History

Women's College

Overview
Major
Approved Program for Secondary Certification in Social Studies/History (Dual Certification)
Pre-Museum Studies
Minor
History Four-Year Plan
History/Social Studies Four-Year Plan
Pre-Museum Studies Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions

E. Susan Barber, Ph.D., Chair
Therese Marie Dougherty, SSND, Ph.D. (Joint appointment with language department)
Alison Dray-Novey, Ph.D.
Anne E. Henderson, Ph.D.
David G. Hoovler, Ph.D.

The history/political science department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in history to students in the Women's College. Students may also prepare for secondary certification in social studies/history (dual certification). History and political science provide an important bridge between the humanities and the social sciences. Together they invite students to develop a wide perspective on humanity and its institutions in the past, the present and the future. They also offer students a rich variety of career preparations, either in specific pre-professional school programs or in academic, public or private sector opportunities. Graduates are employed by such agencies as the U.S. Department of State, the Library of Congress, Baltimore County Public Schools, the Department of Energy Office of Policy and International Affairs and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Graduates have completed advanced degrees at institutions such as George Washington University, American University, the University of London, Yale University, Cambridge University and The Johns Hopkins University.

A student's program in history is based on our belief that the discipline is among the best preparations one can have for professional school, such as law school, or careers in the public or private sector. Both government and businesses seek employees who can write, think and solve problems. This program develops those skills. The program in history begins with the provocative question, "What is history?" To answer this, we encourage our students to analyze, evaluate and interpret events of the past and make sense of them in the present. We also advise majors to elect courses in the social sciences, the humanities and the fine arts to gain a fuller understanding of the total cultural environment of an historical period as well as the relationship between history and other disciplines. Other opportunities for broadening a student's program include independent study, directed readings and internships in career-related fields—all of which are available through individual counseling with the departmental advisor. The department also sponsors a chapter of Phi Alpha Theta (Nu Pi) for students who meet the requirements of this national honor society in history.

The following courses will fulfill the general education requirement in history: HIS-101, 103, 104, 156, 203, 207, 208, 211, 214, 218, 221, 222, 231, 252, 261, 290, 303, 308, 309, 310, 316, 317, 319, 320, 323, 325, 328, 330, 331, 332, 335, 337, 338, 340, 350, 352, 355, 370, 372, 373, 390, 402, 404 and 410.

History courses which satisfy the general education requirement in cross-cultural studies: HIS-207, 211, 214, 222, 231, 252, 290, 317, 320, 325, 328, 330, 331, 332, 335, 337, 338, 370.

History courses which satisfy the general education requirement in gender studies: HIS-261, 290, 303, 309, 323, 350, 352, 355, 402.

Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all courses taken to complete the requirements of the history major.

Back to top

Programs of Study

Major in History    

Required courses (Credits)
HIS-101 Dynamics of History (3)
HIS-456 Senior Seminar (3)
Choose one of the following (3)
HIS-221 Early Modern Europe
HIS-222 Europe, 1848-Present
HIS-337 Imperial Russia: History and Literature
HIS-338 Russia Since 1917: History and Literature
One of the following (3)
HIS-211 Introduction to East Asian Civilization
HIS-331 Modern China
HIS-335 Modern Japan
One of the following (3)
HIS-252 Latin American History and Politics
HIS-214 Pre-Colonial Africa
HIS-328 Post-Colonial Africa
One of the following (3)
HIS-261 Winning the Vote: The History of Women's Suffrage in America
HIS-290 Women in Islamic Societies
HIS-303 Women in the Ancient World
HIS-309 Women in American History
HIS-323 Black Women in American History
HIS-350 Harlots and Helpmates: The History of Women in Europe, 1750-1945
HIS-352 Honors: Educating Women in the U.S.
HIS-355 Women and Work: The American Experience
HIS-402 Honors: Women, War and Peace

Five additional history courses of student's choice (at least one must be U.S. history); at least two of these must be at the 300/400-level (15)

One social science course (economics, geography, political science, psychology or sociology) in addition to the general education requirement in social science (3)

Internship/study abroad/study tour (3)

Back to top

Approved Program for Secondary Certification in Social Studies/History (Dual Certification)  

HIS-101 Dynamics of History (3)
HIS-456 Senior Seminar (3)
POL-101 Introduction to Politics   
POL-201 American Politics in Comparative Perspective
ECO-211 Introduction to Macroeconomics   
ECO-212 Introduction to Microeconomics   
SOC-101 Introductory Sociology   
GEO-206 Geography of the Major Regions of the World

