Course Descriptions - History

This course examines world history from human origins to end of the 13th century CE. By looking at history from a global and comparative lens, students will develop both a complex understanding of the variety of cultural, political, social, economic, and religious systems that prevailed in different world regions at different times and an appreciation of the universal elements of human societies and the patterns of development and change. We will look at world history from early human migrations, through the development of agriculture and pastoralism, to the construction of states and empires in Afro-Eurasia, the Americas, and the Trans-Pacific. We will consider the changing nature of political authority, social organization, systems of production and exchange, and religious beliefs and practices. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the ongoing formation of historical knowledge and direct experience with the interpretation of primary historical sources.

This course examines world history from the 14th century CE to the present. By looking at history from a global and comparative lens, students will develop both a complex understanding of the variety of cultural, political, social, economic, and religious systems that prevailed in different world regions at different times and an appreciation of the universal elements of human societies and the patterns of development and change. We will look at the construction of new empires of land, labor, and commerce, and the revolutions of the Modern era. We will consider the changing nature of political authority, social organization, systems of production and exchange, and religious beliefs and practices. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the ongoing formation of historical knowledge and direct experience with the interpretation of primary historical sources.

This course examines the human migratory phase that led to the initial peopling of the Americas beginning ca. 35,000 BCE; it explores the first colonial period that began ca. 7500 BCE with the rise of domesticated agriculture and the consequent establishment of major civilizations in South America, Meso-America, and North America; and it covers the second colonial period initiated by the arrival of the Spanish in 1492 and that began drawing to a conclusion in the late eighteenth century. Study of the second colonial period includes the colonization of North America, Central America, The Caribbean, and South America by six European empires: the Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Russian, and English.

Western civilization refers to the cultures and traditions today most associated with Europe and the United States, but which emerged in modern-day Iraq and spread both east and west. In this course, we will examine a variety of civilizations that developed and were influenced by cultures centered on the Mediterranean, such as the ancient Hittites, the Roman Empire, and the Islamic world. We will consider the ways these diverse civilizations interacted with their neighbors, ruled their territory, and understood the world they lived in.

Western civilization refers to the cultures and traditions today most associated with Europe and the United States, but which emerged in what is now Iraq and spread both east and west. In this course, we will look at how West became associated with Europe and the United States as West was continually redefined as Europeans encountered others (both peacefully and violently) around the globe. We will examine the emergence of core cultural traditions associated with the West, such as nationalism, democracy, capitalism, and racism.

This course explores the formative events and ideas that shaped the United States from the colonial era through Reconstruction. We examine the ideological origins of the American Revolution, the challenges facing the new republic (both domestically and internationally), the contradictions between the ideals of liberty and the institution of slavery, and the violent rejection of Reconstruction after the Civil War. We engage with primary sources and diverse historical interpretations to develop our own perspectives on the past.We strongly encourage students to complete College Writing or the equivalent before taking this course.

This course focuses on the major social and cultural issues in United This course focuses on the major cultural, social and political issues in United States history from the late nineteenth century Gilded Age through the end of the twentieth century. We look at the influence of the industrial revolution, the impact of increasing levels of European and Asian immigration, the rise of organized labor, the Great Depression, the Cold War, the impact of United States foreign policy, and countercultural movements. The student will gain insight into the aspects that are most crucial for a solid understanding of the nation's history.

This course covers the major changes in the nature of work, the workforce, and the institutions involved in the labor history of the United States, and it addresses the social, economic, and political aspects of labor history in both a U.S. and a global context. This course is intended as a general elective or required for Construction Technology AS or A.A.S. degree.

This course investigates the role played by race in the shaping of United States history. We examine the concept of race and the historical relationships in America between those of African, Asian, European, and Native descents. We will examine Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement and current racial issues. The goal is to broaden student understanding of United States history by a focused study of its multi-faceted racial relationships throughout the centuries.

This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.

Each semester this course is devoted to the history of a specific world region, and the region will change from semester to semester. The goal is to provide the student with the opportunity for an in-depth study of specific societies and specific cultures from around the world. The course may be repeated for credit under a different subtitle as the subject matter changes.

This course uses popular culture entertainment to introduce historical research methods and examine questions of ethical use of history. We will look at how history is portrayed and presented in diverse forms of popular culture entertainment, such as film, novels, comics, etc. We will also look at how popular culture reflects the social and cultural values of the audience it entertains. As we examine the ways history is leveraged as a source of entertainment, each student will develop their own views on what is considered ethical use of history, and what is considered abuse of history.Students need to students complete a 1000-level history course prior to enrolling in this course.

This course is a writing-intensive research methods course that incorporates a service-learning component. Students will learn how to use and interpret various historical sources, such as archival material, oral history, photographs and video. Students will also learn how to use and interpret secondary source materials. The goal of the course is for the students to produce a publishable-quality research paper on a topic related to local history, with an emphasis on the relationship between local history and larger historical developments at the state, national, and/or global level. Prerequisite: Any 1000 level history class; English 1201-1202 Sequence