Return to History

[1] United States History

2301 AMERICAN NATION I Required for the BA/BS major, history minor, and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) major. Satisfies general education American history and government requirement. Provides an understanding of the development of the American people beginning with the age of exploration and culminating with the Civil War/Reconstruction period. Lecture and discussion, critical analysis of documents, and writing. Fall, spring, summer.

2302 AMERICAN NATION II Required for the BA/BS major, history minor, and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) major. Satisfies general education American history and government requirement. This course provides an understanding of the development of the United States since the Civil War/Reconstruction period. Lecture and discussion, emphasizing reading, critical analysis of documents, and writing. Fall, spring, summer.

3340 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY: 1500-PRESENT Upper-division elective. This course seeks to promote an understanding of the role played by the indigenous peoples of North America in the historical evolution of the United States. Topics will include: initial migrations and cultural development; impact of European contact and conquest; assimilation, acculturation, and adaptation; removal, resistance, and reservation life; and 20th century adjustments. On demand.

3353 AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY BEFORE 1868 Upper-division elective. Minor in Southern and Arkansas studies. Major and minor in African and African American studies. Provides an understanding of American history from the perspective of the African-American experience. Colonial period to the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment. Lecture, discussion, writing. On demand.

3354 AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY, 1868 TO PRESENT Upper-division elective. Minor in Southern and Arkansas studies. Major and minor in African and African American studies. Provides an understanding of American history from the perspective of the African-American experience, from the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment to the protest movements of the modern era. Lecture, discussion, writing. On demand.

3381 AMERICAN MILITARY HISTORY Upper-division elective. This course surveys the history of the American military establishment. Emphasis on military policy, the principles of war, and the interrelationship among military affairs, technology, and the general pattern of societal development. On demand.

3388 TUTORIAL STUDIES IN AMERICAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. Directed reading in American history. Preparation for an honors thesis to be written during the student’s senior year. Discussions with instructor, research, writing. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and department chair. On demand.

4301 AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY Upper-division elective. Examines the changing relationship between humans and their environment from the colonial period to the present. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. On demand.

4305 THE UNITED STATES AND THE MIDDLE EAST, 1776 TO THE PRESENT An overview of the evolution of the relationship between the United States and the Middle East from American independence to the present day.  On demand.

4306 ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE Upper-division elective.  This course covers the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade from the early 16th to the late 19th century. Students examine why Europeans bought slaves, why Africans sold slaves, how slaves coped, resisted, and adapted, and how the Atlantic slave trade came to an end. Lecture, discussion, document analysis, writing. Every other year or on demand.

4308 AMERICAN WOMEN’S HISTORY Upper-division elective. Examines the history of American women from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis on class, race, and ethnic differences. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. On demand.

4311 AMERICAN COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY Upper-division elective. Examines the age of exploration and colonization and developments leading to the American Revolution, 1492-1783. Emphasis on the contribution of the era to American political, social, and intellectual tradition. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. On demand.

4318 ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY OF SOUTHWEST NATIVE AMERICAN CIVILIZATIONS A course intended to provide an overview of the Native American civilizations of the American southwest to about 1800. Various methodologies for studying this period and area will be employed, including archaeology, ethnography, and historical linguistics. The focus of the course will be on the Anasazi, Hohokam, Mississippian, Mogollon, Salado, and Sinagua civilizations. On demand.

4322 EARLY NATIONAL HISTORY, 1783-1848 Upper-division elective. The course covers the social and political development of the United States from its origins in 1787 to 1848. The class focuses on the debate over the Constitution, political and philosophical differences among Americans in the early republic, the market revolution, social change and reform of the antebellum period, the political controversies of the 1790s and and the 1830s, westward expansion, sectional tensions and the differences in the social and economic development of different regions of the United States. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, research, and writing. On demand.

4325 AMERICAN LIFE AND THOUGHT TO 1865 Upper-division elective. Examines political and social thought and cultural trends from the Puritan era to the Civil War period. Lecture, discussion, documentary analysis, writing. On demand.

4326 AMERICAN LIFE AND THOUGHT SINCE 1865 Upper-division elective. Examines political and social thought and cultural trends since 1865. Lecture discussion, documentary analysis, writing . On demand.

4327 THE AMERICAN WEST Upper-division elective. Examines the influence of the frontier and of western expansion on the history of the United States. Lecture, discussion, documentary analysis, writing. On demand.

4330 THE CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION, 1848-1877 Upper-division elective. The course covers the sectional crisis of the 1850s, the establishment of the Confederate States, social and political developments in the Union and Confederacy during the war, emancipation, military policy and strategy, and reconstruction. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, research, and writing. Fall

4333 UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC HISTORY FROM COLONIAL TIMES TO PRESENT This course examines immigration to the United States from the colonial period to the present. It considers social, cultural, political, and economic themes to analyze immigrant experiences and explain native-born attitudes toward newcomers. Lecture, discussion, document analysis, writing. On demand.

