era. 3 hrs.
Society and government in Europe before the French Revolution and the influence of the enlightenment; ideas and changes introduced by the revolution and Napoleon and their effect on the institutions and economy of Europe.

423 US Latin-American Relations. 3 hrs.
An appraisal of political, economic, and cultural relations of the U.S. and Latin America in a historical context with emphasis on the period since 1945.

424 U.S. Science and Technology. 3 hrs.
A study of the development and impact of science and technology in the U.S. with special emphasis on the modern period.

425 European History, 1814-1914. 3 hrs.
A century of European political, economic, and social history and its relationship to and influence upon the history of other world areas is noted. The impact of imperialistic rivalry is emphasized.

426 European History, 1914 to Present. 3 hrs.
The impact of World War I upon Europe, the era between two world wars, the search for world peace, and World War II and its aftermath are major topics of consideration.

428 Intellectual and Cultural History of Modern Europe. 3 hrs.
A survey of the main events in European thought and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries.

429 Russia to 1917. 3 hrs.
A survey of Russian history to 1917 which examines Russia before the Russians, Kievan Russia, Appanage Russia, Muscovite Russia, and Imperial Russia.

430 Soviet Russia and Beyond. 3 hrs.
The rise and fall of the Soviet Union, with emphasis on political and economic changes and Soviet foreign policy, including an examination of the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse.

431 America in the Gilded Age. 3 hrs.
A study of America’s transformation from a rural, agrarian nation into an urban, industrial world
power; the final destruction of the American Indian; the settlement of the West; and the farmers’ revolt.

432 America Matures 1900-1945. 3 hrs.
An examination of the social, political, and economic trends in the United States in the first half of the 20th century, emphasizing social upheavals, conflicts, and reform movements at home and abroad.

433 In Our Time - America Since 1945. 3 hrs.
A study of America since World War II, focusing mainly on domestic politics, foreign affairs, the civil rights movement, the rise of minorities, and the fragmentation of American society.

434 The American Experience in Vietnam. 3 hrs.
A study of the origin and escalation of American involvement in Vietnam, the domestic impact of the war within the United States and the collapse of the South Vietnamese government.

435 Modern Japan. 3 hrs.
Begins with an overview of nineteenth century Japan and stresses the twentieth century rise of Japan to the position of world power.

436 Modern China. 3 hrs.
This course will provide an overview of Chinese history in the modern era (1600 to present), including the major political, cultural, social, and intellectual events and trends of this period.

440 West Virginia History. 3 hrs.
An interdisciplinary study of the state, its people and its institutions within the national context. (PR: HST 230 and 231)

445 Arab-Israeli Conflict. 3 hrs.
This course will examine the historical developments of the modern Arab-Israeli conflict, with emphasis placed on political, socioeconomic, and cultural change and the prospects for peace.

480-483 Special Topics. 1-4; 1-4; 1-4; 1-4 hrs.
(PR: Consent of department chair).

485-488 Independent Study. 1-4; 1-4; 1-4; 1-4 hrs.
(PR: Consent of department chair).

495H-496H Readings for Honors in History. 4; 4 hrs. I, II.
Open to history majors of outstanding ability. Study may deal with any field of history. Wide reading and comprehensive understanding of the era are required. (PR: Consent of department chair) See Honors Courses.
 

GRADUATE COURSES

502 American Intellectual History 1865 to Present. 3 hrs.
A critical examination of intellectual, creative and literary movements in the modern era.

503 American Urban History. 3 hrs.
A study of the political, economic, social, and intellectual impact of the city upon American History, and the impact of history upon the growth of urbanization.

504 American Diplomacy, 1789-1900. 3 hrs.
American foreign policy from colonial times to 1900 emphasizing the gradual development of the United States and its achievement of membership in the family of nations.

505 American Diplomacy. 1900-Present. 3 hrs.
American foreign relations in the in the 20th-21st centuries. The gradual retreat from isolation in the period between World Wars I and II and modern American involvement in international commitments will be stressed.

506 Tudor and Stuart England, 1450-1688. 3 hrs.
A history of England under the Tudors and Stuarts, focusing primarily on demographic, social, cultural, and political developments.

509 American Revolution. 3 hrs.
A varied view of the American Revolution and its impact on the American people.

510 Conquering the Continent: America’s Frontier Experience. 3 hrs.
A survey of the American frontier experience with particular emphasis on the fate of the American Indian, the impact on the environment, and the character of the American-created culture.

511 American Social and Cultural History 1607 to Present. 3 hrs.
A study of the changes and continuities in American Social and Cultural History from 1607 to present.

513 History of the Old South, 1492-1860. 3 hrs. Alternate years.
The History of the Old South is a study of the political, economic, social, and cultural conditions in the South that led to the development of the South as a distinct section in the United States.

514 Civil War and Reconstruction. 3 hrs.
The course will include a discussion of the economic, political, social, and cultural differences leading to the Civil War, the war itself, and an analysis of the political and economic importance of reconstruction.

515 History of the New South, 1877 to the Present. 3 hrs.
The History of the New South is a study of the political, economic, social, and cultural changes in the South after Reconstruction that explain conditions in the contemporary South.

516 American Social Movements. 3 hrs.
A study of the social movements which have influenced the course of American History. Includes abolition, women’s rights, Progressivism, civil rights.

521 The Era of the Renaissance and Reformation. 3 hrs.
The impact of the Renaissance upon esthetic, economic, and political developments especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. The decline of Catholicism and the growth of the Protestant movement, and the influence of the two movements upon each other is stressed.

