HIST - History

Course Descriptions

 

HIST 1000 World Systems since 1500 (3)

Examines the origin and evolution of the current world system. The course explores the political, cultural, technological, social and economic forces that have shaped world history from 1500 until the present. Cross-listed with INTL 1500. GCP Coding: (GLBL) (CRI).

HIST 1010 Topics in History (1-3)

Introductory course of a survey nature covering various topics. Recent topics have included the American West, American history through folk song and story, historians and the American experience, and religion in America. May be repeated for credit if content differs. 

HIST 1100 World Civilizations before 1500 (3)

Examines the evolution of ancient and pre-modern cultures throughout the world with a focus on the development of the ideas, values, and social, cultural, and political institutions that have shaped the civilizations and the subsequent history of the world. May be repeated for credit if content differs. GCP Coding: (GLBL) (CRI).

HIST 1120 The Ancient World (3)

This course will trace the beginnings of civilization in the ancient world, from the first urban societies in Mesopotamia 5500 years ago to the independent development of such societies elsewhere. Geographically, it will range from the Atlantic to the Pacific, encompassing Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The focus will be on differentiating between universals of complex society formation and unique responses to situations peculiar to individual cases.

HIST 1150 History of Popular Culture (3)

Survey of social, psychological, political, and economic themes that are recurrent in the literature and entertainment of the common person. Particular emphasis is given to twentieth-century media influences. 

HIST 1200 Careers in History, Politics and International Relations (1)

This one-credit-hour course provides students majoring in history, political science or international relations with the opportunity to explore career paths, including those related to their academic disciplines. Through a series of assignments, students will identify their interests and skills with various careers. The course will include guest speakers from a variety of careers, as well as individuals from Webster University's Career Services.

HIST 1300 Colonial and Revolutionary America (3)

Explores the creation of American cultures and identities in the nation's formative years covering the colonial, revolutionary, and early national periods of American history. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 1310 Nineteenth-Century America (3)

Survey of U.S. history from early national period to World War I. Examines nationalism and sectionalism in the nineteenth century and analyzes the formation of American identity and values. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 1320 Twentieth-Century United States (3)

Survey of U.S. history from World War I to the present. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 1400 Civil War and Reconstruction (3)

The Civil War and Reconstruction were pivotal events in the history of the United States and continue to fascinate Americans today. This course will examine the causes of war, the events of the war itself, and the social and political changes that followed in its wake. In addition to examining the battles and the activities of generals and politicians, this course will also examine how women, African Americans, immigrants, and working-class people experienced the war and affected its outcome. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 1410 St. Louis History (3)

During the years since its founding, St. Louis has changed immensely, from a struggling fur trading post to a modern day metropolis. This course will examine the development of this city in the larger context of American urban history, We will examine the evolution of St. Louis over time and the efforts of its residents to change, reform, or promote their city. We will also discuss the role St. Louis played in American history at the national level and how its development compares with other U.S. cities. Finally, the course will examine the development of St. Louis's unique neighborhoods and the signature aspects of St. Louis culture. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 1500 American Studies (3)

A series of topical courses covering specialized aspects of the American historical experience, e.g., the Western story, utopian societies, folklore and legend, and theories of the American character. May be repeated for credit if content differs. 

HIST 1800 History of American Education (3)

Surveys the major developments in the history of American education, from colonial times to the present. 

HIST 2000 Social History (3)

Course concentrates on the way ordinary people lived in different times and places and their values, customs, beliefs, and social institutions. Content varies (e.g., the social history of war, crime, labor, popular ideas). May be repeated for credit if content differs. 

HIST 2010 Topics in Medieval and Early Modern European History (3)

A topics course devoted to an in-depth examination of chronological sub-periods or distinctive themes in medieval or early modern European history. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

HIST 2020 Topics in Modern European History (3)

Overview of the political, social, and cultural history of Europe from the Reformation to the present. Chronological periods or themes vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. 

HIST 2030 Topics in Asian History (3)

Studies the cultures and the political-social development of major Asian nations, with an emphasis on the period since the impact of Western civilizations on ancient cultures. Content varies (e.g., Japan, China, Far East, Pacific World). May be repeated for credit if content differs.

HIST 2040 Topics in Latin American History (3)

Introduces students to the history of culture, politics, and society in Latin America. Chronological periods and themes will vary. Topics could include Mesoamerican civilizations, the colonial era, modern Mexico, and overviews of South and/or Central American history. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

HIST 2050 Topics in African History (3)

Introduces students to the history of politics, culture, and society in Africa. Chronological periods of themes may vary. Topics include traditional heritage, slavery and its consequences, colonial experience, nationalism, and independence. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

HIST 2060 Topics in the History of Gender and the Family (3)

Devoted to the history of gender roles and the ideas and values associated with the creation of those roles in different times and places. Possible topics include the history of women, the family, men and masculinity, etc. May be repeated for credit if content differs.