4335 DIPLOMATIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES Upper-division elective. Students examine the diplomatic history of the Revolutionary period, the early national era, the Civil War, America’s rise to world power, two world wars, and the Cold War. Lecture, discussion, documentary analysis, writing. On demand.

4336 [formerly 4315] WORK, WEALTH, AND POWER IN UNITED STATES HISTORY This course explores the social and cultural history of the American working classes. Topics include the rise of industrialization and wage labor, slavery, the labor movement and labor relations, war, deindustrialization, and globalization. While the emphasis will be exploring the beliefs and experiences of American workers, the course will also pay attention to the historical development of capitalism in the United States and will examine the relationships of power between Americans of different economic positions. On demand.

4338 AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH FILM Upper-division elective. Examination of how the history of film and the film industry in America relates to broader political, economic, cultural, and social trends. On demand.

4340 THE EMERGENCE OF MODERN AMERICA, 1877-1920 Upper-division elective. Students examine the conquest of the last western frontier, the rise of big business, progressivism, and the United States as a world power. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4345 THE SOUTH TO 1865 Upper-division elective. Minor in Southern and Arkansas studies. Students study the history of the old South with an emphasis on southern nationalism, slavery, politics, and social and intellectual developments. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4346 THE SOUTH SINCE 1865 Upper-division elective. Minor in Southern and Arkansas studies. Students study the re-integration of the South back into the Union, the problems faced by the region, and their legacy to the present. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4350 AMERICA IN DEPRESSION AND WAR, 1920-1960 Upper-division elective. Students examine twentieth-century political, social, economic, and intellectual developments. Topics include the twenties, the Depression, America in World War II, and the Cold War. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4353 INTER-AMERICAN RELATIONS Upper-division elective. Students review political, economic, and cultural relationships between the United States and Latin America, with special attention to the period from 1898 to the present. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. Counts as United States or world history. On demand.

4355 THE ROLE OF ARKANSAS IN THE NATION Required for BSE in Social Studies; upper-division elective. Students examine United States history as reflected in the history of Arkansas. Emphasis on the ways Arkansas reflects or departs from national trends. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. Fall, spring.

4358 RECENT AMERICAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. The political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic history of the United States from 1960 to the present. On demand.

4359 HISTORY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES A study of the “long” Civil Rights Movement from 1919 to the 1980’s. Begins with the economic, historical, and legal origins of segregation. Traces the rise of civil rights activism as well as the broad range of civil rights issues and activist strategies. Examines the impact of the movement on domestic politics, culture, and foreign policy. On demand.

4386 THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC, 1931-1945 Upper-division elective. Students critically evaluate Japanese-American relations, covering such topics as Asian nationalism, Western imperialism, and Japanese expansion. Counts as United States or world history. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

[2] World History

1310 WORLD HISTORY I Satisfies part of the general education world cultural traditions requirement. Required for BA/BS history majors and minors and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis). Students examine major contributions to the advancement of global civilizations from ancient times to the early modern period (circa 1600). Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. Fall, spring, summer.

1320 WORLD HISTORY II Satisfies part of the general education world cultural traditions requirement. Required for BA/BS history majors and minors and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis). Students examine development of modern industrial and urban society from the seventeenth century to the present. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. Fall, spring, summer.

3303 ASIAN CIVILIZATION I Upper-division elective. Asian studies minor. Religious studies major. Introduces students to the traditional cultures of China, Japan, and South Asia to 1800. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

3304 ASIAN CIVILIZATION II Upper-division elective. Asian studies minor. Introduces students to the process of modernization as experienced in China, Japan, and South Asia in modern times. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

3312 COMPARATIVE MODERN THIRD WORLD HISTORY Upper-division elective. The course compares and contrasts the modern history of the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America through one “representative” country from each region. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

3320 HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY I Upper-division elective. Religious studies major and minor. Students examine the major themes and developments in Christianity from the first century to the eve of the Reformation. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

3321 HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY II Upper-division elective. Religious studies major and minor. Students examine the major themes and developments in Christianity from the Reformation to present times. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

3351 ANCIENT CIVILIZATION Upper-division elective. Students study the Near East, Greece, and Rome, with an emphasis on politics and culture, to 476 AD. Lectures, discussion, participatory classroom activities, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

3389 TUTORIAL STUDIES IN WORLD HISTORY Upper-division elective. Directed reading in world history. Preparation for an honors thesis to be written during the student’s senior year. Discussions with instructor, research, writing. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and department chair. On demand.