522 The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era. 3 hrs.
Society and government in Europe before the French Revolution and the influence of the enlightenment;  ideas and changes introduced by the revolution and Napoleon and their effect on the institutions and economy of Europe.

523 U.S. Latin American Relations. 3 hrs.
An appraisal of political, economic, and cultural relations of the U.S. and Latin America in a historical context with emphasis on the period since 1945.

524 U.S. Science and Technology. 3 hrs.
A study of the development and impact of science and technology in the U.S. with special emphasis on the modern period.
 

525 European History 1814-1914. 3 hrs.
A century of European political, economic, and social history. Its relationship to and influence upon the history of other world areas is noted. The impact of imperialistic rivalry is emphasized.

526 European History 1914 to Present. 3 hrs.
The impact of World War I upon Europe, the era between two world wars, the search for world peace, World War II and its aftermath are major topics of consideration.

528 Intellectual and Cultural History of Modern Europe. 3 hrs.
A survey of the main currents in European thought and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries.

529 Russia to 1917. 3 hrs.
A survey of Russian history to 1917 which examines Russia before the Russians, Kievan Russia, Appanage Russia, Muscovite Russia and Imperial Russia. Emphasis is on Imperial Russia.

530 Soviet Russia and Beyond. 3 hrs.
The rise and fall of the Soviet Union, with emphasis on political and economic changes and Soviet foreign policy, and including an examination of the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse.

531 America in the Gilded Age. 3 hrs.
A study of America’s transformation from a rural, agrarian nation into an urban, industrial world power, the final destruction of the American Indian, the settlement of the West, and the farmers’ revolt.

532 America Matures, 1900-1945. 3 hrs.
An examination of the social, political, and economic trends in the U.S. in the first half of the 20th Century, emphasizing social upheavals, conflicts, and reform movements at home and abroad.

533 In Our Time-America Since 1945. 3 hrs.
A study of America since World War II focusing mainly on domestic politics, foreign affairs, the civil rights movement, the rise of minorities, and the fragmentation of American society.

534 The American Experience in Vietnam. 3 hrs.
A study of the origin and escalation of American involvement in Vietnam, the domestic impact of the war within the United States and the collapse of the South Vietnamese government.

535 Modern Japan. 3 hrs.
Begins with an overview of nineteenth century Japan and stresses the twentieth century rise of Japan to the position of world power.

536 Modern China. 3 hrs.
This course will provide an overview of Chinese history in the modern era (1600 to the present), including the major political, cultural, social, and intellectual events and trends of this period.

540 West Virginia History. 3 hrs.
An interdisciplinary study of the state, its people and its institutions within the national context.

545 Arab-Israeli Conflict. 3 hrs.
This course will examine the historical developments of the modern Arab-Israeli conflict, with emphasis placed on political, socioeconomic, and cultural change and the prospects for peace.

580-583 Special Topics. 1-4 hrs.

585-588 Independent Study. 1-4 hrs.

600 Methodology: Seminar in Historical Methods. 3 hrs.
A research and writing seminar in which students are taught and must exhibit the skills and methodologies of practicing research historians.

601 Tudor England 1485-1603. 3 hrs.
In this course, students will examine in-depth several selected themes in Tudor history through reading, class discussions, examinations, and a research paper.

602 Stuart England, 1603-1714. 3 hrs.
An analysis of the Social, Intellectual, Economic, Cultural, and Political History of England in the Stuart Century.

603 Seminar in U.S. Economic History. 3 hrs.
A reading and research course in which a student investigates topics related to the economic and business growth of the United States in the context of America’s legal, government and social institutions.  Emphasis will be on development of international economic institutions and the American role in the global environment.

605 American Colonial History. 3 hrs.
A study of the English colonies in America with emphasis on slavery, minorities, and social and economic change.

607 Problems in European History, 1890-1923. 3 hrs.
An analysis of the politics, diplomacy and military strategy of the period of the First World War. Special emphasis is given to the origin of the war, the war itself, the peace settlement and the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.

610 Readings in History. 2-3 hrs.
Readings in topics fitted to the need of the individual student. They may deal with any graduate area. This course is ordinarily restricted to off-campus students and is used sparingly.

620 Seminar in American Historical Biography. 3 hrs.
A reading and research course in which a student investigates biographical topics regarding the men and women whose lives illuminate the American experience. The course will cover a wide range of activities, including the social, political, cultural, and economic development of the United States and the region.

625 Rebirth of Europe, 1939-Present. 3 hrs.
Background and course of World War II, European politics since 1945, developments in international affairs with emphasis on Cold War, economic and social trends, thought and culture.

632 Seminar in Reconstruction. 3 hrs.
A reading and research course in which each student investigates a specific issue related to the reunification of the nation after the Civil War.

633 Problems in American History, 1877-1917. 3 hrs.
A research course in which the student probes a selected problem within the chronological span, 1877-1917.

634 Problems in American History Since 1917. 3 hrs.
A research course in which a student probes a selected problem within the period since 1917.

635 Oral/Local History Seminar. 3 hrs.
The course examines the field of oral history. Students will apply oral methodology and other primary sources documentation in researching a local topic.

636 Seminar in Women’s History. 3 hrs.
A reading and research course in which the student investigates selected topics related to the history of women in America or Europe.

650-651 Special Topics. 1-4; 1-4 hrs.
(PR: Permission of Instructor)

679 Problem Report. 1-3 hrs.

680 Public History Internship. 1-6 hrs.
Internship in an approved setting in Public History, Archives, Museum, Oral History, or Historical Preservation.  Interns will be supervised by on-site staff and History Faculty.

681 Thesis. 1-6 hrs.