Department of History
Liberal Arts Building 4210F
Phone: 410-704-2923
Email: hist@towson.edu
Programs of the Department
The Department of History offers the following programs: the major in History; the History-Secondary Education track, for students planning to teach history at the secondary level; the minor in History; and the minor in Human Rights & History. Each of these programs encourages students to explore the study of history in depth. Students who major in History develop strong skills in writing, research, and critical thinking, abilities that are highly prized by employers in a wide variety of fields. History graduates have an excellent foundation for successful careers in most areas of business, consulting, public service, and government agencies, as well as in archival management, library science, historical preservation, museology, and teaching. The skills acquired can also serve as fine preparation for graduate work.
The department offers courses in the fields of American, European, Asian, African, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and World history. Courses can be chronological, topical, or national in scope, and special offerings include courses in women’s, ethnic, business, social, and cultural history.
All courses offered encourage an appreciation of the historical past through lecture/discussion, reading, analysis, and writing. Because history explores all aspects of human endeavor, History courses touch upon the insights of all disciplines from the historical perspective.
The Human Rights & History minor (HUMR) is a program intended to help students contextualize human rights historically. The minor is open to students in any major and is a good choice for students planning careers in government, law, the non-profit sector, social justice, and public service of any kind.
Internships and volunteering are great ways to apply what one has learned and to move toward acquiring employment after graduation. History offers many internship and volunteering opportunities including, but by no means limited to, the Maryland Center for History and Culture, Baltimore City Archives, Baltimore Museum of Industry, Jewish Museum of Maryland, Towson University Archives, the B&O Railroad Museum, and the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.
The department participates in interdisciplinary programs with International Studies, Social Sciences, and Women’s and Gender Studies; the minors in African and African American Studies, Jewish Studies, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Studies; and in Interdisciplinary Studies, tracks in American Studies, African and African American Studies, Comparative Ethnic Studies, Latin American and Latino/a Studies, Metropolitan Studies and Asian Studies.
Special Recommendations for Majors and Minors
Students must declare their majors and minors in the department. The major or minor should be declared during the second term of the freshman year or at the beginning of the sophomore year. Students will be given major/minor forms listing additional rules for a History major/minor. They will also be assigned an academic adviser who will help in preparing a program of courses. Students should consult their advisers regularly. Students also must update their records each term. A History minor who wishes to complete an internship must have completed 15 units of the required courses in History.
Advanced Placement
The department awards credit through the Advanced Placement Program of the university for scores of 3, 4 or 5 only.
Departmental Honors and Activities
The History Department sponsors the Theta Beta Chapter of the national history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta. The society presents lectures, films, and other programs. Students may inquire about membership requirements at the department office.
The History Department Honors Program allows undergraduates to develop their critical thinking and historical skills in a rigorous and collaborative environment that guarantees personal attention. The program is a two-semester sequence of independent study, the culmination of which is the writing of a senior thesis—a significant scholarly research paper prepared under the close supervision of a faculty mentor.
The department also offers travel-study courses that in the past have introduced students to China, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and several European countries.
Awards
The Disabled American Veterans Prize in History is awarded to a graduating senior History major who demonstrates excellence on the basis of GPA and merit.
The Mary Catherine Kahl Prize is awarded annually to a History major or minor of outstanding promise who has not yet been graduated. An essay in History written by the nominees is submitted as an integral part of the prize competition.
The Sander Senior Prize in History is awarded to a graduating senior who has been accepted to a graduate program in History or a related field.
The Matthews Prize is awarded to junior or senior History majors who demonstrate excellence based on GPA and merit.
The Arnold Blumberg Prize is awarded annually to the senior History major who has compiled the most outstanding record in the field of European history.
The Douglas D. Martin Sr. History Award provides scholarship support for undergraduate History majors with a minimum of 85 units who have demonstrated an interest in the study of Western U.S. history or native peoples.
The Distinguished Presidential Scholarship in History is based on academic merit. It is awarded to outstanding juniors and is typically offered every other year.
