History (BA)
Chair: David Devereux, PhD
Introduction
Students of history see the past as a fascinating and constantly changing place. They explore the past and develop understanding of the process of change over time by carefully examining evidence relevant to the specific cultures, periods, and geographic regions that excite their interest. History students at Canisius pursue their interests through a wide variety of courses ranging from the ancient to the modern periods, focusing on various geographical regions, and incorporating diverse political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual themes. They learn that the historian’s craft is multifaceted, incorporating not only knowledge of particular events and people, but also skills in critical thinking and both expository and argumentative writing. By emphasizing those skills, the study of history provides excellent preparation for careers in law, communications, journalism, library science, government service, teaching, and business.
Qualifications
Students must maintain a 2.0 overall average to graduate with a degree in history. Additionally, students must earn a grade of C or higher in HIS 299: Historian's Craft to graduate with a degree in history.
Advisement
All students should have an advisor in the major and should contact the department directly to have an advisor assigned if they do not already have one. Meetings with academic advisors are required prior to students receiving their PIN for course registration each semester. All majors should work closely with their advisor in discussing career expectations, choosing their major electives, developing their entire academic program and planning their co-curricular or supplemental academic experiences.
Major Experiences
To encourage students to see the various fascinating aspects of the discipline of history and to prepare for one's life and career after college. We have structured the History major to include several components. First, every History major will complete HIS 200: Introduction to History. This course is designed to help new majors see the various sorts of opportunities that the discipline of history offers to one's life and career. Second, every History major will complete HIS 299: Historian's Craft. This course, which fulfills the Advanced Writing Intensive attribute of the college's Core Curriculum, focuses on the specific conventions of conducting research and writing in the discipline. Third, since the faculty want students to see that the study of history goes beyond conventional research and writing, the History major includes an experiential learning requirement, which can be fulfilled in a variety of ways. The goal of this component is to focus on the ways the study of history will contribute to one's life and career after college. Finally, each student will complete a History Seminar (HIS 402 or HIS 403) designed to serve as a culmination of the Department of History's main learning goals and objectives.
A variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities are organized by the History Club. Qualified students are invited to join Phi Alpha Theta, the national honors society in history.
Additional Course Considerations
Students majoring in history are strongly encouraged to study either an ancient or modern foreign language. Foreign language study is essential for those who plan to study history at the graduate level; at the undergraduate level, it plays a vital role in achieving the Core goal of global awareness as well as the history program’s objective of developing historical knowledge which is characterized by geographical and cultural breadth.
Double Majors
Students who wish to expand their educational opportunities may decide to declare a double major. This decision may be based on career goals, planned graduate studies, and/or other student interests. Before a student declares a double major, it is important to meet with the appropriate academic departments for advisement. In order to declare a double major, the student must complete the Major/Minor Declaration form. This form will be submitted electronically and reviewed and approved by each department chairperson as well as the appropriate associate dean.
Per university policy, each additional major requires a minimum of 15 credits that do not apply to the student's first or subsequent major. Some double major combinations can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement, but in other cases additional course work may be required. Please note that students will receive only one degree unless completing the dual degree requirement including at least 150 undergraduate credit hours, regardless of the number of majors they complete. Both (all) majors appear on a student’s transcript.
History is multifaceted; its students find connections with nearly every other discipline. Our students pursue dual majors in a wide variety of fields including business, communications, English, European studies, international relations, mathematics, modern languages, philosophy, political science, psychology, and urban studies. History majors also pursue pre-law and pre-medical programs.
History majors interested in teaching at the secondary level often pursue a dual major in history and Adolescent Education/Social Studies. Those interested in this option should consult with faculty members in both departments to coordinate the dual major. Alternatively, history majors may enter the teaching profession by pursuing a master’s in education. Those interested in this “five year plan” should consult with their advisor in the department.
