HIS 107 and 108 European Civilization:
Ideas and Experiences (IHE, CWT)
3 credits (each term)
An introduction to the historical and cultural legacy of
western civilization through the study of a series of
exemplary works, from classical antiquity to the
present. Several critically important works of
philosophy, history and literature are studied in the
context of the cultural epochs which produced them
and whose essential character they express or embody.
HIS 121 and 122 Survey of United States History (IHE, AS)
3
credits each term
A study of American history from the first Afro-
European contact with North America to the present.
The principal focus of the course is political, economic
and social, but attention is also given to art, literature
and
culture where appropriate, and students are encouraged
to explore these areas in their independent research.
HIS 210 Liberal Democracy and Capitalism (WRI2, CWT, TIL, IHE)
3 credits
A study of the development of liberal and democratic
systems of government and free market economies from
the end of the 18th century to the present. The political
revolutions in America and France are studied, as is the
emergence of industrial capitalism in England and
America. Substantial attention is given to the
philosophic principles that support liberal democracy
and private enterprise, including those articulated by the
writers of the Enlightenment, by the English classical
economists, and by such 19th-century thinkers as Alexis
de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. The course
concludes with a consideration of the thesis that “history
has ended,” i.e., that liberal democracy and capitalism
have triumphed and face no further fundamental
challenges. This last consideration acquires particular
urgency in the light of September 11th.
HIS 211 Twentieth Century Dictatorships (WRI2, CWT, TIL)
3
credits
A study of the causes, character, and consequences of
dictatorial rule in the twentieth century, this course
uses Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, and
Communist China as the major examples. Both the
similarities that link these dictatorships and the
differences that separate them are studied in detail.
Particular attention is paid to the ideas on which
dictatorial rule has been based, including those of
Marx, Nietzsche, Sorel and Lenin. The course
examines the popular appeal of revolutionary and
counterrevolutionary ideologies as alternatives to
parliamentary democracy and the social and economic
programs these regimes put into practice. Propaganda,
coercion, and forms of resistance are also considered.
HIS 215 Selected Movements in Art and Architecture 1750-1900
(IHE, ART, AS, CWT)
3 credits
(cross-listed as Art 215)
A study of the major artistic styles of the late 18th and
19th centuries, a period characterized by revolution and
the birth of the modern era. Topics include
neoclassisism, romanticism, realism, impressionism, the
academic style and symbolism. These movements are
studied against a background of dramatic political and
social change and in the context of a continually
evolving market for artistic production. Careful analysis
of individual works, together with readings from
primary source material, structure this investigation.
HIS 218 The City as History (AS)
3 credits
(cross-listed as Honors 218)
An examination of several European capitals as built
environments and as public stages for the enactment of
a variety of social and cultural roles. The design of
urban space through art, architecture and engineering
is studied, as is the reflection of changes in urban life
that can be found in literature, criticism and film.
Historical events, as they were witnessed and
experienced in these cities, provide continuity and
context for explorations in art and culture. Cities
studied include Rome, Paris, Vienna, Budapest,
Berlin, and St. Petersburg. For non-Honors students,
permission of instructor required.
HIS 220 Film and History: Visions and Revisions of the Past
(AS, ART)
3 credits
(cross-listed as Honors 220)
From “Schindler’s List” to “Gladiator,”
historically-based films have been winning critical
acclaim and attracting big box office receipts in the
last several years. This course introduces students to
the historical fiction film as a work of creative art
and to the techniques filmmakers use to construct
their “vision” of past events. Through critical
analysis of several dramatic films that take historical
events as their subjects, students learn that what
they see on screen is not necessarily what happened,
but rather what might have happened. Films
studied include “The Garden of the Finzi-Continis,”
“Burnt
by the Sun,” “The
Damned,”
“1900,”and “Sunshine.” For non-Honors
students,
permission of instructor required.
HIS 221 The American Revolution and the Early Republic (AM)
3 credits
An examination of the American struggle for
independence, the ratification of the Constitution,
and the early years of the Republic. Particular
attention is paid to the transformation of American
cultural, economic, and political institutions during
this period. The rising power of the Supreme Court is
treated in detail.
HIS 223 The Civil War and Reconstruction (AM)
3 credits
An examination of the events that led to the American
Civil War. Particular attention is devoted to slavery. In
addition, the political, economic, military and cultural
implication of the Civil War, as well as its aftermath
during Reconstruction, are treated in detail.
HIS 224 America as a World Power (GS, AM)
3 credits
An examination of the rise of the United States as a
world power in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries, the growth of American interest in East Asia
and the Caribbean region, the American participation
in World War I and World War II, and the U. S. role
as a super power in the Cold War and post Cold War
eras. The course also explores how certain domestic
events – the Red Scare, the Great Depression, and the
civil rights movement – influenced or were influenced
by America’s role in international affairs.