Courses
HIST 101 INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT CIVILIZATION (3)
Political, social, economic, and intellectual forces which shaped the pattern of Near Eastern and European life from the Stone Age through the decline of the Roman Empire. Core: Arts & Humanities.
HIST 102 EUROPE: FROM THE AGE OF CAESAR TO THE AGE OF CALVIN, FIRST TO SEVENTEENTH CENTURY (3)
Political, social, economic, and intellectual forces which shaped the pattern of European life from post-Roman times through the 17th century. Students who have successfully completed HIST 241 will not receive additional credit for HIST 102. Core: Arts & Humanities.
HIST 103 HISTORY OF EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION FROM THE 17TH CENTURY (3)
Political, social, economic, and intellectual forces which shaped the pattern of European life from the 17th century to the present. Not open to students who have successfully completed HIST 242. Core: Arts & Humanities.
HIST 110 EAST ASIAN CIVILIZATION TO THE 19TH CENTURY (3)
Comprehensive survey of the origins and development of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese civilizations, focusing on China as the fountainhead of East Asian civilizations. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 111 MODERN EAST ASIA SINCE THE 19TH CENTURY (3)
Survey of China, Korea and Japan in modern times, tracing their responses to the West and their modern transformations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 117 ISLAMIC HISTORY: FROM THE RISE OF ISLAM TO THE RISE OF THE OTTOMANS (3)
The classical period in the history of Islam from the rise of the Prophet Muhammad to the emergence of the Ottomans, who came to lead the Muslim world in the 14th century. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 118 MODERN MIDDLE EAST HISTORY (3)
Examination of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of the modern Middle East. Exploration of geo-political changes in the region; analysis of the impact of Europe on the Ottoman Empire and Middle Eastern nation-states, strategically, geographically, economically, and politically; study of imperialism, colonialism, modernity, and post-colonialism. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 121 LATIN AMERICA: COLONIAL PERIOD (3)
Political, economic, and social developments in Portuguese and Spanish America from the pre-Columbian period to the movements for independence. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 122 LATIN AMERICA: NATIONAL PERIOD (3)
Struggle for political, economic and social stability, international relations and cultural patterns in the development of independent Latin America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 135 HISTORY OF AFRICA TO 1900 (3)
A survey of Sub-Saharan Africa from the earliest times to 1900, including the evolution of traditional societies and cultures and Africa's interactions with the wider world; supported by archaeological, anthropological, ecological, geographical, literary, artistic and musical evidence. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 136 AFRICA SINCE 1900 (3)
An examination of political, social and economic forces of sub-Saharan Africa from 1900 to the present. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 145 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE CIVIL WAR (3)
Political, economic, social, and cultural forces which shaped the pattern of life in the United States from the founding of the colonies to 1865. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (HIST 147) will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: The United States as a Nation.
HIST 146 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES SINCE THE CIVIL WAR (3)
Continuation of HIST 145 from 1865 to the present. Students who have successfully completed the honors version of this course (HIST 148) will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: The United States as a Nation.
HIST 147 HONORS HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE CIVIL WAR (3)
Political, economic, social, and cultural forces which shaped the pattern of life in the United States from the founding of the colonies to 1865; emphasis on student initiative and active participation in the learning process. Honors College course. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course. Core: The United States as a Nation.
HIST 148 HONORS HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES SINCE THE CIVIL WAR (3)
Political, economic, social and cultural forces in American life since 1865; emphasis on student initiative and active participation in the learning process. Students who have successfully completed the non-honors version of this course will not receive additional credit for this course. Honors College course. Core: The United States as a Nation.
HIST 160 WORLD HISTORY BEFORE 1300 (3)
Analysis of the global trends in world history until 1300, including the study of migrations, encounters between different cultures, and world geography. Core: Global Perspectives (Note: for Fall 2011 - Summer 2012 this was Core: Arts & Humanities).