One of the following (3)
HIS-207 Ethnic Groups in America
HIS-317 The African American Experience
HIS-309 Women in American History
HIS-323 Black Women in American History
One of the following (3)
HIS-221 Early Modern Europe
HIS-222 Europe, 1848-Present
One of the following (3)
HIS-203 Colonial America
HIS-208 The United States, 1900-1945
HIS-316 The United States, 1945 to the Present
HIS 373 Honors: The Exploding Society: United States, 1950-2000
One of the following (3)
HIS-211 Introduction to East Asian Civilization
HIS-252 Latin American History and Politics
HIS-328 Post-Colonial Africa
HIS-331 Modern China
HIS-335 Modern Japan
One other 300/400-level history course of the student's choice (3)
Two of the following (6)
POL-319 The American Presidency
POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization
POL-440 Global Issues

Professional education courses offered by the education department for secondary certification are listed within the education program listing.

Back to top

History: Pre-Museum Studies   

HIS-101 Dynamics of History (3)
HIS-456 Senior Seminar (3)
HIS-465 Readings: Pre-Museum Studies (3)
ART-120 Art of Europe and the Near East and ART-121 Art of Europe and the United States (6)
ART-412 Studies in American Art (3)
One other art history course (3)
One U.S. history course (3)
One non-western history course (3)
Three other history courses; two of these courses must be at the 300/400 level (9)
Two museum internships (6-8)

Back to top

Minor in History

The department also offers a minor in history consisting of a minimum of 18 credits of course work in history.
Students who wish to minor should consult the department chair.
HIS-101 Dynamics of History or HIS-456 Senior Seminar is required.

Back to top

History Four-Year Plan

Sample program of study for the history major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Back to top

History/Social Studies Certification Four-Year Plan

Sample program of study for the history major with social studies certification. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Back to top

History — Pre-Museum Four-Year Plan

Sample program of study for the history—pre-museum major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Back to top

Course Descriptions

GEO-206 GEOGRAPHY OF THE MAJOR REGIONS OF THE WORLD
Surveys the different regions of the world with a focus on the dynamic relationships among them. Considers physical, demographic, ethnic and economic differences. A requirement for elementary education/liberal studies students. [3 credits]

HIS-101 DYNAMICS OF HISTORY
Introduces students to analysis of primary sources and to key aspects of critical thinking in history. Offers the opportunity to do history by exploring and interpreting print and online primary sources. Students consider the same historical materials as primary source, as written historical account (secondary source) and as film. A final project is an oral history interview. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-103 ANCIENT WORLD
Concentrates on providing an overview of the birth, contributions and decline of classical civilization. Focuses on political, social, cultural and intellectual history of Greece and Rome. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-104 EARLY EUROPE, 800-1648
Concentrates on the cultural and institutional development of European self-consciousness as separate from its Greco-Roman origins. Emphasizes the development of European city-states and a divided Christianity. Fulfills the general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-200 HONORS: THE AGE OF GENOCIDE
Examines the nature, causes and consequences of genocide in order to understand the possibilities and challenges of preventing genocidal violence in the future. The course introduces  students to the controversies surrounding the definition and analysis of genocide. It begins with the contested question of what constitutes genocide. The course then considers the causes of genocide. In addition, we analyze the challenges of identifying potentially genocidal situations before the killing begins and of intervening to prevent genocides. The course also studies processes of reconciliation in societies that have experienced genocide. We explore issues of causation, intervention and healing in cases including the colonial genocides of indigenous populations, the Holocaust, Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Iraqi Kurds and Darfur. Ultimately, the course asks students to decide whether genocide is an inevitable scourge of the human condition or a tragic aberration that humanity has the power to transform. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-203 COLONIAL AMERICA
Examines the development of the British colonies in North America into autonomous entities. Accounts for their rebellion from Britain and considers the establishment of the new nation. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-207 ETHNIC GROUPS IN AMERICA
Analyzes the American social fabric by examining the experiences of several ethnic groups, including—but not limited to—Native Americans, Asian and European immigrants, Hispanic Americans and African Americans. Fulfills general education requirement in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-208 THE UNITED STATES, 1900–1945
Examines the transformation of the United States into an industrial-urban state and the impact of reform movements on American politics and life. Considers the rise of the United States as a world power. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-211 INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIAN CIVILIZATION
Focuses on major stages in the development of Chinese civilization from earliest times to about 1850. Also discusses the history of peoples who received their higher culture from China, such as the Japanese, and of nomadic groups that interacted with the Chinese over many centuries, such as the Mongols. Fulfills general education requirement in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-214 PRE-COLONIAL AFRICA
Examines social, economic, political and religious developments of Africans with an emphasis on how changes in each domain affected the lives of ordinary people. Provides a chronological survey of the history of African peoples from the prehistoric period to the mid-20th century. Also addresses African resistance to European invasions. Aims to create for students a cultural awareness of Africa and its people. Fulfills general education requirement in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-221 EARLY MODERN EUROPE
Examines European history from the Renaissance to the French Revolution (ca. 1350-1800) in an investigation of the following question: Why and how did the modern world originate in previously backward Europe? Stresses use of primary sources. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-222 EUROPE, 1848–PRESENT
Examines the political and intellectual zenith of Europe in the 19th century and its decline during the two World Wars. We emphasize the changing intellectual outlook: imperialism, right- and left-wing totalitarianism, socialism, the formation of the European Union, the fall of communist governments in the east and current immigration problems. Fulfills general education requirement for history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-231 HONORS: TRADITIONAL JAPAN THROUGH LITERATURE AND ART
Introduces students to pre-modern Japan (ca. 600-1800 CE) by means of highly evocative literature in excellent English translations. Approaches these readings as reflections of successive historical eras, as literature of universal appeal and as examples of the development of Japanese aesthetics. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: Morrissy scholar or permission. [3 credits]