4302 HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT This upper division course explores the history of witchcraft in Europe and the British colonies culminating in an in-depth examination of the Salem witch trials. We will pay particular attention to magical knowledge and the social, cultural, religious, and political causes of witchcraft accusations. We will also discuss the profile and stereotype of the witch as well as what circumstances might make people usually safe from accusations equally susceptible. On demand.

4306 ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE Upper-division elective.  This course covers the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade from the early 16th to the late 19th century. Students examine why Europeans bought slaves, why Africans sold slaves, how slaves coped, resisted, and adapted, and how the Atlantic slave trade came to an end. Lecture, discussion, document analysis, writing. Every other year or on demand.

4309 WOMEN IN EUROPEAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. Students use a variety of primary and secondary sources to study the role of women and gender in European history. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. On demand.

4328 MODERN LATIN AMERICA Upper-division elective. Latin American studies minor. Students examine critical issues that challenge the countries of contemporary Latin America, from race and the environment to debt, development, and democracy. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, Latin American fiction, writing. On demand.

4332 HISTORY OF THE CRUSADES Upper-division elective. Students examine the history of European interactions with Asia, northern Africa, and eastern Europe, 1000-1300, centering around the phenomenon of crusading. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4343 HISTORY OF MEXICO Upper division elective.  A history of the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country, focusing mostly on the events and figures after 1800.  Topics include the War of Independence, the role of the peasantry and organized labor, Mexican Catholicism and Church-State Relations, the Mexican Revolution, relations with the U.S. and the world, emigration and immigration, and NAFTA.  Alternate years.

4347 IDEAS AND SOCIETY IN MODERN EUROPE Upper-division elective. an examination of the inter-relationship between philosophy, the arts, science, religion, and social change in Europe since 1648. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4353 INTER-AMERICAN RELATIONS Upper-division elective. Students review political, economic and cultural relationships between the United States and Latin America, with special attention to the period from 1898 to the present. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. Counts as United States or World History. On demand.

4360 BIRTH OF EUROPE, 300-1000 Upper-division elective. Students examine European political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual development from the establishment of Christianity as an officially sanctioned religion to the dawn of the feudal age. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4361 MEDIEVAL CIVILIZATION, 1000-1400 Upper-division elective. Students examine European political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual development during the High Middle Ages. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4362 TUDOR AND STUART ENGLAND 1485-1690 Upper-division elective. A survey of the political, religious, social, and economic history of England and the British Isles during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. On demand.

4365 THE HISTORY OF IMPERIALISM: A REVIEW OF WORLD COLONIAL SYSTEMS This elective course is a review of world imperialism from the early modern era through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course will consider political, economic, social, class, gender, geographical, and ethnological themes and addresses the perspective of the West and other cultures (particularly in Africa and Asia). On demand.

4369 VICTORIAN BRITAIN Upper-division elective. A historical survey of the primary elements constituting British society from the end of the Napoleonic period through the First World War. On demand.

4370 EUROPE, 1815-1914 Upper-division elective. Students examine Europe’s political and cultural development from the Vienna Congress to the eve of World War I. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4374 THE EUROPEAN RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION Upper-division elective. Students explore the major themes, subjects, and personalities of the early modern age in Europe. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4376 EUROPE, 1914-1939 Upper-division elective. Students examine the background and history of World War I; peacemaking and international organization; the rise of fascism, national socialism , and Japanese imperialism; collapse of peace. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand ..

4377 EUROPE IN A GLOBAL ERA Upper-division elective. World War II, the Cold War, development of the European Union, collapse of the Soviet Union and other recent events. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4378 ABSOLUTISM, ENLIGHTENMENT, AND REVOLUTION Upper-division elective. Students explore major themes in European history in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries concluding with the French Revolution. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4379 SPAIN: CRUSADE, COLUMBUS, AND EMPIRE Upper-division elective. Students explore major factors in the rise and decline of Iberia during the early modern era, plus an examination of early exploration and colonialism. On demand.

4380 CZARIST RUSSIA Upper-division elective. Introduces students to major themes in Russian history from its beginning to 1917. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. Fall.

4381 MODERN CHINA Upper-division elective. Asian studies minor. Students explore Chinese history in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4382 RUSSIA SINCE 1917 Upper-division elective. Students examine Russian history from the revolutions of 1917 to the present, emphasizing topics such as the Revolution, the Civil War, the Great Purges, World War II, the post-Stalin era, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. Spring.