HIST 161 WORLD HISTORY SINCE 1300 (3)
Analysis of the global trends in world history after 1300, including the study of world travel and discovery, encounters between different cultures, and world geography. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 162 HONORS AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY (3)
Introduction to the history of Native America, from time immemorial to the present day. Honors College course.
HIST 200 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS (3)
Study of human rights abuses and responses in historical and contemporary context. Topics such as slavery, war crimes, treatment of refugees, and environmental devastation. Inclusion of many fields’ approach to the topic. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
HIST 202 CITIES OF THE ANCIENT WORLD (3)
An introduction to the social, political, and cultural history of ancient urban centers from the origins of the city in the 4th millennium BCE to the Fall of the Roman Empire. Core: Metropolitan Studies.
HIST 203 SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD (3)
An investigation of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in their cultural, historical and social context, with emphasis on the urban landscape in which they emerged. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
HIST 205 ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES IN HISTORY (3)
Ethical dilemmas and debates treated in historical perspective. Topics may include war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, political corruption, medical experimentation, or scientific experiments. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
HIST 206 INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL HUMANITIES (3)
Overview of the tools and techniques used by historians and other humanists in developing digital projects and outputs. Core: Arts & Humanities.
HIST 210 URBAN ASIA: PAST AND PRESENT (3)
Social and cultural history of selected metropolitan areas in the Asia-Pacific region; emphasis 18th century to the present. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
HIST 275 HISTORY OF ANCIENT ISRAEL (3)
Survey of the history and culture of the Israelites from Moses to the second Jewish revolt under Bar-Kokhba in 135 C.E.
HIST 277 A SURVEY OF JEWISH HISTORY (3)
Political, cultural, and socio-economic experiences of world Jewry from the Diaspora to the present. Emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.
HIST 300 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL STUDY (3)
Survey of historical writings, the theory of history, introduction to research. Not open to students who have successfully completed HIST 290. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core Requirement. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.
HIST 301 ANCIENT EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION (3)
An examination of the political, socio-economic and cultural history of Ancient Egypt from the Neolithic Period to the Roman conquest.
HIST 302 ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN AND ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS (3)
Political, socio-economic, and cultural history of the Ancient Near East and Anatolia from ca 3200 BCE to the conquest of Alexander the Great.
HIST 303 ALEXANDER THE GREAT AND HIS SUCCESSORS (3)
Conquests of Alexander the Great; culture and religion of Greece and the Near East in the Hellenistic period. Prerequisite: HIST 101, or HIST 160, or six units in History, or consent of the instructor.
HIST 304 ANCIENT GREEK CIVILIZATION (3)
The civilization of classical Greece, including the Minoan and Mycenean bronze age antecedents, to 323 B.C.
HIST 305 ROMAN CIVILIZATION (3)
The civilization of ancient Rome from the foundation of the city to the collapse of the Roman empire in the West.
HIST 306 WOMEN IN 20TH CENTURY U.S. HISTORY (3)
A multicultural perspective on politics, work, family and sexuality in women's lives. Prerequisite: HIST 146 or HIST 148 or WMST 231 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 307 THE ANDEAN REPUBLICS (3)
Economic, social, and political developments in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador from independence to the present. Prerequisites: 3 units in history.
HIST 308 WOMEN IN ANTIQUITY (3)
A survey of the social, economic and cultural roles of women from the third millennium BCE to the Middle Ages.
HIST 309 THE ETRUSCANS: ANATOMY OF A CIVILIZATION (3)
An investigation of Etruscan political, socio-economic and cultural history from the early first millennium BCE to Romanization.
HIST 314 THE UNITED STATES AND VIETNAM:1945-1975 (3)
United States-Vietnamese political, diplomatic and military relations from the end of World War II, to the support of France and the direct United States involvement. Prerequisites: HIST 146 or HIST 148 or consent of instructor.
