American History Courses

The Buffalo Soldiers

History 230. Historiography and Methodology. 3(1). A history practicum that is the “how to” course for history majors. The course begins with a survey of historiography, or “the history of historical writing.” Most of the course is devoted to practicing historical methodology (historical "detective work," critical analysis of evidence, asking and answering historical questions, and oral and written presentation skills). Each student will write and present a major research paper on a topic of their choosing. Final paper. Coreq/Prereq: History 302 or department permission. Sem hrs: 3 fall or spring.

History 332. History of U.S. Foreign Policy. 3(1). Examines major developments in U.S. foreign policy from colonial times to the present, with particular emphasis on the twentieth century. The course will focus on the motives behind the conceptualization of diplomatic goals, the search for appropriate tactics to achieve policy objectives, and the consequences of U.S. foreign policy at home and abroad. Coursework centers on classroom lecture and discussion, and extensive analysis of interpretive essays and primary documents. Term paper and final exam. Prereq: History 101. Sem hrs: 3 spring of odd-numbered years.

History 335. History of the American West. 3(1). A study of the special contributions of the American West to the evolution of the United States. Throughout their history Americans have been intrigued and fascinated by their vast frontier. The American frontier served as a granary and a safety valve while helping to shape the American character. This course will explore the validity of Frederick Jackson Turner's frontier thesis and the events that made the West unique. Term paper and final exam. Prereq: History 101. Sem hrs: 3 fall of even-numbered years.

History 336. History of the American South. 3(1). Examines the special contributions of the South to the evolution of the United States, and analyzes the major themes of Southern history in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Emphasis will be placed on understanding ideas and values, especially as the people of the South have perceived them, and their role in Southern society. This course will focus on how Southern society evolved differently from the rest of the United States, and seemingly over a century and a half merged with mainstream America while maintaining a unique identity. Term paper and final exam. Prereq: History 101. Sem hrs: 3 fall of odd-numbered years.

History 338. Colonial Warfare. 3(1). A comprehensive examination of the competition and conflicts that resulted from European explorations and conquests of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries that erupted into serial warfare in the eighteenth century. These conflicts exposed all sides to different modes of warfare that would shape future combat. This course examines the causes for these wars (with an emphasis on the conflicts in North America), the changes in tactics and strategy that resulted from the clash of cultures, and the ideologies that sprang from colonization. Term paper and final exam. Prereq: History 202. Sem hrs: 3 fall of even-numbered years.

History 339.  The American Civil War. 3(1). A multidimensional examination of the causes, conduct, and legacy of the American Civil War. An in-depth analysis of Southern sectionalism will precede a comprehensive discussion of all aspects of the war itself: military, economic, cultural, social, political, technological and ideological. The course will conclude by describing the short and long-term effects of the war on the American military establishment. Term paper and final exam. Prereq: History 202. Semester hrs: 3 fall.

History 351. The Foundations of Modern America. 3(1). Examines the political, intellectual, social, and economic origins and development of the United States from the first settlements through the Reconstruction period (1865-1877). Emphasizes the importance of the colonial experience, the Revolution, the national period, the growth of democracy, westward expansion, and the Civil War and Reconstruction in shaping modern America. Term paper and final exam. Sem hrs: 3 fall or spring.

History 352. The History of Modern America. 3(1). Continues the examination of the political, intellectual, social, and economic development of the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present. Concentrates on the growth of the United States as a major economic and political power. Special attention is given to the impact of industrialization, urbanization, immigration, reform movements, mass culture, domestic economic fluctuations, governmental expansion, and military involvements during the twentieth century. Term paper and final exam. Sem hrs: 3 fall or spring.

History 394. The American Way of War. 3(1). This course surveys the history of American warfare from the colonial period to the present. It focuses primarily on the nature of American warfare, and addresses the question of whether there is a peculiar American way of war. The course deals with such issues as the American attitude toward war, civil-military relations, force structure, the role of professional leadership, and the impact of technology. Term paper and final exam. Coreq/Prereq: History 302. Sem hrs: 3 spring of odd-numbered years.

History 480. Studies in American Civilization. 3(1). Examines conflict and stability at various historical periods in American society; emphasizing such institutions as government, education, religion, the military, business, the family, media, and sports. Focus will change each semester. Final exam. Prereq: History 351 or 352 or department permission. Sem hrs: 3 fall.

History 483. Great Americans. 3(1). Examines the role of the individual in American history. Through the illuminating prism of biography, the lives of selected prominent Americans will be studied in order to understand the unique personal qualities that contributed to their success and to determine the extent to which individual actions impact the course of history. Political, military, business, labor, scientific, and literary figures will be featured. Term paper and final exam. Prereq: History 202. Sem hrs: 3 spring of even-numbered years.