HIST 2070 Topics in Non-Western History (3)

A series of courses that focuses on the history of developing areas of the world (e.g. Southeast Asia, India). May be repeated for credit if content differs. 

HIST 2090 Encounters with History (3)

A topics course devoted to an in-depth examination of chronological subperiods or distinctive themes in history. May be repeated for credit if content differs. GCP Coding: (ROC) (OCOM).

HIST 2200 History of Medieval Society (3)

Overview of European history from the breakup of the Roman world to the fifteenth century. The course focuses on the political, religious, and economic institutions that defined medieval civilization, as well as the distinctive philosophical, literary, and artistic contributions of the age. GCP Coding: (ROC) (WCOM).

HIST 2210 Early Modern Europe (3)

Survey of European history in the early modern era, ca. 1300-1650. The course focuses on the artistic, literary, philosophical, and scientific contributions associated with the cultural "rebirth" of the Renaissance and the religious ferment that led to the Protestant Reformation. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 2230 The Age of Total War: Europe 1890-1945 (3)

An exploration of European politics, society, and culture during a period dominated by two world wars. Topics include imperialism and great power competition, the Great War, social reform and class conflict, transformations in gender, the Russian Revolution, Nazism and Fascism, World War II, and the Holocaust. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 2240 Contemporary Europe: 1945-Present (3)

An exploration of European politics, society, and culture from the end of World War II to the present. Topics include postwar reconstruction and the Marshall Plan, the origins of the Cold War, decolonization, feminism and environmentalism, the European Union, and the crisis and fall of the Soviet empire, along with current issues in European affairs. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 2250 History of Russia (3)

Overview of Russian history with varied chronological emphasis. Includes Norse, Byzantine, and Tartar influences, the rise of Moscow, absolutism of the czars, and development of the Soviet Union and post-Soviet regimes. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. 

HIST 2280 History of England (3)

Overview of the political, social, and cultural history of England from the medieval period to the present. Specific period covered varies from semester to semester (e.g., the medieval period, the Tudor-Stuart era, modern England). May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. 

HIST 2300 History of Disease and Medicine (3)

Examines the impact of epidemic diseases on human history and the ideas and strategies humans have adopted to understand and combat their diseases.

HIST 2320 African-American History (3)

Survey of the African-American experience from colonial times to the present. 

HIST 2330 History of the Consumer Society (3)

Examines the development of and debates concerning modern institutions associated with consumption, such as department stores, shopping malls, and advertising.

HIST 2340 History of American Business and Management (3)

Traces the rise of business as a major American cultural institution, with consideration given to its impact on government, law, education, and social customs. Special emphasis is given to the changes in managerial thought and practice in the twentieth century, and the rise of big management and bureaucracy. Cross-listed with MNGT 2340. 

HIST 2360 Refugee and Migration Movements (3)

Studies the historical evolution of migration and refugee flows and examines their psychosocial impacts on peoples, states, and regions. Sometimes focuses on a particular region or people. May be repeated if content differs.

HIST 2370 U.S. Women's History (3)

This course examines the lives of women in America during the years from the Revolution to the present day. We will investigate the ways in which women have functioned as agents of historical change, as their lives and actions have both impacted and been impacted by major historical events. Particular attention will be paid to the changing nature of the family, changes to the work women did (both paid and unpaid), and the involvement of women in social and political reform. We will also investigate the diversity of women's experiences in the past. Just as today, "women" cannot be spoken of as a monolithic block; women throughout America's history have been divided and often had difficulty uniting across lines of class, race, and ethnicity. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 2380 The American West: Film, Fiction, and Reality (3)

This course examines the settlement of the American West as well as the role that the region has played in American culture throughout the country's history. Students will learn about the history of the West as a region for the earliest days of European exploration through the 20th century. Particular attention will be paid to the late 19th century, when western expansion was at its peak. We will examine western expansion from the perspectives of both American settlers and the Native Americans already living in the region. Students will learn about the diversity of the West throughout its history, and how the "Old West" of cowboys and gunslingers was only part of the story. We will also discuss the reasons why the popular perception of the "Old West" has lingered as a romanticized image in American culture. GCP Coding: (ROC) (CRI).

HIST 2390 Immigrant America (3)

This course examines the impact of immigration and ethnic and racial diversity on American society over more than two centuries. Topics include the changing sources of immigrants, the formation of ethnic communities, the process of "Americanization," the development of nativism, and the evolving law and public policy pertaining to immigration. GCP Coding: (ROC) (WCOM).

HIST 2410 History of Disability (3)

This course explores the history of disability and its emergence as an international human rights issue. It approaches disability as a social construct, recognizing that the experience and comprehension of “impairment” have differed over time and place. We will focus on the development of medical models to treat disability in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the responses of persons with disabilities and the evolution of the disability rights movement in the United States and globally since the 1970s. Students will have the opportunity to delve into a rich and fascinating history that affects us all and also to perform original research on the history of an important social movement.

