History : School of Arts & Sciences : Bridgewater State College

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Please Note: The following course descriptions are to be used as an overview of the history program. Please consult the College Catalog for up-to-date program requirements. Not all courses are available each semester, please consult Info Bear for Current Courses.

HIST 111 Western Civilization to the Reformation (3 crs.)

The course surveys the major developments from the genesis of Western civilization to the establishment of absolute monarchy. These developments include the Near Eastern, the Graeco-Roman, and the Judeo-Christian traditions of our civilization. Either semester

HIST 112 Western Civilization since the Reformation (3 crs.)

The course surveys the major developments in Western civilization from the establishment of absolute monarchy to the present. These developments include the evolution of political, economic, social and intellectual aspects of the modern world. Either semester

HIST 121 The Ancient World (3 crs.)

This course presents a global view of ancient history with emphasis on Western civilization. It covers prehistoric humans and the various ancient civilizations to the decline of the Roman Empire in the West. Either semester

HIST 131 World History to 1500 (3 crs.)

This course will survey major issues in the politics, society, culture and economy of human societies around the world, from human evolution to 1500.

HIST 132 World History Since 1500 (3 crs.)

This course will survey major issues, events and processes in the politics, society and economy across societies from the world's major regions, from 1500 to present.

HIST 135-136 Freshmen Honors Colloquium (1 credit each semester)

This course will allow exceptionally able Freshmen students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a for for fifty minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. (prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and others at the discretion of the intructor).

HIST 151 Asian Civilization (3 crs.)

An introductory survey of the major Asian civilizations including those of China, Japan, and India. This course presents a historical view of Asian traditions and their modern transformation in the context of East-West interactions.

HIST 161 History and Culture of Mexico (3 crs.)

This course surveys the history of Mexico from the earliest human inhabitation to the present.

HIST 199 First Year Seminar (3crs.)

First year Seminars (FYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that introduce students to academic thought, discourse and practices.

HIST 221 United States History and Constitutions to 1865 (3 crs.)

This course examines the development of the nation from the age of exploration to the end of the Civil War. It emphasizes the economic, political, intellectual and social maturing of the United States. Either semester

HIST 222 United States History and Constitutions since 1865 (3 crs.)

This course continues the study begun in HIST 221 down to the present. It emphasizes the growth of America as an industrial and world power and the increasing role of government in American life. Either semester

HIST 286-287 Sophomore Honors Colloquium (1 cr each semester)

Sophomore Honors Colloquia in history allow exceptional students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for fifty minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project, which provides the major part of the grade. (prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and others at the discretion of the instructor.)

HIST 298 Second Year Seminar (Speaking Intensive) (3crs.)

Second Year Seminars (SYS) are speaking-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar.

HIST 299 Second Year Seminar ( Writing Intensive) (3crs.)

Second Year Seminar (SYS) are writing intensive, topics courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar.

400-level courses in history are designed primarily for juniors and seniors. As a minimum preparation, those taking upper-level courses in European, Asian, African, and Latin American history must have completed 3 credits in either Western Civilization or World Civilization. Those taking upper-level courses in U.S. or Canadian history must have completed either HIST 221 or HIST 222. Exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the department.

HIST 400 The Ancient World: Near East (3 crs.)

From prehistoric times through the Persian Empire. Offered alternate years (formerly HIST 300)

HIST 403 Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic Age (3 crs.)

An historical survey of Ancient Greece and a comprehensive study of the cultural contributions of the Greeks to western civilization. Offered alternate years (formerly HIST 303)

HIST 404 The Ancient World: Rome (3 crs.)

From its beginnings to the barbarian invasions. Offered alternate years (formerly HIST 310)

HIST 406 Rise of Early Christianity (3 crs.)

This course traces the development of Christian beginnings from the birth of Christ to the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. It intends to examine the cultural, social, intellectual, political and religious climate in the Roman Empire out of which Christianity sprang, the problems the early Christians encountered, and the Christian reaction to these problems. (Prerequisite: HIST 111) (formerly HIST 312)

HIST 415 Europe in the Middle Ages (3 crs.)

From the fall of Rome to the Renaissance. Offered once in three years

HIST 418 The Renaissance Europe (3 crs.)