HIS-247 CHARM CITY IN THE MAKING: BALTIMORE 1650 TO THE PRESENT
Employs the city as a text to explore the rise of Baltimore from a village of 25 houses into a great industrial city, its decline and its revitalization as a major urban center and port of entry. Considers issues of urban demographics, the built environment, depopulation, and social and cultural restoration. Extensive field observation at sites in Baltimore City. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-252 LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY AND POLITICS
Analyzes the history of Latin America from pre-Columbian days to the 20th century with a focus on colonialism, independence, the formation of nations, military and personalist dictatorships, to current imperfect democracies. The course reviews the economic swings between protectionism and neo-liberalism, and studies how different states deal with income inequality, race, environmental issues, the changing role of women, cultural differences and the role of  religion. Case studies will focus on Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Venzuela, and Cuba.  Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-261 WINNING THE VOTE: THE HISTORY OF WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE IN AMERICA
Uses primary and secondary sources to examine the struggle for women's suffrage from the colonial period to the 20th century. Focuses on suffrage leaders and the strategies they implemented to secure the right to vote for American women, with attention paid to racial and class differences. Fulfills general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-290 WOMEN IN ISLAMIC SOCIETIES
Examines the historical development and current realities of women's political, social, and economic roles in Islamic societies. The course explores the diversity of women's roles in Muslim countries in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It examines how women have influenced, and been affected by, international trends such as the spread of democracy, the rise of religious fundamentalism, and the process of globalization. Students learn how Muslim women have defined themselves, and been defined, in the realms of political/social activism, work, and the family. In addition, students critically analyze Western perceptions and stereotypes of Muslim women and their lives. Fulfills general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS-308 HISTORY OF ENGLAND
Examines political, social and economic development in England and the British Empire from the Anglo-Saxon era to the emergence of the welfare state after World War I. Pays particular attention to the changing roles of the Crown and Parliament as well as social and political systems. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-309 WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Surveys the historical significance of women's changing roles in American society from the colonial period to the present. Emphasizes differences on the basis of race, class and region. Fulfills general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS-310 AMERICA'S TIME OF TRIAL
Comprehensive study of the American Civil War Era, synthesizing the "old" and "new" Civil War history. Explores political/military areas with a special focus on the social/cultural impact of the war. Readings about women from a variety of sources flesh out the story of the consequences of the war for women, who served in both traditional and non-traditional roles during the conflict. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-316 THE UNITED STATES, 1945–PRESENT
Examines the United States since World War II with a focus on the origins and longevity of the Cold War, the war in Vietnam, and the social and political upheaval of the 1960s and 1970s. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-317 AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Examines the experiences of African Americans in the United States from the 17th century to the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-319 THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
Examines presidential power, presidential elections, foreign and domestic policy, presidential decision-making, and relations with Congress with historic and contemporary examples. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-320 THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
Examines the historical experiences of Africans in the African Diaspora with a focus on the international dimensions and commonalities. Concentrates attention on the creation and definition of the African Diaspora, the chronology of significant events in Diaspora history, and the struggle by Africans to obtain social, political and economic equality in their respective global locations. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-323 BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Examines the historical experiences of African American women from the colonial period to the present. Focuses on the impact of race, culture and ethnicity; the chronology of significant events in African-American women's history; significant contributions by African American women; and the struggle for social, political and economic equality. Fulfills general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-325 REVOLUTION AND TERRORISM
Traces the causes, patterns and outcomes of several modern revolutions, and analyzes the similarities and differences between revolutionary movements and terrorist groups. The course looks at the ideological, ethnic and religious terrorist groups with a special emphasis on religious terrorism and its worldwide impact. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-325 REVOLUTION AND TERRORISM
Traces the causes, patterns and outcomes of the French, Russian, Cuban and Iranian Revolutions, and analyzes the similarities and differences between revolutionary movements and guerrilla and terrorist groups. The course looks at the ideological, ethnic and religious terrorist groups with a special emphasis on religious terrorism and its worldwide impact. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-328 POST-COLONIAL AFRICA
Focuses on the socioeconomic, political and cultural development of Africa in the post-colonial era. Students examine the struggle for independence from European powers, the experiences of early post-colonial regimes, the challenges of economic development, the impact of violent conflict, and the ongoing efforts to promote democratization. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-330 EUROPEAN FOREIGN RELATIONS SINCE 1815
Examines European diplomatic relations from the Congress of Vienna to the present. The course will focus on the major 19th century events as well as World War I, World War II, the Cold War and the post-Cold War periods. Fulfills general education requirements for history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-331 MODERN CHINA
Illuminates today's China by examining central themes in the modern revolution there, from 1850 to the present time. Focuses also on fundamental social and political change as human experience in Chinese literature and autobiographical writing. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-332 THE FIRST EMPEROR'S TOMB: HISTORY, ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY
Examines the fascinating evidence from the tomb of China's first emperor (reigned 221-210 BCE) from the perspectives of history, art and archaeology. Reading and discussion draw upon thousands of computerized images and hours of recorded interviews with scholars. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-335 MODERN JAPAN
Studies the modern transformation of Japan from the mid-19th century to the present day. Focuses especially on distinctive patterns of Japanese society and their influence on modernization, characteristics of Japanese cultural identity vis-à-vis the West, key factors in Japan's economic life and problems in Japanese-American relations. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-336 THE SILVER AGE OF RUSSIA
Studies the intellectual, literary and artistic movements that flourished in Russia, 1860-1920. Introduces students to significant art and artists in context of political and social developments in late Imperial Russia. This era can be seen as a bridge between the "Realistic" tradition of the early to mid-19th century and the "Modernist" period of the 20th century. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-337 IMPERIAL RUSSIA: HISTORY AND LITERATURE
Examines Russian history and literature from the beginnings of Westernization under Peter the Great to the outbreak of World War I (1700 to 1914). Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-338 RUSSIA SINCE 1917: HISTORY AND LITERATURE
Examines major problems of interpretation in the history of the Russian Revolution and the Soviet Union. Focuses especially on the fall of the Soviet Union and its aftermath in Russia and the independent states. Addresses cultural as well as political and economic issues. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-340 HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST
Uses original and secondary sources to examine the history of the Holocaust and imparts skills and strategies for teaching this history to elementary school students. Satisfies the history requirement in the CAUS elementary education major. [3 credits]

