History Courses (HIS)
HIS 1101 - Western Civilization I (3)
Survey of developments in Western history from the pre-historic era to early modern times, including classical antiquity, Middle Ages, and Renaissance and Reformation.
HIS 1102 - Western Civilization II (3)
Survey of developments in Western history from modern times to the contemporary era, including the Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, French Revolution and Napoleon, nationalism, imperialism, two world wars, and the postwar era.
HIS 1103 - Honors Western Civilization I (3)
Chronological coverage same as HIS 1101. Enrollment restricted to superior students. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
HIS 1104 - Honors Western Civilization II (3)
Chronological coverage same as HIS 1102. Enrollment restricted to superior students. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
HIS 1111 - U.S. to 1877 (3)
Survey of American history from the colonial period through Reconstruction, including the Revolution, Constitution, Early National Era, sectional problems, and the Civil War.
HIS 1112 - U.S. since 1877 (3)
Survey of American history from post-Reconstruction to the contemporary era, including industrialization, emergence as a world power, World War I, Great Depression, World War II, Cold War, the expanding role of government, and global issues in the post-Communist era.
HIS 1113 - Honors U.S. to 1877 (3)
Chronological coverage same as HIS 1111. Enrollment restricted to superior students. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
HIS 1114 - Honors U.S. since 1877 (3)
Chronological coverage same as HIS 1112. Enrollment restricted to superior students. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
HIS 1122 - World History to 1500 (3)
This course surveys the origins, development, and character of the major centers of civilizations and their relationships to one another from the earliest civilizations to 1500.
HIS 1123 - World History from 1500 (3)
This course surveys the growth, development, and character of the major centers of civilizations from 1500 to the present. The course focuses on the growing interconnections among societies around the globe in politics, economics, culture, and technology and examines the wide processes leading to the emergence of the present world.
HIS 1124 - Honors World History I to 1500 (3)
Chronological coverage same as HIS 1122. Enrollment restricted to superior students. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
HIS 1125 - Honors World History II to 1500 (3)
Chronological coverage same as HIS 1123. Enrollment restricted to superior students. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
HIS 2210 - History Through Games (3)
This course will utilize a variety of different game formats, including video games, role-playing games, board games, and sports to explore historical concepts and events. Students will be encouraged to think analytically about the ways games interpret historical events versus textbook explanations.
HIS 2215 - History Through Movies and Music (3)
This course will explore historical topics through various popular culture sources, including movies and music. Students will be encouraged to compare the popular culture material with historical events as well as analyze the sources in the context of their times.
HIS 2220 - Cultural History of Alcohol and Drug Use in the United States (3)
This course examines attitudes, laws, religious structures, and political movements related to the prohibition and promotion of alcohol and other drugs in various periods in America's past. The course will examine films, music, novels, and dramatic works in an attempt to understand the role of mood-altering substances in American life. Particular attention will be paid to attempts to provide solutions to problems associated with alcohol and drug use such as the prohibition movement, Alcoholics Anonymous, medical-based treatment programs, and prevention programs.
HIS 2225 - The African-American Experience (3)
This course explores African-American history from slavery though the present day, with a focus on societal roles and contributions, along with political thought and cultural movements. The course emphasizes the importance of this history and culture in understanding the world today.
HIS 2230 - General Topics in History (3)
Historical examination of a designed topic of special and/or current interest and importance generally not covered in regularly offered courses by the department. This course may be repeated once for credit.
HIS 2235 - History of the American Civil War (3)
This course introduces students to the legal, political, cultural, and military conflicts that redefined the United States between 1845-1877.
HIS 2280 - Travel Study in History (1-3)
Supervised investigation of relevant topics in history through travel-study abroad or within the interior of United States. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Course may be repeated with permission of instructor.
HIS 2281 - International History of World War II (3)
This course explores the causes, features, and consequences of WWII within the international context, placing emphasis on the military, diplomatic, economic, technological, and special aspects of the Western and Eastern European and Pacific theatres. Students will examine the interconnectedness of events as well as the memory and legacy of the war in the US, Asia, and Europe today.