This course will begin with an examination of the implications of the commercial revolution in Western Europe and with the rise of the Italian communes and then explore the demographic, social, political, military, cultural, and economic history of western and central Europe during the Renaissance. (Prerequisites: One of the following: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 131 or HIST 132)

HIST 419 The Reformation and Wars of Religion (3 crs.)

This course will examine the causes, conditions, and results including domestic and international warfare of the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Reform movement in Europe and its colonies to ca. 1648. (Prerequisites: One of the following: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 131 or HIST 132)

HIST 420 Early Modern Europe: Society and Culture (3 crs.)

This course will explore the history of European social and economic life, thought, and culture of elites and common folk from the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries. (Prerequisites: One of the following: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 131 or HIST 132)

HIST 421 European Women's History: Medieval Renaissance and Reformation (3 crs.)

An examination of the prescriptive notions of "woman" as well as the varieties of actual historical experiences of women in western European society from the early Middle Ages through the Renaissance and Reformation periods (ca. 500-1650) (Prerequisite: HIST 111 or 112 or consent of instructor) Offered alternate years

HIST 425 British History since 1603 (3 crs.)

England and its empire to 1815 with stress on parallel developments in American history, including economic and social factors. Offered alternate years

HIST 426 British Empire and Commonwealth since 1815 (3 crs.)

Political development to the present with emphasis on the rise and fall of the second empire. Spring Semester

HIST 429 The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era (3 crs.)

France from the old Regime to the end of the First Empire. Offered once in three years

HIST 430 Nineteenth Century Europe (3 crs.)

From the Napoleonic era to the eve of the First World War. Fall semester

HIST 431 Twentieth Century Europe (3 crs.)

Particular focus on backgrounds, development, and effects of the two world wars. Spring semester

HIST 432 Intellectual History of Modern Europe (3 crs.)

From the Renaissance to the present. Offered once in three years

HIST 434 Modern Russia to 1917 (3 crs.)

Political, social, and economic factors in the history of Russia from the end of the fifteenth century to the Revolution. Offered alternate years

HIST 435 History of the U.S.S.R. (3 crs.)

The political, social, intellectual, and diplomatic history of the Soviet Union. Spring semester

HIST 436 History of East-Central Europe since 1918 (3 crs.)

The political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Poland during the interwar period—and that of the Socialist Republics (Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and East Germany) from the Second World War to the present. Offered once in three years

HIST 437 European National Histories (3 crs.)

This course will treat an individual nation in the context of Modern European History. The country to be studied will be announced in the Course Schedule in advance and may focus, for example, on France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, or Spain. (Prerequisites: One of the following: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 131 or HIST 132).

HIST 439 Topics in Non-U.S. History (3 crs.)

Varied topics such as the Crusades, Ancient Egypt. Either semester

HIST 440 Topics in U.S. History (3 crs.)

Varied topics such as the French in New England, History of Boston, American assassinations, the Vietnam War and Abraham Lincoln. Either semester

HIST 441 United States History: The Colonial Period 1607- 1763 (3 crs.)

The settlement and growth of the English colonies of America; England's colonial policies; economic and institutional development in the provincial period; the wars with the Indians, and the rivalry with the French in America. Offered alternate years

HIST 442 United States History: The American Revolution 1763-1787 (3 crs.)

Background and causes of the American Revolution, the military, social, political, and diplomatic aspects of the Revolution. The government under the Articles of Confederation and the problems engendered by the attainment of political independence. Offered alternate years

HIST 443 United States History: The Early National Period (3 crs.)

United States History from the establishment of the Republic to the election of Andrew Jackson.

HIST 444 Jacksonian Democracy and the Coming of the Civil War (3 crs.)

The election of Andrew Jackson and the "rise of the common man," the Whig-Democrat rivalry, the Texas question, Manifest Destiny, the rise of abolitionism, the events leading to the outbreak of the Civil War.

HIST 445 United States History: The Civil War (3 crs.)

Background and causes of the Civil War, the military and naval aspects. Civil War music, art, and literature; diplomacy of the Civil War; the home front in the war; the plans for reconstruction; and military reconstruction. Fall semester

HIST 448 United States Foreign Relations to 1900 (3 crs.)

