UG in History Courses at Keene State College
Sunday, March 29th, 2009IHHIST 111 THE ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL WORLD
Examines the development of first civilizations of the Near East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Americas; ancient Greece and Rome; the growth of the Byzantine, Islamic, and Western civilizations; European imperialism in Africa, the Americas, and Asia; and religious, political, and cultural change in Europe in the early-modern era. Annually.
IHHIST 112 THE MODERN WORLD
Examines the evolution of the major civilizations of the world (Western, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, sub-Saharan African, and Latin American) from the early-modern era to the present. It focuses upon the revolutionary intellectual, political, and economic changes that occurred during this period and their effects upon the world. Annually.
IHHIST 141 The West in the World
This course will follow the rise and spread of early civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China to the political, economic, and cultural foundations of the West in ancient Greece and Rome. Course concludes with an examination of the classical age of Muslim culture during the European Middle Ages. Fall.
IHHIST 161 American Perspectives to 1877
In this course, students will be exposed to a variety of American perspectives through time. Emphasis will be placed on the voices of the traditionally unheard such as the poor, women, African Americans, and American Indians. Issues of class, race, and gender will be explored from a comparative approach.
IHHIST 162 AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES FROM 1877
In this course, students will be exposed to a variety of American perspectives through time. Emphasis will be placed on the voices of the traditionally unheard such as the working poor, women, African Americans, and Native Americans. Issues of class, race, and gender will be explored from a comparative approach. Fall, Spring.
IHHIST 210 “Who Was Ben Franklin?”
Explores identity and power in the British Empire and American Revolution through an examination of Benjamin Franklin’s presentation of self in his autobiography. Additionally, through various biographies, we will consider Franklin as a “self-made man,” as the embodiment of empire, Enlightenment scientist, Revolutionary diplomat, runaway servant, and slave owner.
IHHIST 211 The Worlds of Early America
The years between 1500 and 1750 witnessed numerous encounters and conflicts as American Indians, Africans, and Europeans came into contact with one another for the first time. This course examines the new worlds in early America that resulted from these exchanges. The use of primary sources is emphasized.
IHHIST 212 BECOMING HELEN KELLER
An examination of the life and career of Helen Keller as a path to understanding the meanings of disability in American life. We will read Keller’s autobiography as a starting point for an exploration of what her life has meant in various historical contexts.
HIST 111 TRADITIONAL WORLD CIVILIZATION
A survey of the four major civilizations (Western, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and East Asian) from antiquity to 1500. Provides a generalized view of cultural, political, economic, and religious evolution. Fall.
HIST 112 MODERN WORLD CIVILIZATION
A survey of the four major civilizations (Western, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and East Asian) from the beginning of European world dominance (1500) to the emergence of the modern world. Provides a generalized view of cultural, political, economic, and religious evolution. Spring.
HIST 121 TRADITIONAL CIVILIZATION OF EAST ASIA
A survey of China and Japan from antiquity to approximately 1800. Establishes a broad picture of cultural values, social structures, and political institutions. Attempts to convey a sense of how both the common people and the elite lived. Spring.
HIST 122 MODERN EAST ASIA
A sequel to HIST 121. A survey of Chinese and Japanese experiences with modernization from the beginning of the 19th century to the present. The theme of revolution provides focus for the study of China. In the case of Japan, the main emphasis is on its rapid adaptation to the modern world. Fall.
HIST 141 WESTERN CIVILIZATION I: ORIGINS TO 1500
An introduction to the crucial ideas, institutions, and events of the formative centuries of Western civilization, from Moses and Machiavelli to the Parthenon and St. Peter’s. Fall.
HIST 142 WESTERN CIVILIZATION II: 1500 TO PRESENT
The revolutionary modern era is examined, from Luther’s dissent to contemporary student protest. Important landmarks include the birth of modern science; the Enlightenment; political revolutions in England, North America, France, and Russia; industrialization; and the tragedies and triumphs of the 20th century. Fall, Spring.
HIST 161 TOPICS IN UNITED STATES HISTORY I
A systematic introduction to U.S. history before 1877, emphasizing major topics within a chronological framework. Topics vary with each instructor, but always include Puritan and plantation colonies, formation of the United States, slavery and abolition, foreign relations and territorial expansion, the rise of mass politics, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. Not open to juniors and seniors except by permission. Fall, Spring.
HIST 162 TOPICS IN UNITED STATES HISTORY II
A systematic introduction to United States history since 1865, emphasizing major topics within a chronological framework. Topics vary with each instructor, but always include: industrialization and labor, immigration, the growth of cities, nativism and extremism, segregation, civil rights, centralization of American life, and the rise of the United States as a world power. Not open to juniors and seniors except by permission. Fall, Spring.
HIST 200 READING AND WRITING IN HISTORY
An introduction to various ways of reading and interpreting historical documents and to the major forms of historical writing. This course is intended to prepare students for advanced course work. HIST 200 must be taken prior to completing 13 credits in History. Fall, Spring.