Minors in Other Disciplines
Minors provide students the opportunity to pursue additional interests but generally do not require as many courses as a major. Minors generally range from five to eight required courses. To receive a minor, the student must complete at least 9 credit hours of coursework distinct from their other credentials (i.e., majors, other minors). The complete list of minors is available on the Canisius website and in the catalog and provides links to each minor. Some majors and minors can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement, but in some cases additional coursework may be required. Students must complete the appropriate minor request form.
Curriculum
An Ignatian Foundation
All undergraduate students must complete either the Canisius Core Curriculum or the All-College Honors Curriculum. Many schools refer to their college-wide undergraduate requirements as "general education" requirements. We believe that the core curriculum and the honors curriculum are more than a series of required classes; they provide the basis for a Jesuit education both with content and with required knowledge and skills attributes that are central to our mission.
Free Electives
Students may graduate with a bachelor's degree with more but not less than 120 credit hours. Free electives are courses in addition to the Canisius Core Curriculum or All-College Honors Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach the minimum number of credits required for graduation. The number of credits required to complete a bachelor's degree may vary depending on the student's major(s) and minor(s).
Major Requirements
The History major consists of ten three-credit courses and one one-credit course for a total of 31 credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 200 | Introduction to History | 1 |
| HIS 299 | Historian's Craft | 3 |
| 1 American History Course at 300-level | 3 | |
| 1 European History Course at 300-level | 3 | |
| 1 Global History Course at 300-level | 3 | |
| 4 Additional History Courses (200-level or above; at least 1 course at 300-level) | 12 | |
| Seminar | 3 | |
HIS 402 Seminar: Selected Topics in American History | ||
OR | ||
HIS 403 Seminar: Selected Topics in World History | ||
| Experiential Learning | 3 | |
| History Beyond the Classroom | ||
OR | ||
| Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Courses at the 100 and 200 level assume no prior college-level study. They are introductory courses and satisfy Field 4 requirements in the Core Curriculum. Both 100- and 200-level courses provide the student with an intellectual and chronological framework for further historical study and for work in other disciplines.
100-level courses furnish students with a general knowledge of the history and traditions of various regions and periods. These broad survey courses do not count toward major requirements.
200-level courses are somewhat more specific in approach, focusing on specific time periods within the United States, individual nations outside the United States, specific populations, or particular themes.
Courses at the 300 and 400 level deal with a wide variety of specialized areas of historical inquiry. Some courses focus on major national or geographic areas, while others emphasize period, topical, thematic, or methodological approaches. These upper-level courses provide students with an opportunity for further development of their historical understanding as well as their skills in writing and critical thinking. They are appropriate for history majors and minors and for non-majors who have completed the Field 4 requirement and wish to continue their study of history at a more advanced level.
Concentrations
For students who prefer to focus more in-depth on a specific topic, we offer several concentration options. The first concentration options add two additional history courses (6 credits) to the student's major requirements, meaning that the student will have a total of six history electives that satisfy the requirements explained below for each concentration. The History major with a concentration consists of one one-credit course (HIS 200) and twelve three-credit courses for a total of 37 credits. The second concentration options are for the student who desires to pursue focused research on a specific topic. This type of concentration adds three additional history courses (two three-credit electives and a one-credit research course) to the student's major requirements, meaning that the student will have a total of six history electives that satisfy the requirements explained below for each concentration. Additionally, the student will complete two courses (HIS 410 and HIS 411) that focus on the experience of the research, writing, and defense of a topic of their choice. This History major with a research concentration, then, consists of two one-credit courses (HIS 200 and HIS 410) and twelve three-credit courses (including HIS 411) for a total of 38 credits.
American History Concentration
The American History Concentration consists of two courses above the standard history major and specific requirements of courses in American History.
2 additional History courses 6 credit hours
These two additional courses combine with the standard history major to equal a total of six history electives. The requirements of those electives include:
At least 3 courses must be at 300 level
At least 4 courses in concentration of American History
Total: 6 credit hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| American History Concentration | ||
| 2 additional History courses | 6 | |
| At least 3 courses must be at 300-level | ||
| At least 4 courses in American History | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
European History Concentration
The European History Concentration consists of two courses above the standard history major and specific requirements of courses in European History.