HIS 3302 - History of Religion in the United States (3)
A study of the development of religion in the United States, including denominations, beliefs, church life, and the relationship of religious beliefs to other beliefs and institutions. Prerequisite: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor
HIS 3304 - Military History of the United States (3)
A study of war in United States history from the Colonial period to the present, with emphasis on the role of warfare in United States history and the relationship of the military to the civilian. Prerequisite: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 3311 - Civilization of Greece (3)
Historical and cultural achievements of the Greeks and their legacy to the modern world.
HIS 3312 - Civilization of Rome (3)
Historical and cultural achievements of the Romans and their legacy to the modern world.
HIS 3314 - History of Game Design (3)
A focus on the history and development of different types of games and game mechanics. Emphasis placed on integrating games with their particular cultural and political context. Students will produce a working prototype of a game as part of the class.
HIS 3316 - History of Alabama (3)
A study of the demographic, political, social, economic, and religious aspects of Alabama's history, emphasizing the role of the state within the nation. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor
HIS 3331 - Western Thought since the 17th Century (3)
Principal ideas and political thinking from the Age of the Enlightenment to the present. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 3346 - Cultural History of the United States to 1877 (3)
A study of American society through its literature, religion, philosophy, and the arts. Emphasis will be on immigration patterns, European cultural transfer, and environmental adaptations that created the American character. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and HIS 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 3347 - Cultural History of the United States since 1877 (3)
This course provides a concentrated study of changing thought patterns resulting from the rise of Big Business, theories of the public interest, and the emergence of the United States as a world power. Wide opportunities for reading offered in religion, philosophy, literature, and the arts Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and HIS 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 3365 - Bioethics in Historical Context (3)
This course focuses on the development of bioethics, organized both chronologically and thematically. By situating fundamental ethical questions in historical context, we will analyze the influence of developments in science and technology (e.g., introduction of new drugs, transplantation, dialysis, cloning), as well as the cultural, political, and legal contexts of key ethical issues.
HIS 3375 - Research and Methodology (3)
A course designed to acquaint students with research methods and computer skills as related to the history profession. The principal requirement is the successful completion of a formal research paper in which students will demonstrate proficiency in research, writing, and basic computer skills. Note: It is strongly recommended that history majors complete this course during the first term of their junior year. Prerequisite: Nine semester hours of history surveys including one of the freshman/sophomore-level series. Note: Students must receive a grade of C or better for credit toward completion of degree requirements.
HIS 3382 - Travel Study in History (1-3)
Supervised investigation of relevant topics in history through travel-study abroad or within the interior of the United States Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor
HIS 4401 - French Revolution and Napoleon (3)
A study of absolutist-aristocratic France challenged by democratic-egalitarian ideals and revolution, including the role of Napoleon as conqueror of Europe and as propagator and destroyer of the French Revolution. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4402 - Nineteenth Century Europe 1815-1914 (3)
A study of Europe from the Congress of Vienna to 1900, including political, social, and economic developments in various countries, the rise of nationalism and unification movements, and imperialism. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4404 - Modern Eastern Europe (3)
This course examines political, economic, and social developments of nineteenth- and twentieth- century Eastern Europe from the Revolutions of 1848 through the collapse of the Soviet bloc and beyond. The course analyzes the impact of the disintegration of Russian, Ottoman, and Habsburg empires on inter-war Eastern Europe; examines the establishment, development, and eventual collapse of communism in the region; and explores the dynamics of post-Cold War European integration. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102 or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123 or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4405 - Old South (3)
An examination of the cultural, political, religious, and economic trends that shaped the colonial and antebellum South and the Civil War which ended that era. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4406 - New South (3)
An examination of the political, social, racial and religious trends and policies that defined the New South. Topics include reconstruction, redemption, agrarian unrest, Jim Crow, industrialization, Progressive Movement, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4407 - Jacksonian America (3)
A study of the emerging American nation. Topics will include Jeffersonian and Jacksonian democracy, the market revolution and slavery, the Second Great Awakening, and rise of reform movements, Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and HIS 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4409 - Infectious Diseases and History (3)