4383 MODERN JAPAN Upper-division elective. Asian studies minor. Students explore the history of Japan since 1800, including such topics as the overthrow of feudalism, the Meiji Restoration, the struggle for representative government, imperialism, ultranationalism, militarism, and the “economic miracle.” Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4385 FRENCH REVOLUTION AND NAPOLEON Upper-division elective. Students examine the causes of the revolution and its impact on France and Europe with emphasis on social, political, and economic changes through revolution and the reforms of Napoleon. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4386 THE WAR IN THE PACIFIC, 1931-1945 Upper-division elective. Students critically examine Japanese-American relations covering such topics as Asian nationalism, Western imperialism, and Japanese expansion. Counts as either United States or world history. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4387 THE ISLAMIC MIDDLE EAST Upper-division elective. Religious studies major. Students explore Islamic civilization and recent history of the Middle East. Emphasis on the development of Islam as a major religion and total lifestyle and Islamic revisionism, Arab nationalism, revival of Islamic fundamentalism, and conflicting Arab-Israeli aspirations and claims. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4388 AFRICAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. African and African American studies minor. Students explore cultural changes and problems of African modernization. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4389 THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD DURING THE ROMAN REPUBLIC, 750 BC-27 BC Upper division elective.  An examination of the Roman Republic (750-27 BC) and its integration with the diverse populations and cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.  Every other year.

4390 THE ROMAN EMPIRE: 40 BC-395 AD Upper division elective.  This course traces the development of the Roman Empire from Augustus’ Principiate to the last days of the Tetrarchy and the eventual break-up of Roman Territory into Eastern and Western halves.  Every other year.

4394 GERMANY SINCE 1918 Upper-division elective. Students examine German history since World War I, including the Weimar Republic, Third Reich, World War II, and the division and reunification of postwar Germany. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.

4397 HISTORY OF IRELAND, 1500-PRESENT Examines major themes in Irish history from the Tudor conquest of Ireland, and the ensuring Ulster plantation in the early 17th century, to the modern Troubles in Northern Ireland. On demand.

[3] Special Topics

2320 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL RESEARCH Required for BA/BS history majors and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) majors. A hands-on course emphasizing the basic skills necessary for historical research, critical analysis of historical texts, and historical writing and discussion. Lecture, discussion and participation in classroom assignments. Introduction to Historical Research (concurrent enrollment or completion of 2320 (Introduction to Historical Research) will be prerequisite for any history major to enroll in any 4000 level class that counts toward a major). Fall, spring.

3310 SOCIAL SCIENCE CONCEPTS IN ARKANSAS HISTORY A professional education requirement for elementary and early childhood majors, the course introduces students to concepts of social science in relationship to selected content of Arkansas History. Lectures, discussions, and applied activities will be central to this course. The course may not be counted toward the History major or minor. Fall, spring.

4300 SEMINAR Required for history BA/BS history majors and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) majors. Emphasis on studying and practicing historical research and writing. Students research and write a major paper on a topic of their choice. Discussion, research and writing assignments, oral presentations, analysis of documents and sources. Prerequisite: 21 hours in history. Fall, spring, summer.

4310 TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES Required for BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) An examination of the problems of teaching history and the related social studies in middle and secondary schools focusing on the curriculum and the methods and techniques used by successful teachers in both history and related social studies. Credit is given only when taken in lieu of ADSE 4300. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing, participatory classroom activities. Fall.

4351 INTERNSHIP I Internship I is part of the senior block for candidates in secondary education. The internship occurs in appropriate public school settings where the candidates gain experience in organizing instruction, in creating a productive learning environment, in teaching for student learning, and in achieving professional behaviors. Students should enroll in this course concurrently with HIST 4310, Teaching Social Studies. Fall.

4392 INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC HISTORY A directed field experience at the Old State House Museum, Faulkner County Museum, Clinton Presidential Library, or other approved site. The student completes 6-10 hours a week for 14 weeks on her/his selected project at the Museum, maintains a log of activities, and provides the Internship Coordinator with a final paper. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and department chair. On demand.

4680 SOCIAL STUDIES INTERNSHIP II This course involves teaching under supervision in a public secondary school setting (grades 7-12). Requires full-day involvement and seminars. Taken concurrently with HIST 4681. Prerequisites: Admission into teacher education and successful completion of Internship I. Spring.

4681 SOCIAL STUDIES INTERNSHIP II This course involves teaching under supervision in a public school setting (grades 7-12). Requires full-day involvement and seminars. Taken concurrently with HIST 4680. Prerequisites: Admission into teacher education and successful completion of Internship I. Spring.

4191, 4291, 4391 TOPICS IN HISTORY Upper-division elective. Students study special topics in history to be determined by instructor and the needs of students who enroll. This course can be repeated for credit and may be counted as either United States or world history, depending on the subject of study. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. On demand.