2 additional History courses 6 credit hours
These two additional courses combine with the standard history major to equal a total of six history electives. The requirements of those electives include:
At least 3 courses must be at 300 level
At least 4 courses in concentration of European History
Total: 6 credit hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| European History Concentration | ||
| 2 additional History courses | 6 | |
| At least 3 courses must be at 300-level | ||
| At least 4 courses in European History | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Global History Concentration
The Global History Concentration consists of two courses above the standard history major and specific requirements of courses in Global History.
2 additional History courses 6 credit hours
These two additional courses combine with the standard history major to equal a total of six history electives. The requirements of those electives include:
At least 3 courses must be at 300 level
At least 4 courses in concentration of Global History
Total: 6 credit hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Global History Concentration | ||
| 2 additional History courses | 6 | |
| At least 3 courses must be at 300-level | ||
| At least 4 courses in Global History | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
American History with a Research Concentration
The American History with a Research Concentration consists of three courses above the standard history major and specific requirements of courses in American History and experiential research (HIS 410 and HIS 411).
2 additional History courses 6 credit hours
These three additional courses combine with the standard history major to equal a total of seven history electives. The requirements of those electives include:
At least 3 courses must be at 300 level
At least 4 courses in concentration of American History
HIS 410: Topic Research and Proposal 1 credit hour
For the Experiential Learning component of their major, students in the American History with a Research Concentration shall take HIS 411: History Thesis and Defense
Total: 7 credit hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| American History with a Research Concentration | ||
| 2 additional History courses | 6 | |
| At least 3 courses must be at 300-level | ||
| At least 4 courses in concentration of American History | ||
| HIS 410 | Topic Research and Proposal | 1 |
| Required Experiential Learning: HIS 411 History Thesis and Defense | ||
| Total Credits | 7 | |
European History with a Research Concentration
The European History with a Research Concentration consists of three courses above the standard history major and specific requirements of courses in European History and experiential research (HIS 410 and HIS 411).
2 additional History courses 6 credit hours
These three additional courses combine with the standard history major to equal a total of seven history electives. The requirements of those electives include:
At least 3 courses must be at 300 level
At least 4 courses in concentration of European History
HIS 410: Topic Research and Proposal 1 credit hour
For the Experiential Learning component of their major, students in the European History with a Research Concentration shall take HIS 411: History Thesis and Defense
Total: 7 credit hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| European History with a Research Concentration | ||
| 2 additional History courses | 6 | |
| At least 3 courses must be at 300-level | ||
| At least 4 courses in concentration of European History | ||
| HIS 410 | Topic Research and Proposal | 1 |
| Required Experiential Learning: HIS 411 History Thesis and Defense | ||
| Total Credits | 7 | |
Global History with a Research Concentration
The Global History with a Research Concentration consists of three courses above the standard history major and specific requirements of courses in Global History and experiential research (HIS 410 and HIS 411).
2 additional History courses 6 credit hours
These three additional courses combine with the standard history major to equal a total of seven history electives. The requirements of those electives include:
At least 3 courses must be at 300 level
At least 4 courses in concentration of Global History
HIS 410: Topic Research and Proposal 1 credit hour
For the Experiential Learning component of their major, students in the Global History with a Research Concentration shall take HIS 411: History Thesis and Defense
Total: 7 credit hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Global History with a Research Concentration | ||
| 2 additional History courses | 6 | |
| At least 3 courses must be at 300-level | ||
| At least 4 courses in concentration of Global History | ||
| HIS 410 | Topic Research and Proposal | 1 |
| Required Experiential Learning: HIS 411 History Thesis and Defense | ||
| Total Credits | 7 | |
Roadmap
| Freshman | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Spring |
| 1-2 History courses | 1-2 History courses |
| Sophomore | |
| Fall | Spring |
| HIS 299 | 1-2 History courses |
| One History course | |
| Junior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 1-2 History courses | 1-2 History courses |
| Senior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| 1 -2 History courses | Senior History Seminar |
| Experiential Learning Requirement | |
OR | |
OR | |
OR | |
Learning Goals and Objectives
Student Learning Goal 1
Majors will develop skills in historical writing.