HIST 315 IMPERIAL CHINA: THE LAST DYNASTY (3)
Ching (Qing) dynasty, 1644-1912; focus on the 19th century collision of imperial China and the West. Prerequisite: 6 units of history are recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 316 REVOLUTIONARY CHINA (3)
The ongoing Chinese revolution from the overthrow of the imperial government through the Nationalist and Communist periods. Prerequisite: 6 units of history are recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 319 JAPAN, 1830-1930 (3)
Japan's transition from the age of the samurai to emergence of a modern nation-state with an overseas empire and parliamentary form of government. Prerequisite: 6 units of History are recommended or consent of instructor.
HIST 320 JAPAN, 1930-PRESENT (3)
Japan's transition from wartime militarism to postwar democracy. Colonialism, war crimes, reconstruction, urban and rural communities, popular culture, the economy, civil society. Prerequisite: 6 units of History are recommended or consent of instructor.
HIST 322 HISTORY OF MEXICO: NATIONAL PERIOD (3)
The political, economic, social and cultural developments from independence to the present. Prerequisite: 3 units in history.
HIST 323 THE CITY AND URBAN LIFE IN LATIN AMERICA (3)
A political, social, and cultural discussion of cities and urban life in Latin America from the Aztec period to the 21st century.
HIST 325 GENDER AND SEXUALITY IN IMPERIAL CHINA (3)
A multi-perspective investigation of gender and sexuality within Chinese political, economic, social, cultural, and religious contexts from fourteenth to nineteenth centuries. Prerequisites: 6 units of history are recommended.
HIST 327 POST-SOCIALIST CHINA: FAREWELL TO REVOLUTION? (3)
The ongoing political, economic, social, and cultural transformation of Communist China since the end of the 1970s. Prerequisites: 6 units of history are recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 328 THE MAKING OF COLONIAL AFRICA (C. 1884-1994) (3)
An in-depth study of Africa under colonial rule from conquest to the end of apartheid (c. 1884-1994). Prerequisite: HIST 135 or HIST 136 or HIST 161 is recommended.
HIST 329 HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA (3)
Social and cultural change in South Africa from early times to present. Prerequisite: HIST 135 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 330 ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (3)
An examination of the ethical issues raised by scientific and technological developments in history. Core: Ethical Issues & Perspectives.
HIST 331 AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY: 1865 - 1950 (3)
Campaigns, tactics and institutional development of the politics, diplomacy, science, technology, and American society, from the colonial period (early 17th century) to the outbreak of the Korean War. Consideration of the financial and constitutional aspects of military affairs. Examination of popular culture and American perceptions of military affairs. Prerequisites: HIST 146 or HIST 148; sophomore or higher standing.
HIST 332 AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY SINCE 1950 (3)
Campaign, tactics, and institutional development of the armed forces in peace and war, presented in the context of politics, diplomacy, science, technology, and society, from the beginning of the Korean War to the present. Emphasis on the financial, constitutional, and cultural aspects of the American way of war. Exploration of popular culture and the perceptions of the U.S. military and warfare. Prerequisites: HIST 146 or HIST 148; sophomore or higher standing.
HIST 333 GLOBAL WORLD WAR II, SOLDIERS, CIVILIANS AND HUMAN RIGHTS (3)
Comparative exploration of globally committed war crimes and human rights violations during World War II. Consideration of sexual violence, civilian victimization and bombardment, racism, and ethnic conflict with regard to soldiers and civilians. Prerequisites: HIST 103/ HIST 111/HIST 118/HIST 136/ HIST 146/ HIST 200/ HIST 205; or POSC 105/ POSC 107; or GEOG 105; or instructor approval.
HIST 336 THE ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY OF THE MODERN WORLD: 1492-THE PRESENT (3)
A history of the global relationship between humans and nature from the European voyages of exploration to the present. Prerequisite: One 100-level History class.
