Course Descriptions

Official Course Descriptions

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Supplemental Course Descriptions

[Amendment to the statement above: These descriptions provide a general summary of the aims of each course, but do not necessarily give updated information about the focus that a professor chooses for his or her course. Feel free to contact individual professors to ask for syllabi.]

AFH 3100 - African History to 1850 - 3 credit(s)
An outline survey of pre-colonial African history, including an introduction to the use of primary sources (deriving from archaeology, oral tradition, cultural anthropology, and comparative linguistics) in reconstructing the African past.

AFH 3200 - African History since 1850 - 3 credit(s)
Survey of the colonial and post-colonial history of Africa. This course examines the impact of European and other outside influences on the continent; the emergence of independent African states; and post-independence problems of nation-building and economic development.

AFH 3454 - The Africans - 3 credit(s)
The history and contemporary life of Africa and its indigenous, Islamic, and Western influences. Issues may include African isolation; the development of Islam and Christianity; the development of the international slave trade; and the roots of the continent's economic and social systems.

AMH 2010 - US History to 1877 - 3 credit(s)
Survey of American history from pre-Columbian times through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Special emphasis is given to major social, cultural, and political movements and figures. At least 6,000 words of graded written work are required (Gordon Rule).

AMH 2020 - US History Since 1877 - 3 credit(s)
Survey of American history from the Reconstruction Era to the present. Special emphasis is given to major social, cultural, and political movements and figures. At least 6,000 words of graded written work are required (Gordon Rule).

AMH 3110 - American Colonial Hist to 1750 - 3 credit(s)
Examines the evolution of American society from the earliest European-Native American contact up to the eve of the American Revolution. This class emphasizes the transformation of colonial structures; expansion; ethno-cultural issues; the rise of slavery; and the development of democratic theories.

AMH 3130 - AM Revolution/Constitution - 3 credit(s)
An examination of the economic, political, and social causes and consequences of the American Revolution. This course will also examine the Constitution and the Washington and Adams administrations.

AMH 3141 - U.S. History 1800-1860 - 3 credit(s)
Examines American history from 1800-1860. Special emphasis will be placed on the emergence of political parties in the 19th century, as well as on the experiences of Native Americans and African Americans.

AMH 3172 - The Civil War - 3 credit(s)
The American Civil War, with attention to the complex causes and the lasting effects of this conflict by examining the key battles; life on the home fronts; and the experiences of ordinary soldiers, African-Americans, as well as political and military leaders.

AMH 3201 - The U.S., 1877-1929 - 3 credit(s)
Examines the nature of American history from the end of Reconstruction up to the stock market crash of the late 1920s, highlighting intellectual, political, economic, and social/cultural trends, including civil rights and feminism.

AMH 3252 - The U.S. since 1929 - 3 credit(s)
Examines American history from the Great Depression through the present, stressing intellectual, political, economic, and social trends.

AMH 3421 - Early Florida - 3 credit(s)
Examines the history of Florida from the time of its first recorded human inhabitants through the creation of the State of Florida--with its distinct local and regional characteristics--in the years prior to the Civil War.

AMH 3423 - Modern Florida - 3 credit(s)
Examines Florida history from the Civil War up to the present, emphasizing the dramatically changing social, cultural, political, and economic characteristics of the state. Geographic and environmental considerations will feature prominently in this course.

AMH 3571 - African-Amer History to 1865 - 3 credit(s)
A survey of the black American experience from its roots in Africa up to the Civil War. This course will cultivate an understanding of the unique nature of the black American experience and the importance of African-American contributions to American history.

AMH 3572 - African-Amer Hist since 1865 - 3 credit(s)
A survey of the black American experience since the Reconstruction Era. This course will cultivate an understanding of the unique nature of the black American experience and the importance of African-American contributions to American history, and the significance of recent civil-rights struggles.

AMH 3930 - Undergrad Seminar in Amer. Hist. - 3 credit(s)
Emphasizes selected historic issues or problems of particular interest to students. Topics may vary, and courses will incorporate interdisciplinary approaches.

AMH 4270 - U.S. in the Cold War - 3 credit(s)
Examines American involvement in the Cold War. Special emphasis will be placed on the evolution of American foreign policy and on how the Cold War affected American culture.

AMH 4428 - Southwest Florida History - 3 credit(s)
This course analyzes the long duration of southwestern Florida's history, beginning with the movement of humans into the peninsula 12,000 years ago. AMH 4428 traces the complex developments in this region, which have been shaped by European contact, colonialism, statehood, Civil War and Reconstruction, land boom, depression and war, and the second land boom era.

