History
History Course Catalog
HIS 202. North Carolina History and Government 3 credits
Examines the historical, economic, and political development of the state. Special emphasis is placed on the techniques, materials, resources, and strategies that may be employed in teaching similar subjects in elementary and secondary schools. Fall.
HIS 223. United States History to 1865 3
The development of the United States as a democratic republic, from the time of settlement to the present. Key topics include European settlement, colonial development, the American Revolution and nation formation, continental expansion, and the crisis over slavery.
HIS 224. United States History since 1865 3
Examines the major social, political, economic, and cultural developments in American history from the end of the Civil War to the late twentieth century. Important topics include reconstruction, industrialization, “Progressive” reforms, mass consumerism and mass culture, prosperity and depression, the emergence of America as a world power, and the Cold War.
HIS 261. Internship 3
An initial program of field work enabling students to explore new areas or to supplement regular courses. Department approval required.
HIS 292. World History to 1500 3
Examines the development of the major classical core civilizations and the major nomadic societies of the world. In addition to the rise and fall of these societies, the course emphasizes the first “global” civilization of early Islam, and the preponderant role of the Mongol empire on neighboring societies.
HIS 293. World History since 1500 3
A survey of modern history from a world perspective with emphases on the interaction of Western Civilization with the rest of the world, including the commercial revolution, slavery, imperialism, and the revolution against colonialism.
HIS 327. Special Topics: U.S. History 3
Options for students to study, according to their interests, a variety of topics not covered in regular courses. To be announced by the department.
HIS 328. Special Topics: World History 3
Options for students to study, according to their interests, a variety of topics not covered in regular courses. To be announced by the department.
HIS 329. Special Topics: World History 3
Options for students to study, according to their interests, a variety of topics not covered in regular courses. To be announced by the department.
HIS 330. Women in the American Experience 3
This course will introduce students to the history of women by examining how the experiences, roles, and status of women have been shaped historically by race, class, geography, religion, and other social factors. Meets American Diversity Connector requirement.
HIS 337. Renaissance and Reformation 3
The Renaissance, the Reformation, and the development of modern states under absolutism.
HIS 338. Early Modern Europe 3
A survey of Europe emphasizing the interaction of ideas and social forces. Absolutism and aristocracy will be examined as factors leading to the Revolution of 1789. Leading personalities from Louis XIV to Napoleon will receive special emphasis.
HIS 340. Twentieth-Century Europe 3
The decline and rise of Europe from World War I to the era of detente. Emphasis on social and intellectual changes that reformed European society after World War II. Examines the rise of totalitarianism and social democracy through Hitler, Churchill, Brandt and others.
HIS 349. Appalachian Oral History 3
Examining people and the history of the region with major emphasis on the culture of the area. Meets American Diversity Connector requirement.
HIS 350. African American History 3
An introduction to the social, cultural, and political history of African Americans from the colonial era to the present.
HIS 390. Historiography and Methodology 3
This course introduces students to the historical method and to the major historiographical theories and schools of thought from North America and Europe since the Nineteenth Century.
HIS 401. Modern Latin America 3
Examines the important political, economic and social issues and themes that have generally affected the history of twentieth-century Latin America.
HIS 402. History of Mexico 3
Surveys Mexican history from pre-Hispanic period to the present by examining political, economic, and social issues.
HIS 403. Latin American Women 3
Examines the historical experiences of women in Latin America from pre-Hispanic times until the present through the theoretical lenses of race, class, and gender.
HIS 404. Pre-Hispanic and Colonial Latin America 3
This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural history of pre-Hispanic and colonial Latin America.
HIS 415. Early America 3
This course examines the beginnings of U.S. society from 1450 through 1800, focusing on the period between the coming together of cultures in North America after contact with Europeans and the founding of the United States and establishment of the U.S. Constitution.
HIS 417. The United States Since 1945 3
Examines the political, social, cultural, economic, and diplomatic developments in American history in the half-century following the Second World War. Topics include the pervasive influence of the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, social protest movements and the rise of a counterculture, the impact of Watergate, conservative backlash, and the end of the Cold War.
HIS 418. The United States, 1900-1945 3
This course examines the political, social, cultural, economic, and diplomatic developments in American history during the first half of the Twentieth Century.
HIS 429. U.S. in the World Since 1900 3
A survey of America’s place in the world in the twentieth century with emphases on American imperialism, isolationism, ideological conflict, involvement in World Wars I and II, and the Cold War.
HIS 430. U.S. Environmental History 3
Examines the relationships between Americans and their environments in the five hundred years since European-American contact, emphasizing how environments have shaped human history and vice versa.
HIS 452. History of Modern Japan 3
History of Japan from 1850 to the present, emphasizing the impact of Western imperialism on Japan’s traditional culture, the Meiji Restoration and modernization, the growth of militarism and World War II, and the emergence of Japan as an economic power in the postwar era. The course also explores Japanese-American relations during the period.
HIS 457. Directed Readings in U.S. History 3
Independent readings directed by members of the history faculty and approved by the department.
HIS 458. Directed Readings in World History 3
Independent readings directed by members of the history faculty.
HIS 459. Directed Readings in World History 3
Independent readings directed by members of the history faculty.
HIS 460. Independent Study 3
A directed program of reading and research open only to juniors and seniors with approval of the history faculty.
HIS 461. Internship 3
A program of field work open to juniors and seniors with approval of the history faculty.
HIS 491. Senior Seminar 3
This is the capstone course in which students undertake a major independent research project. Students will do original research on a historical topic, utilizing primary sources, and engaging in complex analysis, writing, and peer review. The seminar culminates with a public presentation of student research.