Return to History | Courses Index
[1] Courses in History (HIST)
1310 FROM MUMMIES TO MONGOLS: WORLD HISTORY FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD Satisfies UCA Core, Diversity-Social Science 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. [ACTS: HIST1113]
1320 FROM GALILEO TO GANDHI: WORLD HISTORY FROM THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD TO THE PRESENT Satisfies UCA Core, Diversity-Social Science 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. [ACTS: HIST1123]
1330 INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY This course introduces students to the study of African and African American history and culture by examining the Black experience from the dawn of civilization to the present. Satisfies the UCA Core, Inquiry and Analysis-Humanities requirement. The course format is lecture/discussion. (Cross-listed with AFAM 1330.)
1375 FYS: DIVERSITY IN WORLD CULTURES The FYS in Diversity in World Cultures provides students with a small-classroom environment designed to promote community, develop skills necessary for success, and reinforce the importance of written communication. Topics will vary depending on instructor.
1376 FYS: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON RESPONSIBLE LIVING This course will address how our knowledge of the past can help us understand and address contemporary problems. This course takes place in a small classroom environment and is designed to promote community, develop skills necessary for success, and reinforce the importance of written communication. Topics will vary depending on instructor.
1399 A HISTORY OF TODAY: THE WORLD SINCE 1945 This introduction to the contemporary world examines several of the most important themes in post-World War II history, including the Cold War, decolonization, conflict in the Middle East, and recent changes in the global economy. Students will examine a combination of primary and secondary sources, with a particular emphasis on the ways in which recent events shape individual and national identities in our world today. The course satisfies the lower-division UCA Core Diversity in World Cultures requirement.
2301 THE MAKING OF AMERICA: US HISTORY TO 1877 (formerly AMERICAN NATION I) Required for the BA/BS major, history minor, and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) major. Satisfies UCA Core 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. [ACTS: HIST2113]
2302 AMERICA IN THE MODERN ERA: US HISTORY SINCE 1877 (formerly AMERICAN NATION II) Required for the BA/BS major, history minor, and BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) major. Satisfies UCA Core 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. [ACTS: HIST2123]
2310 INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN HISTORY This course satisfies the UCA Core requirement in Diversity in World Cultures requirement; it is required in the Asian Studies minor and serves as an elective in the History major/minor. This mixed lecture and discussion course provides a chronological overview of the histories of South and East Asia with a particular focus on the intellectual, cultural, and economic exchanges between regions. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, the course introduces students to the craft of Asian history as well as some of the most important themes, questions, and controversies in this increasingly important region.
2320 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL RESEARCH One of the foundational survey courses for BA/BS history majors; required for BSE-Social Studies (history emphasis) majors and required as a prerequisite for HIST 4392. 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.
2360 A HISTORY OF ENGLAND TO 1688 Examines major themes in England’s history from the pre-Roman era to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Particular emphasis will be placed on political, social, religious, and cultural issues.
3310 SOCIAL SCIENCE CONCEPTS IN ARKANSAS HISTORY A professional education requirement for elementary and middle level education, this 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. A minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA is required to enroll in this course.
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.
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. [UD UCA Core: R]
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. [UD UCA Core: R]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
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.
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
3360 PRE-COLONIAL AFRICAN HISTORY This course will explore the history of Africa from the earliest times to the late nineteenth century when the continent came under the European colonial control. Lecture, discussion, document analysis, writing. [UD UCA Core: D]
3365 MODERN AFRICAN HISTORY The course will explore the history of Africa in the colonial and postcolonial period. It will focus on European imperial conquest of Africa, the African reaction to European colonialism, the impact and legacies of colonial rule and the transformations that have taken place in the postcolonial era. Lecture, discussion, document analysis, writing. [UD UCA Core: D]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
3385 WORLD MILITARY HISTORY: A SURVEY OF GLOBAL CONFLICT PATTERNS Upper-division elective. This course offers an overview of patterns of conflict across the globe. There will be a broad survey of the changing nature of warfare over the course of millennia and across continents. The tactical, technological, political, and cultural effects of military developments will be reviewed in closer analysis as well. [UD UCA Core: D]
3390 INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL WRITING This course trains students to master the fundamental skills necessary for reading, debating, and writing history at the professional level. Through extensive readings and focused, seminar-style discussions, students will develop their ability to critique existing scholarship, identify and explain different methods of historical research, and employ the scholarly conventions of professional historians. Students will also be given the opportunity to explore their own research questions within a particular field of study. This course should be taken preferably in the junior year.
4V91 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN HISTORY (Variable credit: 1-3 credit hours.) Upper-division elective. This course allows students to engage in reading and research under the guidance of a faculty member. This course can be repeated for credit and may be counted as either United States or world history, depending on the subject of study. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and department chair.