Students will:
- Objective A: Compose a chronological narrative;
- Objective B: Construct a thesis, and support it with historical evidence;
- Objective C: Evaluate historical evidence in a variety of primary and secondary sources;
- Objective D: the ability to use citation practices appropriate to the historical profession to document evidence found in a variety of sources.
Student Learning Goal 2
Majors will learn to think historically.
Students will:
- Objective A: Assess the significance of events, ideas, or artifacts in their historical context;
- Objective B: Distinguish cause and effect and recognize multiple causalities in history;
- Objective C: Recognize and evaluate different historical interpretations.
Minor
The history minor complements majors in other academic departments by providing students with exposure to the study of history that is both comprehensive and intensive. The minor is appropriate for any student who enjoys and wants to pursue an interest in history. Students in related disciplines such as Business, English, Communications, Modern Languages, Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religious Studies, as well as students interested in law, may be especially interested in the history minor.
The history minor consists of five three-credit courses:
- No more than two courses at the 200 level (excepting HIS 299)
- Three or more courses at HIS 299 or above (300 or 400 level)
The faculty of the Department of History encourages history minors to take a HIS 299 “The Historian’s Craft” as one of the five required courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select five (5) courses from below: | 15 | |
200-, 300-, or 400-level history courses | ||
No more than two (2) courses at the 200-level (excepting HIS 299) | ||
Three (3) or more courses at HIS 299 or above (300- or 400-level) | ||
Minors are an important part of the undergraduate curriculum. If students declare a minor by sophomore year, they can usually complete it in a timely manner. Students should work with their advisor to determine if it is possible that the minor can be completed by graduation.
To receive a minor, a student must complete at least 9 credit hours of coursework distinct from their major(s) and from other minors, and students must complete more than 50% of the coursework required for the minor at Canisius. Please note that “ancillary/supporting” courses required for a major may still count as distinct courses as long as the remaining coursework still meets the 30 credit-hours required for a major. For more information about minor policies, please see the Declaring Majors and Minors page in the catalog.
Courses
In addition to the following history classes, some classics courses may be used to fulfill requirements of the history major or minor.
HIS 106 The Medieval World 3 Credits
The development of a distinctive European civilization between 500 and 1500. Emphasis on Europe's contacts and conflicts with the 'competing' cultures of Byzantium and Islam. This course may be used for the American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 107 History of Modern Europe to 1815 3 Credits
The major political, economic, social and intellectual currents in Western Civilization from 1500 to 1815. This course may be used for the European history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 108 History of Modern Europe since 1815 3 Credits
The major political, economic, social and intellectual currents in Western Civilization from 1815 to the present. This course may be used for the European history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 123 History of the United States: The Colonial Period to Reconstruction 3 Credits
Introduction to major themes of American history through the Civil War including: the Columbian Exchange and colonization, American Revolution, paradox of freedom and slavery, emergence of a market economy, secession and Reconstruction. This course may be used for the American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Diversity, Field 4 (History)
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 124 History of the United States: 1877 to the Present 3 Credits
Industrialization and urbanization of the United States with the accompanying social, economic and political problems; America's emergence as a major power in world affairs. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Restriction: Not open to students taking or who have received credit for HIS 126.
Fulfills College Core: Diversity, Field 4 (History)
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 126 America's Story II: The Later Years 3 Credits
The American Story is a course in American history that covers the late 19th century into the late 20th century as the U.S. evolved into a major industrial and international power. This course satisfies the oral communication attribute. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Restriction: Not open to students taking or who have received credit for HIS 124.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Oral Communication
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 200 Introduction to History 1 Credit
This course is an introduction to the study of history. The course will explore the ways historians think about the past and practice their craft, the relationship between the study of history, careers in history, and how to begin thinking about putting a history degree to use in the marketplace. This course is required of all first-year history majors.