HIST 337 HISTORY OF BALTIMORE: FROM MOBTOWN TO CHARM CITY (3)
The history of Baltimore from its establishment in 1729 to the present. Aspects include Baltimore as a colonial town; its rapid growth in population and commerce after the Revolution; its diverse population throughout its history, including the ways that African Americans and immigrants have shaped the city; Baltimore’s role in the War of 1812 and the Civil War; technological advances; modernization following the 1904 fire; and growth, decline, and addressing challenges in the 20th century. Not open to students who have successfully completed HIST 484 topic "History of Baltimore." Prerequisites: HIST 145, HIST 146, or consent of the instructor. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
HIST 338 THE MIDDLE EAST: AN URBAN PERSPECTIVE (3)
Exploration of identity and urban space in the Middle East during the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisites: HIST 117 or HIST 118 is recommended. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
HIST 339 THE MAKING OF THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST (3)
Ethnic, religious, political and economic factors that have shaped the Middle East since 1798. Prerequisites: HIST 118 or 6 units in history is recommended.
HIST 340 ISRAEL/PALESTINE: CONFLICTING PAST, CONFLICTING PRESENT (3)
History of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Prerequisite: 6 units in HIST is recommended.
HIST 341 THE GLOBAL SLUM (3)
Political, economic, social, and cultural forces which shape the pattern of urban life, especially challenges around informal housing and alternative settlements, throughout the world from 1800s to the present. Prerequisites: 3 units of history are recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 342 SAILORS, MERCHANTS, SPIES: PORTUGUESE ENCOUNTERS 1400-1700 (3)
Cultural, political, and economic aspects of the expansion of the European Portuguese in Africa, Asia, and America between 1400 and 1700 focusing on individual figures of travelers and adventurers and on the encounters between different cultures. Students are introduced to the study of the course topics by a choice of secondary literature that does not require previous exposure to European history. Core: Global Perspectives.
HIST 345 THE AMERICAN COLONIES 1492-1763 (3)
Founding of and the political, economic, and social development of the American colonies. Prerequisite: HIST 145 or HIST 102 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 346 THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD 1763-1800 (3)
History of the American Revolution from the Seven Years’ War to 1800. Prerequisites: HIST 102 or HIST 145 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 349 THE CIVIL WAR (3)
Sectionalism, the coming of the war, and the war years. Emphasis on political, economic, and social issues. Prerequisite: HIST 145 is recommended.
HIST 354 CONFLICT AND COOPERATION IN COLD WAR EAST ASIA (3)
Cold War conflict and cooperation between China, Taiwan, N/S Korea, Japan, the Soviet Union, and the United States. Prerequisites: three units of non-western history or the consent of the instructor.
HIST 355 HISTORY OF JAPANESE CINEMA (3)
A cultural history of twentieth-century Japan and its film industry. Prerequisite: 6 units of History is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 356 JAPAN IN THE NUCLEAR AGE: HIROSHIMA, NAGASAKI, FUKUSHIMA (3)
Impact of nuclear weapons and technology on Japan since 1945 in domestic and global context. Commemoration of the war dead, moral, aesthetic, and ethical responses to nuclear disaster, civil and political movements, and Japan's triple disaster. Prerequisites: 6 units of History, HIST 111 or HIST 320 is recommended, or permission of instructor.
HIST 359 THE FDR ERA (3)
History of the United States from the 1920's through World War II, with emphasis on the presidential years of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
HIST 360 RECENT AMERICAN HISTORY: 1945-1975 (3)
History of the United States from World War II through the mid 1970's, including political, social, economic, and diplomatic developments. Prerequisite: HIST 146 or HIST 148.
HIST 361 UNITED STATES LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUEER HISTORIES (3)
Multicultural perspectives on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer cultures and communities and their struggle against institutionalized homophobia in education, the military, the media, medicine, religion and government.
HIST 362 MAKERS, BUYERS, USERS: THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN ECONOMY 1500-PRESENT (3)
Examination of the American economy and changing forms of consumption from 1500 to the present.
HIST 369 THE HISTORY OF SHOPPING IN AMERICA (3)
History and culture of shopping in America from the 18th century to the present. Prerequisite: AMST 201, HIST 145, HIST 146, HIST 147, or HIST 148 is recommended.