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. A grade of C or above is required in this course to graduate in the major. Prerequisite: 21 hours in history and HIST 3390. [UD UCA Core: Z]
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. [UD UCA Core: C, R]
4302 HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT Upper-division elective. 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. Counts as either US History or World History. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
4304 MATERIAL CULTURE: FINDING HISTORY IN EVERYDAY THINGS Upper-division elective. Students explore the ways artifacts can lead us to an in-depth understanding of the past through different methodological approaches. The course will culminate with a student-created virtual exhibit to showcase the learned techniques. [UD UCA Core: I]
4305 THE UNITED STATES AND THE MIDDLE EAST, 1776 TO THE PRESENT Upper-division elective. An overview of the evolution of the relationship between the United States and the Middle East from American independence to the present day.[UD UCA Core: I]
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. Counts as either US History or World History. [UD UCA Core: D]
4308 GENDER IN AMERICAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. Examines the history of gender in American history from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis on class, race, and ethnic differences. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, participatory classroom activities, writing. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
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. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing, participatory classroom activities.
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. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
4313 DEPARTMENTAL HONORS THESIS RESEARCH Upper-division elective. Directed readings in 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.
4314 DEPARTMENTAL HONORS THESIS WRITING Upper-division elective. Guided writing of honors thesis to be completed during the student’s senior year. Discussions with instructor, and writing. Prerequisite: HIST 4313, consent of instructor, and department chair. Successful completion of HIST 4314 can be substituted for HIST 4300. [UD UCA Core: Z]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
4324 TOPICS IN AMERICAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. Students study special topics in American history to be determined by instructor and the needs of students who enroll. This course can be repeated for up to six hours of credit with a change of topic. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. [UD UCA Core: I]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
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. [UD UCA Core: D]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
4333 UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC HISTORY FROM COLONIAL TIMES TO PRESENT Upper-division elective. 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. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
4334 TOPICS IN EUROPEAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. Students study special topics in European history to be determined by instructor and the needs of students who enroll. This course can be repeated for up to six hours of credit with a change of topic. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing.
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. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
4336 WORK, WEALTH, AND POWER IN UNITED STATES HISTORY Upper-division elective. 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. [UD UCA Core: I]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
4339 HISTORY OF SCIENCE IN AMERICA Upper-division elective. An exploration of how advances in various sciences have affected social, cultural, political, and economic trends in the United States from the colonial era to the present day, as well as how science is influenced by those same trends. This course defines “science” broadly, examining matters connected to anthropology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and other fields. Students need not enter the class with a deep background in the sciences. [UD UCA Core: R]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
4341 THE VIETNAM WAR This course examines the origins, warfare, and impact of the Vietnam War or the Second Indochina War. The course will cover the political, cultural, and social forces behind Vietnamese and American involvement and prosecution of the war, as well as the war’s impact on the world from 1955 to 1975. [UD UCA Core: C, I]
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. [UD UCA Core: D]
4344 TOPICS IN WORLD HISTORY Upper-division elective. Students study special topics in World history to be determined by instructor and the needs of students who enroll. This course can be repeated for up to six hours of credit with a change of topic. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. [UD UCA Core: D]
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. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
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.
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
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.
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. [UD UCA Core: I]
4358 RECENT AMERICAN HISTORY Upper-division elective. The political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic history of the United States from 1960 to the present. [UD UCA Core: I]
4359 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT HISTORY Upper-division elective. 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. [UD UCA Core: I, C]
4360 THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD IN LATE ANTIQUITY, 300-900 AD Upper-division elective. Students examine the political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual development of the Mediterranean World from the establishment of Christianity as an officially sanctioned religion to the dawn of the feudal age. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing.
4361 THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD, 900-1400 AD Upper-division elective. Students examine the political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual development of the Mediterranean World during the High Middle Ages. Lectures, discussion, analysis of documents, writing.
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.
4365 THE HISTORY OF IMPERIALISM: A REVIEW OF WORLD COLONIAL SYSTEMS Upper-division elective. 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). [UD UCA Core: D]
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.
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.
4372 PAN-AFRICANISM, ANTICOLONIALISM & AFRICAN UNITY Upper-division elective. Major and minor in African and African American studies. The course will interrogate the historical origins and development of the pan-African ideology and its impact on the anti-colonial movement in Africa and the subsequent efforts for political and economic integration in the continent. The emphasis will be on critical investigation of historical evidence. The course will involve a combination of lectures, discussion, document analysis, and writing. [UD UCA Core: D, R]
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.
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.
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.
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. [UD UCA Core: D]
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. [UD UCA Core: D]
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.
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. Lecture, discussion, analysis of documents, writing. Counts as US History or World History. [UD UCA Core: D]
4390 ROMAN CIVILIZATION Upper division elective. This course traces the development of the Roman World from its inception to the last days of the Tetrarchy and the eventual splintering of Roman Territory.
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: HIST 2320 and consent of instructor and department chair.
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.
4397 HISTORY OF IRELAND, 1500-PRESENT Upper-division elective. 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.
4398 THE POLITICS OF SEX AND SEXUALITY IN MODERN EAST ASIA Upper-division elective. This discussion-focused seminar course examines the role that sex and sexuality have played in the intersection of state power and individual experience in East Asia, from the eighteenth century to the present. Students will examine a combination of primary and secondary sources, with a special emphasis on how historians have used gender theory and queer theory to understand Chinese and Japanese political development. [ UD UCA Core: C, D ]
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.
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.