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History Department Course Description—History Courses  

Course Description     

| 200 level | 300 level | 400 level | American Studies |

HIS 111     Survey of Western Civilization I
An introduction to the Western tradition. From ancient Mesopotamia to the beginnings of the Reformation, the political structures, religious and philosophical beliefs, and cultural achievements of the Western tradition are emphasized. Fall Term.

HIS 112     Survey of Western Civilization II
An introduction to the Western tradition beginning with the Reformation and continuing to the present day. Political, religious and cultural themes are joined by economic and social advance in the modern world. Spring Term.

HIS 115     Survey of Non-Western Civilizations I
An introduction to the civilizations of Africa, India, China and the Near East from circa 3000 BC to AD 1500. Political, social, economic, cultural, religious and intellectual aspects will be examined using a variety of methodological approaches.

HIS 116    Survey of Non-Western Civilizations II
An introduction to the civilizations of India, Africa, China, Latin America and the Near East from circa AD 1500 to the present. Political, religious, cultural, economic, social and intellectual aspects of these societies will be examines using a variety of disciplines and methodological approaches.

HIS 201     History of Greece
A brief summary of earlier civilizations followed by a study of Greek political and cultural life, the military exploits of Alexander the Great, and the cultural patterns of the Hellenistic Age. Fall Term, alternate years

HIS 202     History of Rome
Rome from the earliest times to its decline with special emphasis upon the political, economic, and cultural unification of the Mediterranean peoples, the transmission of culture to Western Europe, and the rise of Christianity. Spring Term, alternate years.

HIS 204    History of the Middle East
An exploration of the historical roots of the peoples and cultures of the area. Topics are: the Judeo-Christian heritage, the Prophet Muhammad, the Crusades, and the Ottoman Empire. This survey traces the origins of the conflicts in modern times.

HIS 210     The African American in History
A survey of African American history, its social and economic meaning. The struggle for freedom and social and political equality. The contributions of African Americans to the cultural life in the past and the present.

HIS 212    The Role of Great Personalities in History
An examination of selected personalities who have made a major contribution to their age or time. Attention is given to the impact of the time and circumstances upon these persons. The assessment of several historical interpretations is used to evaluate the contributions of such personalities.

HIS 301     American History Before 1865
A topical survey of the history of America from the European, African, and Native-American origins to the Civil War. Special attention is paid to our roots in Western culture and the blending with other cultures. A survey of the founding, independence, nation building, and the disruption leading to the Civil War. Fall Term

HIS 302     The United States from 1865 to the Present
A topical survey of the emerging facets of an increasingly complex industrial society emerging from the Civil War. Problems related to an increasingly urbanized, multi-national society with effects upon politics, economics and culture are examined. Movement on through to a postindustrial society will be traced. Spring Term

HIS 303     United States Diplomatic History
The study of the diplomatic history of the United States from its inception as a nation to date. An examination of the foreign policy actions and trends in a chronological setting. Special focus will be on the war periods and the Cold War, from beginning to end. Alternate years.

HIS 304     The United States in the 20th Century
A concentrated study of the political economic intellectual, and social factors in 20th century America. An analysis of the meaning of such issues as World War I, the 1920s, the depression, World War II, postwar affluence, and the 1960s. Special attention is paid to the dynamics of modern America, the end of the Cold War, and the postindustrial society. Spring Term

HIS 305     Imperialism and Colonialism
This course examines the origins, theories and forms of imperialism and colonialism practiced in Africa, India, Latin America and the Near East during the 19th and 20th centuries. Attention will be given to discerning the nature of imperialism and colonialism, as conducted by European and non-European powers and viewed by the colonizer and the colonized.

HIS 309     History of Mexico
A survey course of Mexican history from the pre-conquest period to the present. Topics discussed include Mesoamerican indigenous groups, the political and religious institutions, socio-economic structure, and cultural legacy of Spanish colonial rule, and Mexican efforts after independence to come to terms with the industrialized world while retaining national autonomy.

HIS 311     England to the Stuart Age
England from its beginnings to the age of the Stuarts. Political, social, and constitutional history is traced through the 16th century, including the rise of England as a European and colonial power.

HIS 312     Modern Britain
From the Stuart age to the present day. The course traces the formation of the United Kingdom, industrial and political development, intellectual life, and Britain's role as an imperial power.

HIS 315     Survey of Economic History
A survey of economic history, from the ancient world to the present. The economic enterprises of the past are studied in the context of the societies which helped create them. Intellectual, political and social themes are used to analyze the achievement of economic activity.

HIS 343    Medieval History

From the decline of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance in Italy with special attention given to feudalism, economic and cultural patterns of the period, and the life and struggle of the church. Fall Term, alternate years.

HIS 344     The Renaissance and the Reformation
From the Renaissance in Italy to the close of the Council of Trent with emphasis upon the intellectual, artistic, social, and theological developments culminating in the Reformation movements.
Spring Term, alternate years.


