history
HISTORY 299. (3) INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL METHODS. A thematic course that introduces the methods, concepts and skills historians use to study the past, applied to a specific topic. The course reinforces student writing skills through an active research project that develops skills in source use, critical reading, crafting a research plan, and historical citation. Prerequisite: completion of Rhetoric 102. Offered: annually. HISTORY 303. (3) BYZANTINE EMPIRE. A survey of the history, institutions, civilization, and society of the Eastern Roman Empire from Diocletian (284-305) through the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453. Prerequisite: none. Offered: alternate fall semesters. HISTORY 304. (3) MEDIEVAL CIVILIZATION. From the decline of the Roman Empire to the beginnings of the Modern Age. Emphasis is placed on the rise of feudal institutions, the rise of Christianity and the medieval church, the conflict between papal and secular governments, and the beginnings of nationality. Prerequisite: none. Offered: fall semester. HISTORY 305. (3) THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT. A course on the social, cultural and intellectual history of the age of Enlightenment in Europe, 1660-1790, with a focus on primary source readings. The course goal is to give students familiarity with major Scottish, French, and German writers from the Eighteenth century, with a focus on the general themes of the Enlightenment, viz. religious toleration, liberty, scientific inquiry, an optimistic view of human nature, a belief in the ability of humans to fix their own problems, and a seemingly boundless belief in reason. In addition, students study the society and culture in which these ideas came to the fore and have the opportunity to do low-level research of a topic of their choice. Prerequisite: History 101 or Western Culture 102.
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HISTORY 307. (3) EARLY MODERN BRITAIN. This course adopts a thematic approach to examine early modern social, political, economic, and cultural developments in depth. Among the major topics are politics and political culture, social structures and institutions, the maintenance of order and the challenges of disorder, religion and religious life, urbanization and the growth of London, print and popular culture, and imperial development. Students also gain familiarity with different types of historical sources, methods, and interpretations through readings, discussion, and assignments. Prerequisites: History 201-202, or permission of the instructor. HISTORY 308. (3) RENAISSANCE ITALY. This course examines the society and culture of Renaissance Italy. Major topics include politics in Italian republics and principalities, the development of papal Rome, art and patronage, work and leisure, social and civic ritual, religion, health and medicine, and humanism and education. In addition to these course themes, we examine the ways in which historical approaches, methods, and theories have changed over time. Assignments are designed to familiarize students with the practice of history and to develop skills in critical analysis, research methods, and the pursuit of independent research projects. Prerequisite: History 101 or Western Culture 102. HISTORY 309. (3) RELIGIOUS WAR IN THE EARLY MODERN ERA. This course examines the transformation of European society during the Renaissance and Reformation. Major topics include the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, violence and religious warfare, Renaissance politics and the court, and the development and spread of print culture. Prerequisite: History 101, or permission of the instructor. HISTORY 313. (3) HISTORY OF AMERICAN FOREIGN RELATIONS. A survey of America’s role in foreign affairs from the formation of the Republic to the contemporary period. Emphasis is given to the nature of American interests and the interplay between ideals and selfinterest as America experienced the transition from small-power to great-power status. Prerequisite: none.