HIST 370 DIPLOMATIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1900 (3)
The role of the United States in modern warfare, world wide economic and financial affairs, overseas expansion, the diplomatic impact of conflict in ideologies, and current international crisis. Prerequisite: HIST 145 or HIST 146 or HIST 148 is recommended.
HIST 373 INDIGENOUS AMERICAN HISTORY TO 1500 (3)
History of Indigenous societies in North America and South America from 20,000 BCE to 1500 CE. Primary issues include peopling the Americas, the rise of agriculture, cities, trade, organized religion, and empires, and variance in social organization and language. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for HIST 373.
HIST 374 THE AMERICAN WEST (3)
Study of the earliest Native settlements to the present, including Native cultures, the West as international crossroads, imperial conquests, the modern West, and the mythological West.
HIST 375 THE CITY IN AMERICAN HISTORY (3)
Development of the American city and its impact on society, culture, ethnicity, race relations, the roles of women, economics, and politics. Prerequisite: 3 units in U.S. history. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
HIST 376 THE BOOK, THE PRESS, THE NET: A HISTORY OF PUBLISHING (3)
Cultural, economic, and political aspects of publishing from the codex of ancient times to digital publishing. Prerequisites: two History courses, or consent of department.
HIST 377 ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY (3)
Political, social, and cultural history of Asian Americans from 1850 to the present. Prerequisite: 3 units in History or consent of the instructor.
HIST 378 IMMIGRANTS & IMMIGRATION IN THE UNITED STATES (3)
Comparative social, cultural, and economic history of selected ethnic groups and their relationship to the dominant culture. Emphasis on the late 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite: 3 units of U.S. history or consent of instructor.
HIST 379 NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY FROM 1500 TO 1900 (3)
Themes include the plurality of Indian societies, the dynamic nature of their cultures, and the active role Indian peoples have played in their own histories.
HIST 380 NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY SINCE 1900 (3)
The history of Indigenous people of the United States since the late 19th century.
HIST 381 AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY TO THE MID-19TH CENTURY (3)
The political, economic, and social history of African-Americans from their African origins through the antebellum period. Prerequisite: HIST 145.
HIST 382 AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY FROM THE MID-19TH CENTURY (3)
Political, economic and social history of African-Americans from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Era. Prerequisite: HIST 146 or HIST 148.
HIST 384 DISEASE AND HISTORY: FROM THE NEOLITHIC TO THE PRESENT (3)
Key disease events - including epidemics - in world history, from the Neolithic Era to the present. Consideration of the ways in which disease shaped historical outcomes, and of the process of reform in public health conditions. Prerequisite: 6 units in HIST.
HIST 385 WORKERS AND WORK IN THE UNITED STATES (3)
The changing nature of agricultural, domestic, and industrial work; business-labor relations; labor unions and leaders; role of labor in mainstream and radical political movements. Emphasis on the late 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite: HIST 146 or HIST 148 or 3 units in Economics is recommended.
HIST 389 ROOTS OF ROCK AND ROLL (3)
The roots of rock and roll from Tin Pan Alley to the youth movements of the 1960's. Social, economic and cultural origins of rock and roll as a legitimate popular music. Prerequisite: HIST 146 or HIST 148 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 390 MEDIEVAL CITIES OF EUROPE: A COMPARATIVE HISTORY (3)
The evolution of cities between 500 and 1500 A.D., comparing different regions in Europe. The role of the urban process in shaping the societies of Europe by establishing centers for commercial, artisanal, religious, and political activity. Students are introduced to the study of the course topics by a choice of secondary literature that does not require previous exposure to European history. Core: Metropolitan Perspectives.
HIST 395 DRUG USE AND DRUG POLICY IN AMERICA, 1492-1990 (3)
American usage of drugs, including alcohol, from the earliest settlements to 1990. Emphasis on their role in society, drug dependence, methods of treatment, and policies aimed at regulation. Prerequisite: HIST 145, HIST 146, or consent of the instructor.