HIST 252 THE HOLOCAUST
Examines the genocide and mass murder committed by the Nazi regime during 1939-45. Also surveys long- and short-term factors, including World War I and Germany’s failed postwar democratic experiment, that help explain the consolidation of a racially based totalitarian regime. Cross-listed as HOLO 252. Spring.
HIST 253 THE SECOND WORLD WAR
Examines the origins and outbreak of WWII, the course of the war in Europe and the Pacific, the complexity of military priorities and operations, the evolution of mass murder in Nazi-occupied Europe, and the war’s social and political impact.
HIST 261 U.S. SOCIAL HISTORY I: 1603-1865
Evolution of American institutions, including the family, social classes, work, economic relationships, roles of the sexes, churches, child rearing, education, and governments, from colonial origins to the mid-19th century. Not open to students who have completed HIST 161 with a passing grade. Fall.
HIST 262 U.S. SOCIAL HISTORY II: 1865 TO PRESENT
A continuation of HIST 261 for the late 19th and 20th centuries. Elements examined: the social consequences of industrialization and urbanization; the development of the public school system; the roles of corporations, labor unions, and professional organizations; and the changing roles of the sexes and governments. Not open to students who have completed HIST 162 with a passing grade. Spring.
HIST 265 MILITARY IN U.S. SOCIETY I
A social history of war, peace, and the military in America from the Colonial period through the Civil War. Surveys the development of U.S. military institutions, the nation’s wartime experiences, and how the military reflected American society and culture.
HIST 266 MILITARY IN U.S. SOCIETY II
A social history of the U.S. military from Reconstruction to the present. Focuses on the social composition of the military, the growth of federal power, American attitudes toward war and peace, and the development of modern warfare.
HIST 269 WOMEN IN MODERN AMERICA
Course describes women from the late-19th century to today. Themes include women and power, gender division of labor, women and family, and life cycles. Topics include women in unions, women’s suffrage fights, and women in world wars and in modern rights movements.
HIST 290 SPECIAL TOPICS
1-4 credits
Study of a selected topic in History. May be repeated as topics change. Fall, Spring.
HIST 291 WORLD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
A historical, literary, and philosophical introduction to the Hebrew Bible, one of the most important and influential texts in the history of world civilization. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between rhetoric and theology in the Bible. Fall, Spring.
HIST 321 LATE IMPERIAL CHINA
The relationship between the Chinese polity and society in the late imperial period (Ming and Qing dynasties, from the 14th century to 1911). Topics include the family system, important socioeconomic changes, and the persistence of traditional culture, thought and institutions into modern times.
HIST 322 THE CHINESE REVOLUTION
China’s revolutionary transformation in the 20th century. Includes the social and political origins of revolution, the Communist movement and rise of Mao, defeat of Nationalists, and the creation of the People’s Republic and its principal domestic and foreign policies to the present.
HIST 324 MODERN JAPAN
From the Tokugawa period to the present, this course traces Japan’s transition from a feudal to an industrial society, the decline of the Samurai class and the rise of cities, merchants, and urban culture; the Meiji Restoration and political reform; imperialist expansion; war; American occupation; and postwar changes contributing to Japan’s “miraculous” economic growth. Spring.
HIST 330 ANCIENT CIVILIZATION
The dawn of civilization: ancient Mesopotamia – life in the valley of the two rivers; ancient Egypt – civilization in the Nile Valley; the smaller kingdoms of the Hittites, Phoenicians, and Hebrews; the growth of the empire – Assyria and Persia. Selected cultural, economic, and political developments are studied. Fall.
HIST 332 GREECE IN THE CLASSICAL AGE
The evolution of Greek classical civilization from the Mycenaean origins through the Hellenistic age. The significance of the Polis is brought out by detailed examination of Athens and Sparta. Intellectual and cultural contributions of classical Greece. Fall.
HIST 336 THE MEDIEVAL WORLD: 400-1500
Europe and the Byzantine and Islamic worlds from the collapse of the western Roman Empire to the discovery of America by Columbus. Feudalism, manorialism, the role of the Church, the rise of the nation-state, the growth of cities, the revival of the economy, and the development of technology. Spring.
HIST 337 EUROPE: 1400-1600
The events of the 15th and 16th centuries laid the foundations of the modern western world, from the Renaissance and the print revolution to war with the Turks in the East and the conquest of American natives in the West and the Reformation and religious war.
HIST 338 EUROPEAN ENCOUNTERS IN THE NEW WORLD
This course will examine the interactions of Europeans with the climate, cultures, and peoples of the Americas from 1492 to 1800. Special attention will be given to questions about how discovery and conquest shaped Europeans’ images of themselves and their own cultures. Occasionally.
HIST 339 THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
This course will explore central themes of the period in European history known as the Enlightenment (1650-1800), such as race, gender, religious tolerance, materialism, and political engagement. Students will explore these themes in writing assignments and class presentations based on close readings of primary and secondary sources. Occasionally.
HIST 340 THE FRENCH REVOLUTION AND THE NAPOLEONIC EMPIRE
Covers in detail the causes, progress, and consequences of the French Revolution and the rise and fall of the Napoleonic Empire. Fall.