Offered: every fall.
HIS 201 United States Military History 3 Credits
The course encompasses traditional U.S. military history; strategy, battles, technology. However, it also focuses on sociopolitical and justice issues of the U.S. armed forces. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Justice
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 205 Race and Ethnicity in the Ancient World 3 Credits
This course will explore ancient theories on race and ethnicity from Homer to Late Antiquity and how these theories have been read and internalized in modern times, with a special emphasis on their influence on the construction of identity and race in the modern United States. Through the study of a broad range of ancient texts in translation, we will investigate how ancient Greeks and Romans talked about, represented, and attempted to understand and categorize human diversity — what we call race and ethnicity.
Fulfills College Core: Diversity, Field 4 (History)
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 206 History of the Crusades 3 Credits
In this class, we will explore the history of the crusades, with a primary focus on the years 1095 to 1291. What was the motivation for a movement that displaced millions of people throughout the medieval Mediterranean world? How did the establishment of the crusader states impact the evolving relationship between Christians, Jews and Muslims? Who were the figures that determined the course of the movement, and is the image of the crusades in modern thought justified? Through analysis of written material from the period, this course will examine the cultural, economic, religious and political consequences of the crusading movement. Students will explore the precedents for the crusading movement, its origin, and its implications for our modern world.
Corequisite: none.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 208 America's Story II: The Later Years 3 Credits
This course explores how Americans, both ordinary and extraordinary, experienced some of the pivotal events of the 20th century specifically The Great Depression, World War II, The Civil Rights Movement and 9/11. It also looks at some of the social movements of the second half of the twentieth century. First person accounts are studied throughout the course. This course satisfies the oral communication attribute. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Restriction: Not open to students taking or who have received credit for HIS 124.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Oral Communication
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 209 History of Asia to 1800 3 Credits
Comparative study of civilizations, cultures, religions and institutions of the Far East, and South Asia. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: every fall.
HIS 210 History of Asia Since 1800 3 Credits
The various independence and revolutionary movements and their evolution into the modern nation-states of Asia. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: every spring.
HIS 211 Women In The Western World 3 Credits
History of women from the middle ages to the present. Deals with the changing role of women in society, politics and the economy and on the development of feminism. Focus is on Europe and North America, with attention to the interactions between those westernized societies and other world regions. This course may be used as a European or American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 213 Europe and the World in a Century of Conflict 3 Credits
This course is an introduction to Europe and its place in the world from the Second World War to the present. Among the themes to be considered are the political, social, economic and cultural changes during this critical period in the modern world. This course may be used for the European history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 220 The History of Food 3 Credits
Explores the evolving role of food in western societies from the middle ages to the present. Topics will include the medieval fascination with spices, Europe's adoption of 'New World' foods like potatoes and tomatoes, the role of food shortages and rationing in wartime, and the recent emergence of a diverse international 'foodie culture.' This course may be used for the European or African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 226 History of Ireland 3 Credits
Examines political, social and cultural developments from medieval origins through invasion, conquest, colonization and finally independence from Great Britain. Special emphasis on the development of Irish nationalism and on the emergence of Eire as a modern European state. This course may be used for the European history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 229 The Violent Century in Films 3 Credits
The major events of the 20th century, including World Wars I and II, the Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, the rise of Fascism and the Vietnam War. This course may be used for the European or African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History)
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 233 America and the Holocaust 3 Credits
This course explores how the United States responded to the Nazi racial state from its inception, through the war, and in seeking justice for the crimes committed against humanity. It uses a critical lens to examine the historical context of these events specifically with regard to the laws that circumscribed African American and Native American participation in American life as well as the immigration policies that affected United States actions. Finally the course will address the lessons and legacies of the period.