From the American Revolution to 1900. Fall semester

HIST 453 United States History: Progressive Era (3 crs.)

The rise of the Progressive movement in American history to the early 1920s as reflected in politics, government and the social and intellectual life of the era. Offered alternate years

HIST 456 World War II (3 crs.)

A study of the global conflict with emphasis on military, diplomatic, and political events. Fall semester

HIST 457 America Since World War II (3 crs.)

The political, social, cultural and diplomatic development of America since World War II with emphasis on the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the debate over Welfare State. (Prerequisite: HIST 221 and HIST 222)

HIST 461 American Immigration and Ethnicity (3 crs.)

Patterns of migration to the United States with particular emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Fall semester

HIST 462 American Labor History (3 crs.)

The pre-industry and industrial periods. Emphasis on reciprocal relations of workers, immigrants, urbanization, and industrialization. Either semester

HIST 464 New England Textile Communities: Social and Economic History (3 crs.)

Social history emphasizing economic, ethnic, labor, political and religious factors during a period when the New England region achieved ascendancy as the nation's foremost cotton textile area. Offered alternate years

HIST 465 African-American History (3 crs.)

From the colonial period through the present.

HIST 466 Women in American History (3 crs.)

A history of American women from the colonial period to the present time. Offered alternate years

HIST 471 Sport in American Life (3 crs.)

The rise of sport in American society, stressing its cultural, economic, and social impact since the Civil War. (Prerequisite: HIST 221 or HIST 222) Spring semester

HIST 472 History of Massachusetts (3 crs.)

From the days of the Pilgrims and Puritans to the present. In the modern period, emphasis is on social, economic and constitutional history. Offered once in three years

HIST 473 Asian-American History (3crs)

This course explores Asian-American history, from the 19th century to the present. It will focus on the changing experiences of Asian-Americans within the larger context of immigration and race relations in American history. (prerequisite: HIST 221 or 222 and one of the following: HIST 111, 112, 131, 132, 151)

HIST 474 Islamic Civilization (3crs)

A survey of Middle Eastern history from the rise of Islam in the 7th century through the Mongol conquests in the 13th century. (prerequisite: One of the following: HIST 111, 112, 121, 131, 132)

HIST 475 The Modern Middle East (3 crs.)

A survey of Middle Eastern history from 1400 to the present. (prerequisite: one of the following: HIST 111,112,121,131,132)

HIST 477 Latin America: The Colonial Period (3 crs.)

Indigenous peoples of the area, exploration and conquest, institutional development of the empire to the revolts against Spain.

HIST 478 Latin America: The National Period (3 crs.)

From the revolutions against Spain to the present.

HIST 480 History of Imperial China (3 crs.)

This course will provide an overview of Chinese civilization and society, with an emphasis on the history of late imperial China from the eleventh through the nineteenth centuries.

HIST 481 China Under Communism (3 crs.)

The social, political, and economic transformation of China from an agrarian empire to a revolutionary, socialist nation. (Prerequisite: one of the following: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 121, HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 151, HIST 221, HIST 222)

HIST 482 History of Modern Japan (3 crs.)

This course will provide an overview of Japan's transformation from a feudal regime to a modern nation, with an emphasis on the period from 1600 to the present.

HIST 483 South Asia: The Modern Period (3 crs.)

Emphasis on colonialism and nationalism in the Indian subcontinent and Vietnam. Fall semester

HIST 484 War and Revolution in Modern Asia (3 crs.)

This course will examine the revolutionary movements and military conflicts in Asia in the twentieth century, with an emphasis on China and Japan. (Prerequisites: one of the following: HIST 111, HIST 121, HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 151, HIST 221, HIST 222)

HIST 485 Honors Thesis (3 crs.)

This course is open to All-College and Departmental Honors students. One-hour weekly meetings with the thesis director will culminate in an honors thesis. With the consent of the Departmental Honors Committee and the thesis director, this course may be extended into a second semester for three additional credits depending upon the scope of the project. Whether the final version of the thesis qualifies the student to graduate with honors will be determined by the Departmental Honors Committee. Either semester

HIST 487 Canadian History to Confederation (3 crs.)