HIS-350 HARLOTS AND HELPMATES: THE HISTORY OF WOMEN IN EUROPE, 1750-1945
Examines the changing relationship of European women to the family, the workplace and the state during the 19th and 20th centuries. Places particular emphasis on French and English women. Fulfills general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS-352 HONORS: EDUCATING WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES
Examines women's education from the colonial period through the mid-20th century. Pays particular attention to the contributions of key educators and on the ways race, class, ethnicity and gender shaped decisions about who was to be educated, by whom and for what purpose. Assesses contemporary issues in women's education. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or permission. Fulfills the general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS-355 WOMEN AND WORK: THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Examines the historical origins of the current status of women in the American work force with a focus on the effects of technological and economic change, on social attitudes toward working women, and on women's efforts at unionization. Pays attention to differences among women on the basis of race and class. Fulfills general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS-370 HONORS: THE CITY IN HISTORY
Considers the reality that, before 1800, most people everywhere lived in rural villages or small towns, in a world of long-familiar faces. More recently, many have lived in cities of more than one million in population in what one sociologist calls a "world of strangers." What difference does it make? How does society control individuals in a big city? How do individuals experience urban life? Social scientists have long debated these questions, and the course examines the major answers that they have proposed. It also considers the implications of those answers for the solutions to today's city problems. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or permission. Fulfills general education requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]