Prerequisite: none. Corequisite: none.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History)
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 235 From Jamestown to Yorktown: Making the United States 3 Credits
Explores the political, economic, social, and cultural stories of North America from the era of pre-European contact through the settlement of the English colonies in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to the 'revolutions' of the late seventeenth century, including the period of the American Revolution. This course may be used for the American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Diversity, Field 4 (History)
Offered: fall.
HIS 236 From Washington to Lincoln: The Making of American Democracy 3 Credits
Class focuses on the story of American history from the end of the Revolutionary War to the end of the American Civil War, especially examining political, economic, social, and cultural issues. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Diversity, Field 4 (History)
Offered: spring.
HIS 241 Women in American History 1880 to Present 3 Credits
This course explores how American women experienced urbanization, industrialization, immigration, war, and the revolution in Civil Rights during the past century. It draws from a wide range of primary sources to understand and evaluate the many ways that women participated in the economic, political, social, and cultural life of America. It considers the impact of class, race, ethnicity, sexuality on how women shaped themselves as mothers, wives, citizens, workers, and individuals.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History)
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 255 African American History 3 Credits
This is an introductory course on African American history which receives credit for Area Studies IV and International & Cultural Diversity within the college's Core Curriculum. In largely chronological fashion, it covers a wide variety of topics, including the motherland of Africa, enslavement in British North America, emancipation, Jim Crow, and the varying strategies to achieve justice and equality, including black nationalism, Pan-Africanism, and the civil rights movement. Besides influential African Americans, attention is paid to cultural expression, the world of work, family structure, coping mechanisms, and political gains. The course's focus is less on how whites controlled African Americans than on black life, struggles, and creativity
Fulfills College Core: Diversity, Field 4 (History)
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 260 Canada and the World 3 Credits
A survey of Canada's place in world history from the colonial period to the present. Among the topics examined are Native-Canadians, the British-French rivalry for North America, Canada's emergence as a nation within the British Empire, Canada-U.S. relations and the modern multicultural Canadian state. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 263 Wars of Latin America 3 Credits
Wars of independence and major conflicts of the nineteenth century. Military history of Mexican, Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutions. Border clashes and guerilla insurgencies of the twentieth century. Argentina's war with England. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: every other year.
HIS 264 Latin American History to 1830 3 Credits
Pre-Columbian Indian civilizations. Conquest and colonization. Economy, society, and the Church. Eighteenth century reforms and independence. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: every fall.
HIS 265 Latin American History Since 1830 3 Credits
Overview of economy and society. Upheavals and revolutions in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Chile and Mexico. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 280 The Making of Modern Africa 3 Credits
Development of modern Africa from the diverse societies of pre-colonial Africa through the impact of imperialism to an examination of the problems facing modern African states. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 4 (History), Global Awareness
Offered: every other year.
HIS 299 Historian's Craft 3 Credits
These courses are designed to introduce students systematically to the analysis of historical texts, the standards of historical writing, and the methods of historical research while exploring specific topics of historical interest. Topics vary each semester; a course in this category will be offered each year. Recent topics have included the Civil Rights Movement Revisited, The History of Everyday Life, and Stalinism and Nazism.
Fulfills College Core: Advanced Writing-Intensive
Offered: fall and/or spring.
HIS 300 Historical Geography 3 Credits
Examines the interaction between the historical process and human, physical and cultural geography. Required for dual major in history and social studies education. This course may be used for the European or African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Offered: every third semester.