HIS 230 The American South since the Civil War (AM)
3 credits
An examination of the South from the end of the Civil
War to the present. Special attention is devoted to the
social, economic, political and artistic contours of the
Southern past. Topics include the Ku Klux Klan, the
Populists, the demagogues, the Southern literary
renaissance, the modern civil rights movement and the
rise of the so-called New South.
HIS 231 American Cultural Traditions (AM)
3 credits
An examination of the cultural lives of ordinary
Americans from the colonial period to the present. In
particular, the course will look at the evolution of
popular painting and illustration, and the
transformation of American domestic architecture from
the post-Medieval house to the rancher. In addition,
the course will study such literary forms as the dime
novel and the mass-market magazine; stag
entertainment like burlesque, vaudeville, and
minstrelsy; and the advent and evolution of radio and
television.
HIS 232 The African-American Freedom Struggle (AM, WRI2, WV)
3 credits
An examination of the history of the African-American
struggle for freedom, equality, identity and economic
success. Particular attention is paid to the Jim Crow
and post-World War II eras. The work of such leaders
as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin
Luther King and Malcolm X is studied in detail. In
addition, the course explores the activities the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP), the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating
Committee, the Black Panthers and the Nation of
Islam. The Harlem Renaissance and the development
of blues and jazz are also studied. Finally, the course
looks at the African-American freedom struggle in an
international context, comparing and contrasting it
with similar movements in Africa and elsewhere.
HIS 250 Germany and the Path to the European Union (GS, WRI2,
TIL, WV)
3 credits
Provides students with a critical understanding of
German history from the middle of the 19th century to
the present and of Germany’s impact on the European
Continent. A central focus is whether or not Germany’s
historical development followed a divergent path from
that of England, France and America and, if so, for
what reasons and with what consequences. After the
experience of divided statehood during the Cold War
and with reunification, Germany’s efforts to fashion
a
new leadership role in Europe and in other
international political and economic contexts are
examined. Substantial attention is directed to problems
of history, memory and responsibility that continue to
occupy Germans today.
HIS 251 Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia (GS, WRI2, TIL, WV)
3
credits
An exploration of the historical development of Russia
and the Soviet Union from the eve of the 1917
Revolution to the present. Students are encouraged to
study the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union as
global powers, well before the more familiar role the
USSR played as America’s principal adversary during
the Cold War. With post-Soviet Russia seeking to
define its place in world affairs, students will learn how
this task is complicated by the enormous historical
deficits accumulated through the years of Communist
rule. Students have opportunities to research subjects
of special interest, including the use of comparative
perspectives on politics, economics, social relations,
and culture.
HIS 260 Special Topics 1-3 credits
HIS 270 China and Japan in the Modern Age (GS, WRI2, WV)
3
credits
A comparative look at the political, social and cultural
histories of modern China and Japan, this course begins
with the first Opium War (1839 to 1842) and
continues to the present.
HIS 275 Nationalism and Fundamentalism (GS, WRI2, TIL, WV)
3 credits
An examination of nationalism, fundamentalism
and political and religious extremism as historical
movements in a global context. From its emergence
at the time of the American and French
Revolutions, nationalism is studied as one of the
most dynamic forces that gave shape to the modern
world, including its expansion to the overseas
empires of the European powers and its role in the
emergence of the Third World. The growth of
religious fundamentalism, as a movement for
political and cultural change in the Middle East,
Central Asia, Africa and other parts of the world, is
also studied.
HIS 350 Research Seminar (CAP)
3 credits
Advanced study of the important research techniques
used by historians. In addition, it requires students to
employ such techniques to develop, pursue and
complete a lengthy research paper (based, in part, on
the substantial use of primary sources) appropriate to
their program and interests. Particular attention is
paid to the use of indices, databases and on-line
services, the pursuit and critical evaluation of
evidence and a mastery of the essay form of scholarly
writing. With its emphasis on logical thinking,
quantitative analysis, clear writing and other collegewide
goals, this class serves as the history major’s
capstone experience.
HIS 390 Independent Study
3 credits
LAW 221 Business Law (AM)
3 credits
Business relationships are largely based upon
contractual agreements. This course provides an
introduction to the legal system as it effects business,
the nature and meaning of law, sources of law, legal
process and institutions. Students examine the legal
environment of business, along with the individual’s
rights and responsibilities in a free society. Particular
emphasis is placed on contracts, at common law and
under the Uniform Commercial Code, and the
exploration of how these principles apply to modern life
both in and out of the business setting.
LAW 239 Law and Discrimination In The Workplace
3 credits
Managing within the law requires students to
understand the interrelationships between the
various federal and state laws and regulations affecting
employment relationships and management’s human
resource policies and practices. This course provides
students with the foundations necessary to foster a
healthy, productive and lawful work environment.
Experiential exercises reinforce an understanding of
the application of law to employment situations and
advocacy issues in employment discrimination cases.