AMH 4512 - Diplomatic History of the U.S. - 3 credit(s)
Examines the history of American Diplomacy from its formation during the Revolutionary era to the present day.

AMH 4550 - Constitutional Hist of the US - 3 credit(s)
The origins and growth of American constitutional theory from colonial times to the present. This course emphasizes the role of the Supreme Court in relation to political and constitutional issues.

AMH 4932 - Studies in Amer. Civilization - 4 credit(s)
Examination of major periods, themes, and movements in U.S. History, drawing heavily on concepts from the humanities and social sciences. Useful for many non-history majors.

ASH 3323 - Modern South Asia - 3 credit(s)
This course analyzes the culture and history of southern Asia over the last three hundred years, from the establishment and eventual collapse of British power in the region to recent developments in the sub-continent.

ASH 3400 - The Chinese - 3 credit(s)
The history, people, and heritage of one of the world's most ancient and influential civilizations.

ASH 3404 - Modern China - 3 credit(s)
A detailed study of the nature and development of modern China from the time of sustained Western contact (in the 17th century) to the present. Discusses of the end of dynastic China; the consolidation of socialism; the Maoist upheavals; and the rise of China as an economic giant.

ASH 3550 - Post-Colonial India - 3 credit(s)
History of India after 1947. Major themes will be economic development, cultural and social change, and India's place in the contemporary world.

ASH 4442 - History of Modern Japan - 3 credit(s)
Examines Japanese social, cultural, political, religious, and economic developments since 1800. Stresses the rise of Japan as a regional power and the influence of modern Japan as a world trade power.

EUH 1000 - Western Tradition, Part I - 3 credit(s)
Survey of the development of Western Civilization from ancient times through the Greek and Roman civilizations, the Middle Ages, and the early Renaissance. The course's interdisciplinary approach will emphasize political, social, economic, religious, and cultural developments.

EUH 1001 - Western Tradition, Part 2 - 3 credit(s)
Survey of the development of Western Civilization from the late Renaissance through the Reformation, the Age of Absolutism, the Enlightenment, the Industrial and French Revolutions, and regional and world wars of the last century. The course's interdisciplinary approach will emphasize political, social, economic, religious, and cultural developments.

EUH 2011 - Ancient European History - 3 credit(s)
Survey of the ancient world from the rise of Near Eastern civilizations through the rise and fall of Greek and Hellenistic as well as Roman cultures. Strong emphasis is given to understanding the nature and contributions of Classical civilizations.

EUH 2021 - Medieval European History - 3 credit(s)
History of medieval Europe from c. 500-1400 A.D.

EUH 2031 - Modern Euro History - 3 credit(s)
Thematic survey of Europe in the modern age, with special attention to the French Revolution; the Industrial Revolution; social and political transformations of the 19th century; the two world wars; the post-WWII division of Europe; and cultural life in Europe throughout this period.

EUH 3140 - The Renaissance - 3 credit(s)
Examination of the multifaceted era of the Renaissance and how it resulted in one of the most brilliant and influential eras of history between the 14th and 17th centuries. The course will also discuss the influence upon Europe of pre-1400 Islamic civilizations.

EUH 3142 - Renaissance and Reformation - 3 credit(s)
Examination of European history from the Renaissance to the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), emphasizing the cultural, social, political, and economic character of those times.

EUH 3202 - Hist of 17th & 18th Cent Eur - 3 credit(s)
Examination of the history of Europe from the Thirty Years' War to the French Revolution. Includes political, intellectual, and economic movements, as well as discussions of the visual arts, literature, and music from the Baroque Era through the Enlightenment.

EUH 3206 - History of 20th Century Europe - 3 credit(s)
Comparative examination of social, cultural, intellectual, political, and economic trends in twentieth-century Europe.

EUH 3241 - The Holocaust - 3 credit(s)
This course examines the roots of the Holocaust in European antisemitism, racism, and colonialism; analyzes Hitler's rise to power, Nazi ideology, and Nazi genocide against the Jews and other targeted peoples; and considers Jewish responses to persecution and genocide. Readings include Primo Levi, Survival in Auschwitz, and Christopher Browning, Ordinary Men.

EUH 3462 - German History 1870-Present - 3 credit(s)
Examination of the rise of the German Empire after 1871; the Germans' difficult path to a stable democracy, after two world wars and the Holocaust; and the Cold War division of Germany (the course will examine both East and West Germany during that era). The course also explores Germany's contributions to world literature, music, and the arts.