HIS 302 Life and Theology in Colonial Atlantic 3 Credits
Investigates the story of the colonial Atlantic world through the life and experiences of one of America's founding fathers, such as the philosopher and theologian Jonathan Edwards, focusing on the early modern European context of which most colonists were heirs, the founding of the New England colonies in the 17th century. This course may be used for the American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Field 1 (Religious Studies and Theology)
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 309 World War I 3 Credits
A study of the origins, conduct and aftermath of the Great War from a global perspective. Emphasis on social, cultural, political, and military aspects of the War. This course may be used for the European history requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Oral Communication
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 317 Insurrection and Revolution in European History 3 Credits
This course examines how social and economic developments, coupled with evolving ideas about governance, justice, and freedom, played out in a series of protests, insurrections, and full-scale revolutions that shaped modern Europe and (through Europe’s imperial expansion) the wider world. Topics will include the changing language of protest, the application of the term “revolution” to political and historical events, and the role of ideas as both motives for and consequences of revolutionary movements in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 331 British Monarchy 3 Credits
The history of Britain's monarchy from the end of the middle ages to the present. Emphasis on the transformation of the monarchy from the center of government in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to a largely symbolic, even vestigial constitutional mechanism in the twenty-first. This course may be used for the European history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Oral Communication
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 335 A United Kingdom? From Britons to Brexit 3 Credits
Examines the social, cultural, and political history of Britain from the creation of the United Kingdom in 1801 to the UK's controversial departure from the European Union. Themes will include the evolution of a "British" identity, the influence of social, economic and ethnic divisions within Britain, and evolving debates about Britain's place in world affairs.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 345 Russia and the Soviet Union in the Twentieth Century 3 Credits
This course examines the social, political, and cultural history of Russia and the Soviet Union in the twentieth century. Special emphasis will be placed on the causes and consequences of the 1917 revolutions, the development of Stalinism, the Cold War, and late Soviet society. Students will also explore the fall of Communism, the rise of the “mafia state” in the 1990s, and contemporary Russia under Vladimir Putin.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 350 America and the Holocaust 3 Credits
Explores the response of the United States to the Holocaust, the systematic extermination of an estimated ten to twelve million people, of whom six million were Jews, during World War II. It examines the implications of the American response to the Holocaust for the inequities and prejudices that remained at the core of American life in the mid-twentieth century.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 356 Modern China 3 Credits
Examines the evolution of Chinese society from the imperial era, through the world wars, the Communist Revolution and the re-emergence of China as a major economic and political power. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 365 U.S.-Latin American Relations since 1898 3 Credits
U.S. occupations in the Caribbean and Central America. The Mexican Revolution. The CIA operations in Guatemala and Cuba. The Cold War in Latin America. The Nicaraguan Revolution and turmoil in Mexico. This course may be used for the American or African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 372 The American Revolution 3 Credits
Exploration of the political, social and constitutional issues in the era of American Independence. In particular we will try to answer the question, "Was the American Revolution truly revolutionary?" This course may be used for the American history or pre-1800 period requirement for the history major or minor.
Fulfills College Core: Diversity
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 382 New York State History 3 Credits
This course explores the history of New York State from its colonial origins through the twentieth century in the context of major themes in American history. Special attention paid to slavery, ante-bellum reform movements, New York City, progressivism, immigration. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Offered: every other year.
HIS 386 The Civil War Era 3 Credits
Covers the events leading up to the War, including abolitionism and Bleeding Kansas. There will also be an in-depth examination of the military strategies and tactics of the War as well as the process of modernization that War engendered. The course will conclude with an analysis of the successes and failures of Reconstruction. This course may be used for the American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Offered: every other year.
HIS 388 Americans on the Homefront 1939-1945 3 Credits
This course examines the varieties of ways Americans on the homefront responded to World War II. Topics include the refugee crisis of 1937-41, public opinion and the America First movement, Fascism at Home, Japanese Internment, The Struggle for Civil Rights (Double V), Women and War Work (Rosie the Riveter), the G.I. Bill, and American responses to the Holocaust. Additionally we will explore the popular culture of the era including film.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 394 Modern Middle East 3 Credits
History of Middle East from the last days of the Ottoman Empire through mandate system established by Versailles Peace Conference to struggle for independence during and after World War II. This course may be used for the African/Asian/Latin American history requirement for the history major or minor.
Offered: every other year.