The land, the native peoples, exploration, patterns of settlement of the French through the Conquest to the development of English institutions. Fall semester

HIST 488 Canadian History since Confederation (3 crs.)

The evolution of an independent Canada from the time of the Confederation. Spring semester

HIST 489 History of Canadian-American Relations (3 crs.)

An analysis of the Canadian efforts to remain friendly with the giant to the south while protecting its political, economic and cultural integrity. Offered once in three years

HIST 490 Historical Studies at Oxford (3 crs.)

Study of selected topics in European History. (This is a special program in England at Oxford University during July. Additional fees are required.) Open to juniors and seniors only.

HIST 491 Medicine and Society in the North Atlantic World (3 crs.)

This course explores themes in the social history of health, medicine and gender in the English-speaking North Atlantic world, from the beginning of the eighteenth century to 1920. The course compares how western societies have conceived of "health" for men and women and examines how the delivery of medical care in these societies changed over time. Specific topics will include changing conceptions of the body, popular healing, and medical professionalization. The course includes both lectures and seminars. (Prerequisite: one of the following; HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 121, HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 221, HIST 222 or consent of instructor)

HIST 494 Quebec and Canada since 1867 (3 crs.)

This course examines the love-hate relationship that emerged between French Canada and English Canada in the years between Confederation and the 1995 referendum on separatism in Quebec. How did francophones and anglophones negotiate coexistence within Canada in these years? What are the main sources of separatist feeling in French Quebec? Themes that will be examined include the economic dominance of English Canada over French Canada, the transformation of Quebecois nationalism, and the importance of language protection to French-Canadian culture. (Prerequisite: one of the following; HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 121, HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 221, HIST 222 or consent of instructor)

HIST 495 Undergraduate History Colloquium (3 crs.)

The undergraduate history colloquium is a text and discussion-based, writing-intensive course that focuses on a specific historical topic and relevant historiographical issues, and required development of research skills. (Prerequisites: Two of the following: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 121, HIST 131, HIST 132; and HIST 221 and HIST 222)

HIST 496 Undergraduate History Seminar (3 crs.)

The undergraduate history seminar is an intensive course in which students will write a major research paper involving original research. Students will present and critique papers on specific historical topics and relevant historiographical literature. This course does not carry graduate credit. (Prerequisites: two of the following: HIST 111, HIST 112, HIST 121, HIST 131, HIST 132; and HIST 221, HIST 222 or consent of instructor)

HIST 498 Internship in History (3-6 crs.)

Intended to expose student participants to historical artifacts and primary source materials. Host agencies may include museums and public and private historical organizations. (Prerequisite: consent of the department; formal application required) Either semester

HIST 499 Directed Study in History (1-3 crs.)

Open to juniors and seniors who have demonstrated critical and analytical abilities in their studies and who wish to pursue a project independently. May be taken twice for a maximum of six credits or with an internship program—combined credit maximum, 6. (Prerequisite: consent of the department; formal application required) Either semester

HIST 503 Directed Study (credit to be arranged)

Designed for the graduate student who desires to study selected topics in a specific field. For details, consult the paragraph entitled "Independent Study" in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

HIST 540 Topical Seminar: U.S. (3 crs.)

This course will stress reading and research in a limited field. Topics will vary each time the course is given and will be announced in the Course Schedule. Limited enrollment. (Prerequisite: consent of the instructor)

HIST 545 Topical Seminar: Canada (3 crs.)

This course will stress reading and research in a limited field. Topics will vary each time the course is given and will be announced in the Course Schedule. (Prerequisite: consent of instructor)

HIST 550 Topical Seminar: Europe (3 crs.)

HIST 560 Topical Seminar: Latin America (3 crs.)

HIST 570 Topical Seminar: Africa (3 crs.)

HIST 580 Topical Seminar: Asia (3 crs.)

This seminar will explore major themes and debates in early modern and modern East Asian history. The focus will be on China and Japan, with a secondary emphasis on other parts of Asia. Topics will include historiography and methodology in the study of Asia, cultural traditions and social change in early modern China and Japan, the responses in China and Japan to western imperialism, nationalism and modernization in East Asia, and the relations between the United States and China in the twentieth century.

Last Modified: October 29, 2008

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