The courses provides a study of the causes and effects of infectious diseases on major events in human history from the Neolithic revolution to the present. A selected case study will be presented. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102 or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123 or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4410 - Gender, Health, and History (3)
Explores the historical relationships between sex, gender, and medicine in the western world and improves students' cultural and historical literacy, understanding of major health issues in the health professions, the role of gender and sex in medicine and culture, and the diversity of medical and social practices. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102 or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123 or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4411 - Colonial America (3)
Study of the colonial period from European discovery to the end of the French and Indian War, with emphasis on the political, economic, and social developments that set the stage for the American Revolution. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4412 - American Revolution and New Nation (3)
Ideas and institutions which led to American independence, the creation of an American union, and the development of a distinctive American culture in the period preceding 1800. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4413 - Sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction (3)
Examines territorial expansion, slavery, and sectional strife, and the resulting Civil War and Reconstruction. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4414 - Rise of Industrial America, 1877-1920 (3)
Examines the period in American History between 1877 and 1920. Topics covered include the results of Reconstruction, the development of the New South, agricultural decline and crisis, industrialization and urbanization, Progressive Era reform, the growth of America as a world power, and the causes and effects of World War I. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4415 - Post World War II America (3)
Examines the political, economic, and cultural themes in American history from 1945 to the present. Topics covered include the effects of World War II, the origins and development of the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s, the Vietnam War, the economic and political crises of the 1970s, the rise of conservatism in the 1980s, and the effects of America's rise to superpower status. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4419 - World War II (3)
This course explores the Second World War in its global context from its origins to its conclusion. We will examine the causes, conduct, and consequences of the war, the personalities involved, and the influence the war has had on the modern world. Both the European and Pacific Theatres will be examined, as will the home front. Emphasis will be placed on the political, military, and social developments during the war. Prerequisites: HIS 1101/1102 or HIS 1111/1112 or HIS 1122/1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4420 - History of American Minorities (3)
Study of selected ethnic, racial, cultural, social, and religious minorities, their treatment within and their contributions to American society. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4421 - African-American History (3)
An introduction to the history of African Americans from the 17th century to the present, including slavery, Civil War and emancipation, legalized discrimination, and the struggles for equality in present day American society. Prerequisite: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4422 - Gender History in America (3)
An introduction to the history of gender in America from the 17th century to the present, exploring the major economic, religious, social, and political ideas and developments which have shaped conceptions about gender in American history. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4423 - History of American Foreign Relations (3)
A study of the factors, forces, and functions in the making of American foreign policy from the 1760s to the present. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and HIS 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4425 - Introduction to Public History (3)
Introduces students to the field of public history and addresses the relationship of applied and academic history, the major debates in the discipline, and provides an overview of public history's subfields and historic traditions.
HIS 4426 - Arab-Israeli Conflict (3)
This course surveys the origins, development, and prospects for the future in the long-standing conflict between the Arabs and Israelis. Attempting to place the developing conflict within the wider context of the history of the Middle East from the late 18th century to the modern era, as well global politics, we will discuss some of the most important developments, issues and contention that are made surrounding this highly charged issue. Prerequisites: HIS 1101/HIS 1102 or HIS 1122/1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4430 - Civil Rights Movement (3)
Study of the origins of the Civil Rights Movement in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the beginnings of change in the 1930s and the World War II era, and the movement itself as defined by legal, political, and social conflict and change from the latter 1940s to the present. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and HIS 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4431 - The Vietnam War (3)
A study of the period 1946 to 1975 in Indochina with emphasis on American involvement in the region as part of the larger Cold War context. The course draws heavily on the new historiography of the Vietnam War that has emerged following the collapse of the Soviet Union and is based on newly declassified documents from the western world (especially the United States), Vietnam, China, Russia, and the former socialist camp. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor. Note: may be used for political science credit.
