History

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History involves the study of most aspects of the human experience over time — politics, social life, cultural developments, military affairs, diplomacy, ethnicity, technology, economics, religion, literature, and so much more. It is a story of real people and how they responded to change, choice, or conflict. Studying the past offers us a valuable perspective for understanding our own time. Students in the history department learn valuable skills- how to do research, analyze evidence, put issues in proper context, and communicate in a clear and coherent way- that can be used in many different contexts. Internships and study abroad represent examples of the ways students can learn more outside the college classroom. In short, the history department prepares students to do well in the wider world.

History majors will complete requirements for the major — including producing and defending a primary research paper — in a timely fashion while meeting departmental standards. Additionally, students who major in history will be presented with opportunities for involvement in the field of history outside of the classroom, including membership in the Phi Alpha Theta history honorary, field study, study abroad, and attendance at and submission of papers to history conferences and contests. History majors will:

  • demonstrate a workable knowledge of important facts, themes, and issues of American, European, and world history;
  • use a variety of historical sources and demonstrate competence in the techniques of source evaluation and methods of historical interpretation utilized by historians;
  • use critical thinking and analysis skills that allow for informed assessment, debate, and defense of historical issues and arguments;
  • use the skills of written and oral communication that allow for informed assessment, debate, and defense of historical issues and arguments;
  • distinguish the historical similarities and differences among different cultures/societies and across time.

For more information about the History major leading to a teaching certification, please contact the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Contact: Professor Harold Tallant

 

 

Majors and Minors

Classes

AST270 : East Asian Cinema

In this course, we will view films made by some of the great East Asian directors of the past 50 years, particularly of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan.

Credit Hour(s)

3

AST355 : Doing Business in Asia

This course will introduce students to business practices and strategies in Asia based upon the instructor’s work and study in Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Students will acquire familiarity with the languages, cultures and histories of East Asia to prepare them for smooth interaction with business people from Asian cultures. This course should also enable students to proactively understand and manage cultural differences and make life and work much more pleasant in an international context.

Credit Hour(s)

3

HIS111 : History of Civilization to 1648

A study of human origins stressing the continuity of development through 1648. The course will be taught on a chronological or topical basis and will attempt to combine historical interpretation with a general knowledge of the significant developments of the past.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: HIS

Semester Offered

Fall

HIS113 : History of Civilization Since 1648

A study of civilization from 1648 to the present. The course will be taught on a chronological or topical basis and will attempt to combine historical interpretation with a knowledge of the significant developments of the past.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: HIS

Semester Offered

Spring

HIS211 : East Asian Civilization I

This course will survey the development of East Asian civilization, covering its origins, cultural influences, and global connections, from prehistoric times to approximately AD 1600.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: HIS

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

HIS213 : East Asian Civilization II

This course will explore the development of East Asia from about AD 1600 to the present. Students will compare and contrast the similarities and differences among the national experiences in modern East Asia and examine East Asia's cultural and political influence in modern world history.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: HIS

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

HIS250 : Historical Methods

An intensive introduction to concepts, methods, and issues in the study of history. Emphasis will be on the framing of historical questions and immersion in the actual sources of history.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Sophomore standing.

Semester Offered

Spring

HIS304 : Kentucky History

Looks at Kentucky history in its varied aspects, beginning before the written record, continuing through the frontier era and the Civil War, and going to the present. It emphasizes the social, political, economic, cultural, educational, and other parts of that history, while looking at the myths and realities of Kentucky.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall

HIS306 : Colonial and Revolutionary America, 1607-1783

An intensive investigation of the American colonies, their political and social origins, their culture developments, and their subsequent revolution with and separation from Great Britain.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

HIS308 : History of the Early Republic: 1783-1848

This course is a study of the formative years of the United States. The course covers the early years of government under the Articles of Confederation, the adoption of the United States Constitution, and the political development of the new nation through the Mexican War. Additionally, the course will cover the social, ethnic, economic, intellectual, cultural, and religious transformations which characterized American life in the 1780s-1840s.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