EUH 3502 - Modern Britain - 3 credit(s)
Survey of the social, cultural, economic, and political history of modern Britain since 1750.

EUH 3572 - Russian Hist 1865 to Present - 3 credit(s)
Examination of the nature and fall of late imperial society; the Russian Revolution; the rise of Stalinism, and its social and political consequences; and the collapse of the USSR and its allied states in eastern Europe.

HIS 3064 - Intro to Historical Studies - 3 credit(s)
Introduces students to the skills, approaches, and theories used by historians; includes readings and discussion of the historians' craft, as well as a major research paper to apply that craft.

HIS 3065 - Introduction to Public History - 3 credit(s)
The course explores the intellectual and career challenges of practicing applied history in the public sector. It emphasizes the mutiple roles played by public historians, for example: writers, administrators, managers, researchers, site evaluators, and policy analysts. Students will learn that public history draws on a wide range of skills and knowledge of other disciplines. Students will be expected to complete at least one major project in the field of public history by using local resources and institutions.

HIS 3470 - History of Science & Technology - 3 credit(s)
Examines the development of scientific thought and demonstrable technology and their effects on societies, cultures, and economies. Incorporates material from numerous disciplines, including mathematics.

HIS 3930 - Special Topics in History - 3 credit(s)
Emphasizes selected historical issues or problems of particular interest to students. Topics vary and will incorporate interdisciplinary approaches.

HIS 3955 - Study Abroad - 1 to 6 credit(s)
An intensive study-travel program.

HIS 4104 - Historical Epistemology - 3 credit(s)
Analysis of historical schools of thought and methodologies from ancient times to the present.

HIS 4900 - Directed Readings - 1 to 4 credit(s)
Intensive readings in selected historical topics. Students should be prepared to read literature across disciplines and to synthesize that material for mid-term and final course examinations or exercises. Approval from the instructor is required prior to registration for this course.

HIS 4920 - Colloquium in History - 3 credit(s)
In-depth examinations of selected historical problems or issues.

HIS 4931 - Special Topics - 4 credit(s)
This course is designed to emphasize a selected historical problem or issue that is meaningful and challenging to the student. A variety of instructional approaches will be taken to the material. Topics will be changed each semester.

HIS 4936 - Pro-Seminar in History - 3 credit(s)
Emphasis on the techniques of conducting quality research and on completing a major research paper. Topics will vary. May be repeated one time.

LAH 3130 - Colonial Latin America - 3 credit(s)
Examines the indigenous populations of the Americas and the creation of Spanish and Portuguese colonial empires in this region from the late 15th century up to the emergence of independent states in the early 19th century.

LAH 3200 - Modern Latin America - 3 credit(s)
Examines the development of the Americas from the rise of independent states in the early 19th century up to the present. Special attention is given to the multi-cultural character of the region.

LAH 3300 - The Americas - 3 credit(s)
Historical perspective of the diverse region known as the Americas. By focusing on contemporary issues and events, the course emphasizes the nature and development of relations between the hemisphere's states and peoples.

LAH 3430 - History of Mexico - 3 credit(s)
Survey of Mexican history from Pre-Columbian time to the present, with emphasis on the rich cultural heritage of its people and the economic, social, political, and religious forces that have shaped its history.

LAH 3470 - History of the Caribbean - 3 credit(s)
Survey of the thematic factors that have shaped life in the Caribbean region from pre-Columbian time to the present. Attention will be given to the racial and ethnic concerns that have affected the identities of various peoples of this region.

WOH 1023 - World Civilization 1500-1815 - 3 credit(s)
The social, cultural, intellectual, political, and economic aspects of world civilizations from 1500 to 1815, exploring the impact of cross-cultural exchanges. At least 6,000 words of graded written work are required (Gordon Rule).

WOH 1030 - World Civilization since 1815 - 3 credit(s)
The social, cultural, intellectual, political, and economic aspects of world civilizations from 1815 to present. Emphasis is given to understanding the impact of cross-cultural exchanges. At least 6,000 words of graded written work are required (Gordon Rule).

WOH 3044 - 20th Century World History - 3 credit(s)
History of the twentieth century. Major themes include the two world wars, nationalism and decolonization, the Cold War, globalization, and new social movements.

WOH 3930 - Genocide in World History - 3 credit(s)
This course examines the differences between the terms genocide, "democide," ethnocide, and other forms of mass violence. Students will gain greater insight into the interaction of psychological, sociological, cultural, and political roots of genocide. The course will examine the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, and European colonialism in Africa, among other topics.