History Course Descriptions 

This course is a survey of the history of Western Civilization from its earliest manifestations through the 17th century. The course begins with the birth of civilization, proceeds through Greek and Roman times to the Middle Ages and finally explores the Renaissance, the Reformation, the absolutist monarchies and the Scientific Revolution, ending with the Thirty-Years War and the formation of the nation state. Class hrs. 3.

This course is a survey of events in Europe from the 18th century Age of Enlightenment until the First World War. The student are introduced to the ideas surrounding the French Revolution and the victory of democracy over the feudal aristocracy, the reform socialist movements of the industrial 19th century and the clash of empires leading to the global warfare in the 20th century. Class hrs. 3.

This course is a survey of global history from its origins in the fifth century B.C. in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East until the 16th century rise of Western Europe and colonial domination. A thematic approach enables the student to sort through large amounts of factual material to find patterns of development while maintaining sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences. The rise and decline of major civilizations, the transition from an agrarian to an urban economy and the nature of warfare constitute some of the issues to be elaborated in this class. Emphasis is placed on exploring the historical roots of contemporary conflicts. Class hrs. 3.

This course is a survey of global history from the 16th century to the present. It explores the origins of the modern era and the forces, which have shaped the 20th century global relations. Attention is given to the development of Western democratic institutions through the English, French, and American revolutions and the European expansion into all corners of the world in the form of colonialism. The response of non-western societies to that expansion dominates much of the course and special emphasis is placed on the resultant changes in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The course also covers the effects of modern warfare on humankind and new international institutions as the world enters the 21st century. Class hrs. 3.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of transition in American history from colonial beginnings to an independent national state. It explores clashes or interests, sectional differences, and power conflicts as a new democratic system emerged. Emphasis is placed on changes in local institutions and on cultural and class diversity. Class hrs. 3.

This course explores the history of the United States from 1800 to the Spanish-American-Cuban War of 1898. Students study the growth of American institution, the struggles over slavery, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and the development of industrialism. Special attention is paid to Western expansion, the handling of the Indian affairs, and the broadening of political participation. Class hrs. 3.

The students examine the history of the United States from pre–World War I to the present; the development and impact of big business; the Progressive Era and World War II; the return to normalcy and the Depression; recovery and the New Deal; World War II and its aftermath; the Cold War, Korea, civil rights; the Kennedy administration and beyond. Class hrs. 3.

This course explores the historical roots and evolution of the U.S. Constitution from 1787 to the present, beginning with an examination of the document itself in the context of 18th century political theory and social relations as mirrored in the lives of its drafters, and continuing with an analysis of the constitutional controversies over broadening civil rights and popular participation of society through Constitutional amendment. Class hrs. 3.

This course is a study of Latin American history and geography to the present. The course of study primarily focuses on 20th century political, economic, social and cultural history of Latin America. Key issues covered include the relationship of Latin American nations among themselves and with the rest of the world. Course examines historical roots of region tensions, national economies, political instability, reform movements and revolutions. The course focuses on evolving role of women, religious upheavals, cultural/artistic movements and problems of sovereignty. Class hrs. 3.

This survey course covers the experience of Africans and African Americans. It begins with the settlement of Virginia and the arrival of the first African people to the British North America. The course includes a study of the African continent to the 17th century focusing on the movement of African people through the Atlantic Slave Trade. In North America the focus is on the role of African Americans in shaping the national experience. Topics include slavery and resistance to slavery, building of African American communities through the 19th century, impact and outcome of Civil War protest and African American experience prior to and following the Civil Rights Movement. This course attempts to review the experience of this group of Americans to the present. Class hrs. 3.

Students study the origins and institutional development of the U.S. presidency. The impact of particular presidents is assessed and the effectiveness of presidential leadership is also analyzed. Class hrs. 3.

The students examine the history of Africa from man’s beginning to 1600 AD. This course focuses on the main topics of pre-colonial history such as: Africa at the dawn of history and the beginning of organized societies; early empires of North, West, East, South and Central Africa. Special attention is paid to the African Atlantic slave trade and its impact on Africa. Class hrs. 3.

This course offers an examination of today’s multi-cultural Caribbean. The focus is on the region and the diverse forces that have and continue to shape the culture and society. Regional geography for the course focuses on both Greater and Lesser Antilles, as well as South America, and on the Country of Guyana. Emphasis of the course is on connecting historical processes to the diverse cultural, ethnic, political and social structures of the contemporary Caribbean. Class hrs. 3.

The students examine the history of history of Africa from the early 1600s to the present. Major topics of discussion are the colonization of Africa by the European nations, the African independence movement, and Africa’s challenges, achievements and problems today. This course also focuses on pre-colonial African cultural institutions (social, economic, political, educational and religious) and the impact of colonialism on pre-colonial African cultures. Class hrs. 3.