HIS 4433 - Modern Russia (3)
The development of the revolutionary movements and tsarist reform attempts, World War I, revolutions of 1917 and the Bolshevik victory, establishment of the Stalinist state, World War II, the Cold War, Soviet domestic problems, and the disintegration of the USSR. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4437 - Interwar and World War II America (3)
A study of America in the years between the end of World War I and the end of World War II. Topics will include cultural and economic changes during the 1920s, the causes and effects of the Great Depression, the programs of the New Deal, and the diplomatic, culture, and social causes and effects of World War II. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and HIS 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4438 - The Cold War (3)
This course explores the history of the Cold War, focusing on its origins, the major events (the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Berlin Crises, and so on), and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The emphasis of the course is placed on analyzing newly available primary documents from the Western and former communist sources and their impact on previous Cold War historiography. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102 or HIS 1111 and HIS 1112 or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123 or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4441 - American Constitutional Development (3)
A study of the American constitutional system with emphasis upon its origin and evolution via amendments and Supreme Court decisions. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor. Note: May be used for political science credit.
HIS 4443 - Late Antiquity (3)
Study of developments in the Mediterranean and Europe during the third through eighth centuries, including the fall of the Roman empire and the rise of barbarian kingdoms. The course examines the interrelatedness of economics, politics, warfare, and religion in shaping late ancient societies. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102 or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123 or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4444 - The Crusades (3)
Study of the origins and execution of the series of religious wars called the crusades. In addition to analyzing the various campaigns, the course also examines the phenomenon in the context of the social and cultural conditions in medieval Europe, Byzantium and Islam. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102 or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123 or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4447 - The Holocaust (3)
An examination of the Holocaust, from medieval origins of antisemitism to the persecution of the Jews in the 1930's, resulting in the Final Solution of the 1940's. This course will focus on the implementation of the Nazis' anti-Semitic politics and the responses of other nations to the Holocaust, examining the roles of victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. The course will also survey the impact of the Holocaust on the world today. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102, or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123, or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4448 - The West in American History
Study of the history of the American West from European contact to the present. Topics will include the role of the US government, the effects of American expansionism on immigrants and indigenous populations, and struggles over resources and territory. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4449 - History of Nazi Germany (3)
An examination of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party from their origins in the aftermath of World War I, through their rise to power to defeat of the regime in 1945. The course will focus on how the Nazis came to power and what they did when they achieved it: their policies and practices, collaboration and resistance to the Nazis, and ramifications of Nazi rule. The course will also address why such an advanced country as Germany would support such regime. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102, or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123, or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4450 - Environmental History of the U.S. (3)
An introduction to environmental history of the United States from the 18th century to the late 20th century, emphasizing the post-World War II period. The course will focus on the historical development of the science of ecology, the origins of environmental problems and solutions attempted by government and experts, as well as responses by grassroots activists over time. Prerequisites: HIS 1111 and 1112 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4451 - Modern East Asia
Study of the development and interaction of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean civilizations, the impact of Western cultures, twentieth-century conflicts, resolutions and accommodations. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4452 - History of the Medieval Middle East (3)
This course covers the Middle East from the time of the birth of Islam through the founding of the Ottoman Empire in 1517. This class will provide a thematic treatment of issues like historiography, religious division, slavery, gender, and the status of Jewish and Christian communities under the Islamic Caliphs and Sultans. Prerequisites: HIS 1101and 1102 OR HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4453 - History of the Modern Middle East (3)
This course covers the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt through the present day, covering the 19th Century, Zionism, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and the colonial and postcolonial periods. Prerequisites: HIS 1101and 1102 OR HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4462 - Age of Absolutism (3)
Survey of political and religious controversies that shaped affairs in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, emphasizing the cataclysmic developments in scientific, political, humanitarian, and economic thought that prepared the way for the rise of democracy in both the old and the new world. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4463 - Europe in the Age of Enlightenment (3)
