Course Descriptions

History Course Descriptions

HIST-100 - SURVEY OF EARLY WESTERN CIVILIZATION 3 credits: Origin and development of western civilization from the Stone Age through the classical civilization of the ancient world. The contributions of each major historical group through the emergence of modern Europe will be explored with emphasis on the social, economic, and political trends of each period.

HIST-110 - SURVEY OF EARLY U.S. HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT 3 credits: History of the United States from the Colonial period to the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction. A topical approach is followed within a chronological framework centering on the colonial origins of American society, its separation from England, the subsequent process of nation building, framing of the Constitution, formation and structure of the United States government, and the development of the Civil War during the Ante-Bellum period.

HIST-142 - HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT AND SUPERSTITION 3 credits Course Offered Thru SCE Only: This course covers the history and variety of human beliefs that stem from: witchcraft (ancient, modern and non-western), werewolves, vampires, golems, Dr. Frankenstein, ghosts, demons, UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot and zombies. Other related topics of interest to the class will also be studied. The meaning and history of supernatural and superstition will be investigated.

HIST-160 - AMERICAN PLURALISM: CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY AS CLASSROOM 3 credits: Through a comparative and multidisciplinary approach, this course will examine the idea of cultural diversity in the United States by focusing on immigration and ethnic groups in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts. By studying the experiences of ethnic communities in the Valley -- their arrivals, their interactions with other groups and their responses to social, economic and political changes in the U.S. -- we will try to come to terms with the concepts of multiculturalism, diversity, tolerance and identity. We have all heard that the U.S. is "a nation or immigrants", a "melting pot" or a "tossed salad," but what do these terms tell us about the social economic and political characteristics of the United States? How do the history of immigration and relations between ethnic groups in the Connecticut River Valley illustrate cultural change and the evolution of "American" national identity? Three lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100

HIST-200 - SURVEY OF MODERN WESTERN CIVILIZATION 3 credits: Modern Western Civilization from the end of the Middle Ages to the present. Begins with 14th Century Europe and discusses the beginnings of modern science; the Enlightenment and the political revolutions in England, America, and France; the industrial and intellectual revolutions of the Nineteenth Century; the World Wars of the Twentieth Century and developments which follow in the post-war period. PREREQUISITE: None. Honors component available.

HIST-210 - SURVEY OF MODERN U.S. HISTORY 3 credits: History of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction period to the present. Consideration will be given to the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Late Nineteenth Century America and the influence of war and reform on the nation during the Twentieth Century. A social cultural and new political approach will be utilized. PREREQUISITE: None.

HIST-242 - HISTORY OF SUPERSTITION AND WITCHCRAFT II 3 credits Course Offered Thru SCE Only: This course is a continuing exploration of the history and variety of human belief systems stemming from traditional witchcraft beliefs and practices, and offers new mix of topics to study: Fortean Theory, The Mystery of Cats, The Evil Eye, Friday the Thirteenth, The Ouiji Board, Popular Religious Beliefs, Mediumship, Ghosts, Time Travel, Godzilla, Nostradamus, The Mummy, Astrology, The Bermuda Triangle and the Meaning of Myth.

HIST-300 - HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION TO 1650 3 credits: This course follows the development of China, Japan, India, Africa, Eastern Europe, and South America from the Stone Age to 1650. It will examine scientific, economic, social, and cultural trends, with particular emphasis on the influence of religion and philosophy that is not based on the Judeo-Christian ethic.

HIST-322 - INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY: COLONIAL TO 1865 3 credits: The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the history of the African-American in the United States. Beginning with an exploration of the African heritage, the course will explore the social, economic, and political role of African-Americans from the colonial period through 1865. The course will also examine the development of black culture in the United States, the diversity of this culture, and its contribution to American culture in general. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100

HIST-323 - INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY: 1865 - PRESENT 3 credits: The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the history of the Afro-American in the United States. Beginning with an exploration of the African heritage, the course will explore the social, economic, and political role of African-Americans from 1865 through the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The course will also examine the development of black culture in the United States, the diversity of this culture, and its contribution to American culture in general. PREREQUISITE: ENGL-100

HIST-425 - WOMEN IN HISTORY 3 credits: This course will trace the history of women in America. It will focus on their economic, political, and social roles, as America moved from being an agrarian society to an industrial one. The course will also examine the historical role of women after World War I, and the influence of the civil rights movement on the late 20th century women’s movement. Primary sources will be used in this course. PREREQUISITE: None.

HIST-900 - DIRECTED STUDY IN HISTORY: Semester hours credit will vary from one to three, depending upon the written, agreed- upon, approved, student-professor contract.