HIST 397 HISTORY OF MARYLAND FROM COLONIAL TIMES TO THE PRESENT (3)
Major events and forces that have shaped the political, social, cultural, and economic development of Maryland.
HIST 399 ORIGINS OF WRITING (3)
Examination of the "invention" of writing in a global perspective and its relation with the emergence of complex societies.
HIST 401 THE DAWN OF EUROPE IN 25 IMAGES: 300 -1050 AD (3)
The rebuilding of Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire. Emphasis on the Church fathers, the Germanic tribes, Carolingian culture, feudalism and the Vikings. Recommended prior to enrollment: 3 units of European history.
HIST 402 EUROPE, MIDDLE AGES, 1050-1350: CASTLES AND CATHEDRALS (3)
Medieval culture, emphasizing the role of the church, emergence of the national monarchies of western Europe and the creation of towns and universities. Recommended prior to enrollment: 3 units of European history.
HIST 403 THE RENAISSANCE EXPERIMENT, 1300-1500 (3)
Political, economic, social and cultural changes in late medieval and Renaissance Europe. Recommended prior to enrollment: 3 units of European history.
HIST 404 THE REFORMATION: 1500-1648 (3)
Religious, political, economic and social changes in Reformation and Counter Reformation Europe. Prerequisite: HIST 102 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 405 THE VIKINGS IN THE MEDIEVAL WORLD: WARRIORS, EXPLORERS, POETS, AND LAWMAKERS (3)
A history of the Viking period (793-1066 CE), including the laws, literature, mythology, and archaeology of medieval Northern Europe. Prerequisite: HIST 102 or consent of the instructor.
HIST 406 EUROPE: 1815-1914 (3)
Economic, political, social and intellectual developments emphasizing the industrial revolution, nationalism and imperialism and the origins of World War I. Prerequisite: HIST 103 or HIST 108.
HIST 407 HISTORY OF IRELAND (3)
Key events and themes over a 2000-plus year history of the island of Ireland. Emphasis on cultural contacts and social exchanges, particularly the influence of the outside world on Irish history. Prerequisite: 3 units of HIST are recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 431 FRANCE 1643-1871: FROM PRINCES TO PARLIAMENTS (3)
Old Regime and the impact of successive revolutions on French society, emphasis on France's role in the growth of European liberalism, democracy and nationalism.
HIST 432 FRANCE 1871-PRESENT: PARIS COMMUNE TO EUROPEAN COMMON MARKET (3)
France's history from the Franco-Prussian War through European integration to the present. Political, social, cultural, and intellectual history: World Wars I and II, Vietnam and Algerian conflicts, European Union. Recommended prior to enrollment: 3 units of European history.
HIST 440 THE SAMURAI (3)
A comprehensive survey of the samurai in Japan from the eleventh to nineteenth centuries. Prerequisites: 6 units of History or consent of instructor.
HIST 441 GERMANY: 1871-1945 (3)
Analysis of the Bismarckian Empire, Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich, emphasizing the interrelationships between internal developments and Germany's role in Europe and the world. Prerequisite: HIST 103 is recommended.
HIST 451 THE HISTORY OF RUSSIA, 1801-1917: THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE IN THE 19TH CENTURY FROM REFORM TO REVOLUTION (3)
The Russian Empire’s history from the death of Emperor Paul to the Bolshevik Revolution and Russian civil war. Political, social, cultural, and intellectual history of the empire in era of serfdom, the Napoleonic wars, the Crimean war, the Great Reforms, the golden era of Russian literature and intelligentsia culture, industrialization, the Duma monarchy, revolutionary politics, the First World War, and the 1917 Revolutions. This course has been offered as a special topic; students who have earned credit for this course as a special topic will not receive additional credit for HIST 451. Prerequisites: HIST 103 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 452 HISTORY OF THE SOVIET UNION, 1917-1953: WAR, REVOLUTION, AND THE CREATION OF THE STALINIST SYSTEM (3)
Political, ideological, economic, and cultural factors influencing the fall of the monarchy, the Bolshevik Revolution, Leninism, and Stalinism. Prerequisites: HIST 103 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 453 HISTORY OF THE USSR, 1953-1991: FROM THE DEATH OF STALIN TO THE COLLAPSE OF THE SOVIET UNION (3)
Topical analysis of political history and theory, economic development, foreign affairs, social changes, and cultural and literary trends. Prerequisites: HIST 103 or HIST 452 is recommended, or consent of instructor.