HIS-372 CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
Studies the material remains of ancient Greece and Rome. In addition to printed materials, uses films, slides and Internet access to examine and discuss several major archaeological sites and the effect of their excavation on our knowledge of the ancient world. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-373 HONORS: THE EXPLODING SOCIETY: UNITED STATES, 1950 TO THE PRESENT
Explores the quantitative and qualitative explosion in the United States after 1950. Considers rapid demographic movement, economic growth, dramatic social change and expanded international responsibilities. Prerequisite: Morrissy Scholar or permission. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-390 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AT THE U.S. STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL
Focuses on U.S. state and national environmental policies regarding air and water pollution, use of public lands, climate change and alternative energy sources. The course will also focus on risk assessment and environmental justice issues. Students will analyze the historical development of policies as well as current and evolving political processes. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-402 HONORS: WOMEN, WAR AND PEACE
Examines the wartime experiences of women in Europe, the United States and Asia. Addresses question of how perceptions of women and "female nature" inform attitudes about women's wartime roles. Uses historical monographs, literature, art and film to examine and evaluate the relationship between war and gender. Also assesses women's role in the international peace movement. Fulfills general education requirements in history and gender studies. [3 credits]

HIS/POL-404 UNITED STATES FOREIGN RELATIONS IN THE 20TH CENTURY
Examines United States foreign relations from the end of World War I to the post-Cold War Era. Focuses on the Cold War, its aftermath and the fallout from September 11. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-410 LAW AND SOCIETY IN AMERICA
Explores the history of law in the United States from the colonial period to the present. Considers the symbiotic relationship of law and social/political developments. Fulfills general education requirement in history. [3 credits]

HIS-427 STUDY TOUR
Combines study with travel to various parts of the world. Organized by faculty members of the department. Offered periodically in summer and Winterim. [3 credits]

HIS-456 SENIOR SEMINAR
Applies ideas, methods, and approaches from history, political science, and international studies to the exploration of selected topics. Students situate their discipline within the context of related fields, while also advancing the skills necessary for professional work in their own areas.  In this team-taught course, history majors address the selected topic through focusing on the history of history, the politics of history, and the art of writing history based on original sources. Meanwhile, political science and international studies majors use the selected topic as a focal point for synthesizing their understanding of the diverse theories and methods of their disciplines.  All students will, in consultation with their professors, select, design and write an original research paper to be presented to the class at the end of the semester. Serves as the capstone course for history, political science, and international studies majors.  Pre-requisites: POL101 or 103 and POL361 for Political Science and International Studies majors; HIS101 for History Majors.  [3 credits]

HIS-462 ASIAN STUDIES SEMINAR
Examines the historic tradition of Confucianism in relation to various aspects of present-day life in East Asia. Topics include family and personality, education, social and economic organization, moral perspectives, law and politics, and bureaucracy and the state. Fulfills seminar requirement for the Asian Studies minor. [3 credits]

HIS-463 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Provides opportunities for individual study of a specific topic of special interest in history, usually involving research under the guidance of faculty of the department. [2-6 credits]

HIS-465 DIRECTED READINGS: SELECTED TOPICS IN HISTORY
Provides an opportunity for individualized study, under the guidance of a department member, with regular discussions of written works. Permits a student to do an intensive examination of an area or topic of special interest. [3-4 credits]

HIS-465 DIRECTED READINGS: PRE-MUSEUM STUDIES
Explores the "new" museum theory and its implementation in museum work, creating a community based, visitor-friendly museum environment. Considers all aspects of the museum field from the significance of the museum building to the importance of the museum shop, from the responsibilities of the museum director to the importance of security. Extensive opportunities for field observation in area museums. [3 credits]

Back to top