HIST 341 EUROPE FROM WATERLOO TO VERSAILLES
Examines the post-Napoleonic restoration; the forces of nationalism, liberalism, and imperialism; and the origins of World War I. Spring.
HIST 342 EUROPE 1918-1945
The history of Europe from the Versailles treaty to the end of World War II, with special attention given to the rise of Fascism in Germany and Italy and the political and diplomatic events of World War II. Spring.
HIST 343 EUROPE SINCE 1945
Political, diplomatic, and economic developments in Europe, notably in the major countries of Western Europe. Fall.
HIST 349 FRANCE SINCE 1815
History of post-Napoleonic France, including the Restoration and the beginnings of Republicanism and its evolution during the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Republics. Spring.
HIST 351 19TH-CENTURY GERMANY
After reviewing the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, this course examines the impact on Germany of the French Revolution, the role of philosophy in Germany’s development, the policies of Metternich, Bismarck’s role in German unification, and the origins of WWI. Prerequisite: HIST 142. Fall.
HIST 352 20TH-CENTURY GERMANY
World War I and its impact on Germany’s Weimar Republic, the rise of National Socialism and Hitler’s seizure of power, the Nazi racial state and Holocaust, World War II, and the influence of the cold war on Germany’s postwar development. Prerequisite: HIST 142. Not open to students who have taken HIST 353. Spring.
HIST 353 NAZI GERMANY AND THE HOLOCAUST
Examines the Nazi rise to power during the Weimar Republic, the consolidation of totalitarian rule, the transformation of racial ideology into policy, Hitler’s foreign policy as prelude to war, World War II, and the Holocaust. Cross-listed as HOLO 353. Prerequisite: HIST 142. Spring, even years.
HIST 356 READINGS IN THE HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
Examines selected topics in the development of scientific thought and philosophy of science. Fall.
HIST 360 THE AMERICAN COLONIES TO 1763
Examines the foundation of the American colonies and the economic, social, and political problems besetting them from their establishment to the close of the Great War for Empire, 1763. Fall.
HIST 361 THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Examines the causes of the conflicts of 1763 to 1783, the nature of the Revolution, the Confederation years, the establishment of the Constitution and changes to 1789. Spring.
HIST 362 THE EARLY AMERICAN REPUBLIC 1789-1850
Examines political, social, economic, and cultural developments as well as changes in material culture from the establishment of the federal government to the Compromise of 1850. Fall.
HIST 363 THE UNITED STATES IN THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD: 1850-1876
Examines the coming of the Civil War, the secession crisis, the war itself, and Reconstruction. Prerequisite: Not open to freshmen without permission of instructor. Fall.
HIST 364 19TH-CENTURY AMERICA
Examines selected aspects of the century’s major developments; topics include, among others, immigration, the political economy of the Civil War, the rise of labor, elections and politics, and the Populist movement. Spring.
HIST 365 GILDED AGE AND PROGRESSIVE ERA AMERICA
Examines social, economic, and political aspects of U.S. history from 1877 to 1920. Topics include industrialization, immigration, politics, Populism, progressivism, and World War I. Prerequisite: Not open to freshmen without permission of instructor. Spring.
HIST 366 U.S. IN CRISIS: 1920-1950
Special attention is given to the turbulent ’20s and market crash, the anxieties of the ’30s and governmental response, the U.S. role in World War II and home front repercussions for women and Japanese Americans, and postwar traumas of bomb, cold war, and domestic readjustment. Prerequisite: HIST 162 or HIST 262, or permission of instructor. Fall.
HIST 367 MODERN AMERICA: 1950-PRESENT
Describes United States in the modern age of Cold War and fears of domestic subversion, domestic reform upheavals of blacks, students, women in 1960s and 1970s; major changes for economy and labor. Prerequisite: HIST 162 or HIST 262, or permission of the instructor. Spring.
HIST 390 STUDIES IN HISTORY
1-4 credits
Examines a selected subject or theme in history at an intermediate level. May be repeated as subjects or themes change. Fall, Spring.
HIST 393 TOPICS IN HISTORY OF IDEAS
Examines a selected topic in intellectual history, cultural history, or history of philosophy. Readings are drawn from primary sources. May be repeated as topics change. Prerequisite: One course in History or permission of instructor. Cross-listed as PHIL 393. Fall, Spring.
HIST 490 ADVANCED SPECIAL TOPICS
1-4 credits
Study of a selected topic in History at an advanced level. May be repeated as topics change. Fall, Spring.
HIST 495 SEMINAR
Discussion of problems and issues in History. May be repeated as seminar topics change. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.
HIST 497 HISTORY INTERNSHIP
1-4 credits
Students research, organize, and write about historical materials in cooperation with historical societies, archives, museums, historical restoration projects, and other groups or agencies. The History Internship Committee, in consultation with the dean for Arts and Humanities, determines the credit value. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.
HIST 498 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1-8 credits
Intensive study of an issue, problem, or topic. Offered as independent study if proposed by the student or as directed study if designed by the faculty member. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.