Survey of European history in the 18th century, emphasizing developments in society, politics, economics, and culture. The course will broadly emphasize the changing nature of authority in the 18th century from the beginning of the century until 1789- the year of the French Revolution. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4464 - England to 1688 (3)
A survey of English history from the Anglo-Saxons to the Glorious Revolution, emphasizing the interaction of geographical, political, economic, and cultural forces which shaped England as a monarchy. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4465 - England from 1688 (3)
The final evolution of the English political system from the reign of William and Mary to the contemporary era, including social and economic transformations, the British Empire, the two world wars, the welfare state, and current issues. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4466 - Renaissance and Reformation (3)
Historical review of the transitional centuries bridging the medieval and the modern eras, including the rebirth of art and literature, the Protestant and Catholic reform movements, and the role of kings and states. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4467 - Medieval Europe (3)
Western Europe from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance, including religious and intellectual traditions and the revival of governmental institutions. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and 1102 or HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4468 - Europe in the World Wars, 1914-1945 (3)
The course explores Europe from the beginning of the First World War through the end of the Second World War, with examination of the causes, conduct, and consequences of World War I, the interwar period, the growth of fascism and totalitarian regimes, and the outbreak and effects of World War II. Emphasis will be placed on the political, military, economic, and social developments of the European continent during this period. Prerequisites: HIS 1101and 1102 OR HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4469 - Europe since World War II (3)
The course explores political, military, economic, and social developments of Europe after World War II, including the reconstruction and division of Europe, the rise and the end of the Cold War, the establishment and collapse of communism, division of Germany, military alliances, the European Community, and the efforts towards European integration. Prerequisites: HIS 1101and 1102 OR HIS 1122 and 1123 or permission of instructor.
HIS 4474 - Internship in History Education (9)
The Professional Internship Program is the culminating clinical field-based experience for students seeking certification in a teaching field. The Professional Internship Program provides the student with the opportunity to conduct classes and assume the role of a teacher while receiving supervision from a classroom teacher and a university supervisor for a period of one full semester. The student will demonstrate skills of the informed, reflective decision maker throughout the internship experience. Prerequisite: admission to TEP. Co-requisite: SED 4454.
HIS 4481 - Methods and Materials for the Secondary Teacher (3)
A survey of teaching methods and materials appropriate for teaching in the content areas for grades 6-12. Topics addressed will include teacher evaluation in the public schools, collaboration with special education teachers, and lesson planning formats. In addition, teaching methods, selections organization and use of history/social science materials for grades 6-12 will be covered in detail. A professional laboratory experience is included in this course. Prerequisite: admission to TEP.
HIS 4486 - The Caribbean (3)
A history of the Caribbean region from pre- Columbian times to the present. Topics will include the indigenous population, European colonialism and its legacy, the impact of slavery and racial diversity in the region, cultural and political revolutions, and the area's relationship with the United States. Prerequisites: HIS 1101 and HIS 1102 or HIS 1122 and HIS 1123 or permission of the instructor.
HIS 4490 - Senior Seminar in History (3)
The capstone course for history majors which synthesizes students' course work through research, historiography, writing, speaking, and reading comprehension. Prerequisites: senior standing at all institutions and HIS 3375. Note: Students must receive a grade of “C” or better for credit toward completion of degree requirements.
HIS 4491-92 - Guided Independent Research (1 to 3 credit hours)
Additional information is indexed under Independent Study and Research.
HIS 4493-94 - Guided Independent Study (1 to 3 credit hours)
Additional information is indexed under Independent Study and Research.
HIS 4495 - Selected Topics in History (3)
Historical examination of a designed topic of special and/or current interest and importance, which is generally not covered in regularly offered courses by the department. Prerequisites: Applicable survey courses or permission of instructor.
HIS 4498 - Honors–Independent Study (1 to 3 credit hours)
Advanced research and study for outstanding students in their major field. Culminates in report to a departmental committee that includes invited faculty members in related fields. Prerequisite: Senior level and 3.5 overall grade point average. Permission of guiding professor and approval of department chair and the dean of arts and sciences. A written request must be submitted to the department chair at least six weeks in advance of the semester the research is to be undertaken.
HIS 4499 - Internship in History (1-3 credit hours)
Supervised work in an agency that can provide practical experience in the field of study. Prerequisites: senior standing, at least 2.5 GPA, 12 hours in upper-division courses in the field, and permission of supervising instructor, department chair and/or dean. Course may be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.