HIST 462 THE HOLOCAUST IN HISTORICAL AND COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE (3)
Origins, implementation, and aftermath of the genocide; motivations of the perpetrators; responses of bystanders; and victims' experiences. Prerequisite: 6 units of coursework in modern European History, including HIST 103, is recommended.
HIST 475 HISTORY WARS: PUBLIC HISTORY THEORY AND PRACTICE (3)
Approach, theoretical understanding, and methodology of professional historians in representing history to the broader public. Prerequisite: 3 units in History.
HIST 478 ADVANCED STUDIES IN DIGITAL HISTORY (3)
Study of a specific problem or topic within digital history and the digital humanities. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.
HIST 484 HISTORICAL THEMES (1-3)
Study through lectures and discussions of a historical topic selected by the instructor. May be repeated provided a different topic is taken each time.
HIST 486 SENIOR HISTORY SEMINAR (3)
Research and writing in a specific period and area of history to be selected by the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisites: HIST 300, and 12 additional units of History (HIST) courses, and senior standing or department consent.
HIST 493 INTERNSHIP (3-6)
Experience designed to combine the research and content of history with work in historical libraries, museums, archival depositories, and similar agencies. No more than 6 units to be earned with any one agency. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Graded S/U. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisites: 27 units in history and consent of department chair.
HIST 494 TRAVEL & STUDY (3-6)
Countries and topics to be selected by the departments and instructors sponsoring the program. For complete information, write the chair of the department early in the fall of the academic year preceding the term of intended study. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisites: junior/senior status and consent of instructor.
HIST 495 INTERNSHIP IN HUMAN RIGHTS (3-6)
Experience designed to apply and test knowledge in human rights in a variety of real world settings, including U.S. port cities, U.S. immigration hubs and asylum centers, environmental agencies, and relief organizations located in the greater Baltimore region. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: 12 units in Human Rights-designated courses and approval of Human Rights coordinator.
HIST 496 DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH (1-4)
Research and reading dealing with a historical topic to be selected by the instructor and student; considerable attention to methodology. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.
HIST 497 DIRECTED READING (1-4)
Independent reading in history or related disciplines approached from a viewpoint that is primarily historical and dealing with specific periods, topics, problems or comparative developments selected by the student in consultation with the instructor(s). May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisites: 15 units in history or 9 units in history and 6 units in the related discipline and a minimum GPA of 3.00 in history and the related discipline and consent of department chair.
HIST 498 HONORS DIRECTED READINGS (3-4)
Independent reading in history or related disciplines on a topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor(s). May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Prerequisites: HIST 300 and consent of the History Department Chair.
Faculty
Professors: Terry Cooney, Rita Costa-Gomes, Andrew Diemer, Nicole Dombrowski Risser, Benjamin Fisher (Graduate Program Director), Alhena Gadotti, Elizabeth K. Gray, Kimberly Katz, Christian Koot (Chairperson), Michael Masatsugu, Oluwatoyin Babatunde Oduntan, Karen Oslund, Ronn Pineo, Akim Reinhardt, Robert Rook, Erik Ropers
Associate Professor: Benjamin Zajicek
Assistant Professors: Gilbert Chen, Victoria McAlister, Marcio Siwi, Jillian Stinchomb (Philosophy & Religious Studies)
Lecturers: Christophher England, Paul Stephenson, Amanda Walter
Visiting Assistant Professor: Ezgi Cakmak
Lecturer II: John Mancini