HIST 2600 The Craft of History (3)

Introduces students to the methods of historical research and the nature of historical thinking. It is the aim of the course to help students: analyze and interpret books, articles, and primary sources; write substantive, organized, well-documented essays and papers; and become familiar with the most important library resources and search techniques in history and the social sciences. 

HIST 2610 Reading Course: Introductory (1-6)

Content and methodology are at an introductory level. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and filing of official form. 

HIST 3000 Ideas in History (3)

Examines the history of ideas and the role played by ideas in the social, cultural and political evolution of nations and peoples. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 3 credit hours of history or permission of the instructor. 

HIST 3050 Economic History (3)

Studies the genesis and development of economic institutions within societies, with attention to economic theories, productivity factors and wealth distribution. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 3 credit hours of history or permission of the instructor.

HIST 3060 History Roundtable (1-6)

A course allowing for in-depth examination of distinctive themes and topics in history in a seminar setting. There will be a special emphasis on the various ways in which events have been interpreted and reinterpreted by historians and by society. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of history or permission of the instructor.

HIST 3100 Diplomatic History (3)

Studies the foreign affairs of the major developed areas of the world (e.g., Europe, the United States, Japan). May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of pertinent history or permission of the instructor.

HIST 3130 History of Human Rights (3)

This course explores the development of international human rights as theory and practice. It discusses traditional concepts of sovereignty and national belonging and then looks at two monumental events that created new possibilities for "moral intervention" across international borders: The French Revolution and the birth of the anti-slavery movement in the context of European imperialism. The course also explores the rise of global governance and human rights movements both on the local and the global level. 

HIST 3140 Modern Imperialism (3)

This interdisciplinary course describes the origins and evolution of modern imperialism, tracing the arc of the "civilizing mission" and the relationship of imperialism to capitalist expropriation, cultural appropriation and genocide and human rights. In the latter part of the course, we turn to anti-imperialist movements, considering how the struggles of colonized peoples have reshaped the world. Finally, we consider the legacies of imperialism and the ways that imperialist forms of domination have persisted in the present. Prerequisite: One previous course in history, political science or international relations.

HIST 3150 International Affairs (3)

Employs regional or topical approach to selected international periods and issues, with attention given to knowledge of historical events preceding and influencing the topic under analysis. Content varies. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of pertinent social studies or permission of the instructor.

HIST 3650 History Practicum (3-15)

Students will work with a community, private, or public organization in an area related to history. Focus is the application of historical methodology, research, writing, and/or historical knowledge. A total of 6 credit hours of practicum may be used to satisfy departmental degree requirements, with a maximum of 3 credit hours counting as upper level coursework. Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of the department chair; specific prerequisites will vary according to topic. 

HIST 3800 Introduction to Methods of Teaching Social Studies (2)

Introductory course in methods and techniques of teaching social studies, with the emphasis on organization of teaching units and classroom procedures. Prerequisite: Acceptance to the Teacher Certification Program or permission of the director of teacher certification and field experiences. 

HIST 3810 Methods of Teaching Social Studies (2-4)

A continuation of HIST 3800. Prerequisites: Student teaching simultaneous to this course and acceptance to the Teacher Certification Program or permission of the director of teacher certification and field experiences. 

HIST 4000 Research Requirement (0)

Required of all history majors in conjunction with a designated 3000-level or 4000-level course. Recognizes successful completion of the departmental research requirement. 

HIST 4100 Advanced Studies in International Affairs (3)

Allows students to pursue advanced studies in a wide variety of subfields in international affairs. Subject matter varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 9 credit hours of history or permission of the instructor.

HIST 4200 Advanced Studies in European History (3)

Allows students to pursue advanced studies in a wide variety of subfields of European history. Subject matter varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of European history or permission of the instructor.

HIST 4300 Advanced Studies in U.S. History (3)

Allows students to study topics and eras in the United States in some depth. Subject matter varies from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 6 credit hours of American history or permission of the instructor.

HIST 4400 Advanced Studies in Non-Western History (3)

Investigates in-depth topics in the history of the non-Western world (e.g., Africa, Latin America, Asia). Specific topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: 9 credit hours of history or permission of the instructor.

HIST 4600 History Seminar (3)

Carefully examines specific topics or chronological periods, with an emphasis on historiography and research. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisite: Usually senior standing or permission of the instructor.

HIST 4610 Reading Course: Advanced (1-6)

Content and methodology at advanced level. May be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and filing of official form.

HIST 4620 Overview (0-1)

Designed to improve students' skills in analysis and oral communication within the disciplines of history and political science. Consists of a series of informal discussions with department faculty, culminating in a formal oral examination. Subject matter varies yearly. Prerequisites: Senior standing and major in history, political science, or international relations. 

HIST 4700 Senior Thesis (4)

Allows senior students to pursue significant independent research/writing projects in history. Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval of the department chair.