HIS 397 Trust No One: Paranoia and Conspiracy in American History 3 Credits
This upper-level course will explore specific instances of conspiracy theories and paranoia in American history. Starting from the foundation of the “paranoid style,” a theory proposed in the works of Richard Hofstadter, we will analyze specific events in American history, such as the colonial witch trials, the First Great Awakening, colonial slave riots, the American Revolution, the Burr conspiracy, the Illuminati, anti-Masonry, anti-Catholicism, the slave power conspiracy, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, concerns about a fifth column, the assassination of Kennedy, and Q-Anon. A goal of this analysis, which will be based both on primary and secondary sources, will be to see how a persistent belief in conspiracies throughout America history has shaped politics, society, religion, and culture.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 401 Historical Methodology 1 Credit
Methods of historical research and criticism, including consideration of basic bibliographical and reference works, note-taking, and evaluation of sources. Research paper and production of prospectus to fulfill requirements of History with a Research Concentration.
Prerequisite: HIS 299.
Offered: As needed for students on the History with a Research Concentration.
HIS 402 Seminar: Selected Topics in American History 3 Credits
This seminar will focus on selected topics in American history, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of the tasks of the historian—both in how historians read, analyze, and write about historical subjects.
Prerequisite: HIS 299.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 403 Seminar: Selected Topics in World History 3 Credits
This seminar will focus on selected topics in World history, allowing students to demonstrate their mastery of the tasks of the historian—both in how historians read, analyze, and write about historical subjects.
Prerequisite: HIS 299.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 410 Topic Research and Proposal 1 Credit
HIS 410 is designed to introduce students systematically to the practice and experience of historical research—from analysis of historical texts to the standards of historical writing to the methods of historical research to art of writing history. In this course students will specifically use those skills to conduct preliminary research on a selected topic of their choice and work with a faculty adviser to produce an approved prospectus for the thesis that they will work to complete in HIS 411
Prerequisite: HIS 299.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 411 History Thesis and Defense 3 Credits
Research and writing of a thesis to satisfy requirements for History with a Research Concentration
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and/or the chair.
Fulfills College Core: Advanced Writing-Intensive
Offered: Department will work with Research Concentration students to offer this thesis experience tutorial as needed to fulfill their requirements.
HIS 415 History Seminar: Global Cold War 3 Credits
This seminar examines the history of the Cold War between 1945 and 1991. It focuses on the multi-polar attempts of the Soviet Union, the United States, China, and other international actors to extend their influence and models of development into Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe through armed interventions, covert operations, espionage, and propaganda. Some of the events and topics covered in the course include the origins of the Cold War, the Korean, Vietnamese, and Afghan Wars, the Cuban Revolution, the Arms Race, Détente, decolonization, and the fall of the Soviet Union. Other topics include Cold War culture: sport, film, literature, and daily life. Through discussions and close readings of primary and secondary sources, and film screenings, The Global Cold War seeks to engage students with the origins, events, and implications of the struggle between Communism and Capitalism in the second half of the twentieth century.
Prerequisite: HIS 299.
Offered: occasionally.
HIS 497 History Beyond the Classroom 3 Credits
This course represents one option for the experiential learning component of the Department of History. In this class, students and faculty customize specific ways that a student's knowledge of the historical past can intersect with their experience. This course will be offered in a tutorial fashion as specific students need to fulfill the experiential learning component of their history major.
Offered: As needed.
HIS 498 Internship 3 Credits
Internships may be arranged with a variety of organizations including the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation, the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, and the Coloured Musicians Club museum. Internships require an application and approval by the associate dean.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor, department chair, & associate dean.
Offered: Department of History faculty will work with History major students to offer this course as needed to fulfill their requirements for the major.
HIS 499 Independent Study 3 Credits
Offers the opportunity to conduct a program of independent readings and/ or research on a topic of the student's choice under the supervision of a member of the History Department. Independent studies require an application and approval by the associate dean.
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor, department chair, & associate dean.