HIS 363     History of Russia
A study of the cultural and political history with emphasis upon reformists and revolutionary tendencies. The rise and fall of the Russian empire; from autocracy to Communism and beyond. What makes Russia unique and what it has in common with the West. Alternate years.

HIS 364     History of the Far East
A survey of the major civilizations of the Far East, their history, and culture. Major emphasis will be upon China and Japan with a possible view of India as well. Focus will be on the unique qualities of these cultures through history to better understand their natures. Upon request.

HIS 370    Latin American History: Civilization and Culture
An historical survey of Latin America, from pre-Colombian times to the present, with emphasis on the
evolution of civilization and culture in the countries of South and Central America and the Caribbean basin. Beginning with the pre-Colombian indigenous societies, the course will then examine the conquest, colonial institutions, independence, and the emergence of modern Latin American nations.

HIS 385     The United States and the War in Vietnam
A study of the forces of politics, economics and ideology in inclining the United States into the war in Vietnam. This has been one of the most controversial wars of the 20th century and an examination of the factors surrounding our involvement and withdrawal provides insights into different cultures as well as the politics of the Cold War. Evening

HIS 390     Illinois History quarter course
A survey of Illinois State History and the Illinois Constitution for the benefit of students having to take the content test for teacher certification. It also seeks to expose the students to the history of Chicago and the major Native American tribes in the state.


HIS 405     History of American Culture and Thought
An examination of the social and intellectual currents which influence several aspects of the American character from colonial times to the present. Manifestations of these social and intellectual products are traced from the Puritan community to the 20th century dilemma of democratic rule. Consideration is given to the complex problems of mature nationhood, urbanization, industrialization, and the increasing secularization of society. Upon request.

HIS 440     Teaching History in Secondary School
This course acquaints the student with the variety of techniques, methods, and approaches in the teaching of history through a schedule of personal consultations, assigned readings, and classroom visits. Students familiarize themselves with some of the most recent developments in the field. Prerequisite: EDU 410. Upon request.

HIS 443     History of Europe from 1815 to the Eve of the First World War
An analysis of the spirit of 19th century Europe as reflected in the political revolutions, the rise of nationalism, the unification's of Italy and Germany, and the scientific and cultural movements of the period. Alternate years.

HIS 444     Europe in the 20th Century
A topical survey of the dramatic events occurring in the 20th century including two World Wars,
Bolshevism, Fascism, a bipolar world, and the process of emerging nations. Alternate years.

HIS 445     Topical History Seminar
Topics change each term. The seminars are taught by different members of the department and acquaint the student with the nature of historical inquiry and the use of primary sources. Can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Upon request.

HIS 451     Seminar in Historiography
A detailed and intensive study of the art and science of the writing of history. Lectures, discussions, and
class reports. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Upon request.

HIS 452     Senior Thesis
This course is required of every student majoring in history and is to demonstrate the research, writing, and analytical skills of the graduating senior. To be taken in the first or second term of the senior year, this research paper will provide evidence of what the student has learned by having been a history major in terms of knowledge, skills, and insights. The topic of the paper will be selected by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor.

HIS 492     Independent Study
A student majoring in the Department of History is encouraged to engage in independent study. The area of investigation must be approved by the chair of the department. A thesis must be presented, giving evidence of the scope of research and depth of insight gained. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

HIS 495     Honors Independent Research half course
The course affords Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in the field of history culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of the research methods and findings. This course must be taken concurrently with another 300-400 course in the major or minor, facilitating faculty supervision and guidance. Permission of the faculty supervisor and the Director of the Honors Program required prior to registration. Fall Term, January Term, Spring Term, Summer Term.

American Studies
American studies is an interdepartmental major that draws upon the courses of several departments and allows students considerable flexibility and choice in structuring their program of study. The major consists of nine courses. Of those nine courses, the student is required to take at least two in American history and one in American literature. The remainder of the courses may be selected from the list of classes below in consultation with the American studies adviser.

  • EDU 204 American Education

  • EDU 261/361 Literature of the Civil War (January Term)

  • ENG 351 American Literature I

  • ENG 352 American Literature II

  • ENG 423 American Fiction

  • GEO 315 Regional Study of United States and Canada

  • HIS 210 The African American in History

  • HIS 301 American History Before 1865

  • HIS 302 The United States from 1865 to the Present

  • HIS 303 United States Diplomatic History

  • HIS 304 The United States in the Twentieth Century

  • HIS 405 History of American Culture and Thought

  • POL 201 American Federal Government

  • POL 202 American State and Local Government

  • POL 300 Metropolitan Government and Politics

  • POL 319 Foundations of American Political Thought

  • SOC 304 Majority-Minority Relations

  • THL 350 Religion in America

  • URB 291 Suburbia: People, Problems, and Policies

  • URB 300 Metropolitan Government and Politics

  • URB 421 Practical Politics and Political Campaigning