LAW 260 Special Topics
1-3 credits
An exploration of specialized topics in law not among
the traditional course offerings. Past topics include
bankruptcy, and criminal law and procedure. This
course may be repeated for credit as topics change.
PSC 201 Democracy in America (IHE, AM, CWT)
3 credits
An examination of the key issues and concerns
associated with the practice of democracy in the United
States. Topics include the electoral process, the
representativeness of political institutions, civil liberties
and the national security state, political disengagement
and alienation among citizens, the federal constitution
and states rights, judicial activism, and civil rights.
Thematically, the course emphasizes the principles and
norms underlying the design of the American political
system, the dynamics associated with legislative and
policy making processes, and the role that citizens and
interest groups play in regard to influencing public
policy outcomes.
PSC 210 American Public Policy (WRI2, AM)
3 credits
An introduction to the most pressing public policy
issues confronting contemporary American society.
Topics include health care, social welfare policies,
energy and environment, civil rights, immigration,
macroeconomic policy, education, national security
policies, civil liberties and criminal justice. The course
also introduces students to the fundamentals of applied
policy analysis and the research techniques most
commonly used in the assessment of public policy
decisions.
PSC 211 U.S. Economic Policy (WRI2, WV, GS)
3 credits
An introduction to contemporary U.S. economic
policy as it relates to the management of both the
domestic economy and international economic
relations. Primary attention is devoted to the role that
political, economic, social, ethical, and security
considerations play in regard to the formulation,
implementation, and harmonization of
macroeconomic policies and international trade
policies. Topics include the politics of monetary policy,
budgeting, and taxation, the regulation of American
businesses at home and abroad, U.S. participation in
the World Trade Organization and other international
economic institutions, regionally-based trade initiatives
such as NAFTA, the administration of international
development assistance, and the politics of debt
management.
PSC 212 The U.S. & Transnational Issues (WRI2,
WV, GS)
3 credits
An analysis of the role the U.S. has played in regard to
international attempts to manage transnational issues
that threaten the health and safety of the global
community. Particular attention is devoted to United
Nations’ efforts to promote international arrangements
that would address environmental, ecological, and
health-related problems. Topics include the
management of global warming and ozone depletion,
marine pollution, biodiversity and wetlands, nuclear
and biological materials, and sustainable development.
PSC 218 Law and Justice in America (WRI2, AM)
3 credits
An analysis of the role that political, economic, social,
and organizational factors play in the administration of
justice in the United States. Attention is devoted to civil
and criminal procedures within the context of both
state and federal court systems. Particular emphasis is
given to the role that courts play as political and social
institutions. Students also are introduced to the
fundamentals of legal reasoning and the basic analytical
techniques used in the construction of judicial opinions
through an examination of landmark U.S. Supreme
Court decisions dealing with civil rights and liberties.
PSC 231 U.S. National Security (IHE, WV, GS)
3 credits
A historically-based analysis of American national
security strategies since the turn of the 20th century.
Particular attention is devoted to the role that ideas,
beliefs and decision maker perceptions play in regard to
the formulation and implementation of national
security policies. Substantively, the course focuses
primarily upon the conduct of American statecraft in
regard to Europe, North and Southeast Asia and the
Middle East.
PSC 251 American Political Thought (IHE, AM, CWT)
3 credits
A survey of the major political ideologies found in
contemporary American society. Primary attention is
given to the traditions of Liberalism and Conservatism,
however Fascism, Communism, Socialism, Feminism,
Environmentalism, Anarchism, and Religious
Fundamentalism are reviewed as well. The analysis
features an examination of each ideology’s key
philosophical assumptions, underlying principles of
social justice, and the political agenda that advocates are
pursuing in the United States.
PSC 260 Special Topics 1-3 credits
PSC 265 Model United Nations
2 credits
Students participate in a model United Nations
simulation to gain practical experience relating to global
issues and the dynamics of multilateral diplomacy.
Students are provided with opportunities to develop
the background knowledge and communication skills
needed to serve as effective delegates to a United
Nations conference. The course also features a
significant self-directed research component, offcampus
travel, and modest out-of-pocket expenses.
Prerequisite: PSC 231.
PSC 350 Public Policy Practicum (CAP)
3 credits
In consultation with faculty, a student undertakes an
evaluation study of a public policy issue having local,
national, and/or global significance. The project is
intended to permit majors to demonstrate mastery of
knowledge in the area of public policy analysis as well
as proficiency in regard to the skills and aptitudes
associated with information literacy and expository
writing. Students register for the practicum as an
independent study. Prerequisite: Senior standing or
permission of the instructor.
PSC 390 Independent Study
Variable credit
Student-initiated, faculty-directed studies designed to
address content areas not covered in regularly scheduled
courses in Political Science or other programs of study.
Consent of the instructor required.