HIS310 : History of the South

The contribution of Southern civilization to the total life of the nation, with emphasis on the New South.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

HIS312 : Civil War and Reconstruction

Intensive investigation of some aspect of the period. Topics selected to give insight into the war and its effect on American history.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

HIS314 : Gilded Age through the 1920s

An intensive overview of America between 1877 and 1930. This course explores the political, social, economic, and cultural developments of the period, especially in their relationship to the formation of industrial capitalism.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

HIS323 : Renaissance and Reformation

This course will cover the intellectual, cultural, political, and economic development of Europe with particular focus on the Italian Renaissance and the Reformation in Germany. The course will continue through the Counter-Reformation and the Thirty Years War.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

HIS325 : United States Diplomatic History

The course will survey the historical development of United States diplomatic policies and positions which have influenced American attitudes toward other peoples or significantly affected domestic development. American economic, religious, racial, and cultural values will be integrated into the study.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

HIS331 : Revolutionary Europe 1789-1871

A survey of European history from the period of the French Revolution through the unification of Germany. Emphasis will be given to the revolutionary political, economic, social, cultural, and military/diplomatic changes transforming Europe in this period.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: HIS

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

HIS333 : Europe in Crisis 1871-1949

A survey of European history from the period of German unification to the beginning of the Cold War. Emphasis will be given to the challenges posed by nationalism and militarism; the two world wars; technological, economic, and social change; imperialism; the emergence of fascist, national socialist, and communist movements and governments; and the evolution of cultural modernism.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: HIS

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

HIS335 : History of England

Study of the political, social, economic, religious, and constitutional history of England to the end of the Stuart period.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

HIS337 : Modern England

This course describes the role of the English nation in the modern world as well as its contributions to modern society. Anglo-American relations will be given special emphasis.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

HIS343 : Modern Central Europe

A survey of German, Austrian, and Hungarian history from the 19th century to the present; topics include the industrial revolution in Central Europe, the 1848 revolutions, the creation and collapse of the German and Austro-Hungarian Empires, the rise of radical ideologies after 1918, the Second World War, and Germany’s division and reunification.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

HIS345 : Military History

A survey of the role of warfare and the military in Western society from prehistory to the present. Topics will include the origins of war and military institutions; the relationship of military organizations to the state; philosophies/ doctrines regarding the state’s use of war as policy; the evolution and impact of new military technologies, tactics, and strategies; the role of leadership, organization, and logistics in war; moral and ethical issues of war; and the perspective of the individual combatant.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

HIS378 : Tutorial Topics

Special topics in History using a one-on-one tutorial method of instruction similar to that used in humanities courses at Oxford University.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

HIS111 or 113 and permission of the instructor.

HIS412 : Ancient Hisory

Roots of western civilization; primary source material for the ancient Near East, Greece and Rome.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

HIS417 : History of Modern Russia

A survey of Russian history from the 19th century to the present; topics will include the social and cultural trends of Imperial Russia, Russia’s role in European and world affairs, the 1917 revolutions, the Communist era and Cold War, and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

HIS424 : History of the Middle East

Political, economic, and cultural events and institutions from the time of Muhammad, with emphasis on the contemporary period.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

HIS426 : History of the American Indian

This course traces the multifarious history of American Indians, with particular emphasis on the course of American history from their perspectives. It is designed to digress from the traditional view of Indian history as one of Indian-white warfare and frontier violence, and explore a deeper understanding of Indians as human beings caught up in dramatic historical events that continue to shape their lives.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

HIS430 : Recent America

This course surveys American growth since 1930 and the social, political, and intellectual adjustments which that growth has required. It emphasizes the transition of people and institutions over time.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

HIS450 : Senior Seminar

Historical criticism, historiography, and research.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

HIS250 with a grade of C or better.

Semester Offered

Fall

HIS460 : Internship

Students may receive graduation credit for internships with appropriate disciplinary content that meet the faculty-approved criteria for academic internships. Such experiences include a significant reflective component and must be supervised by a full-time member of the Georgetown College faculty.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Prerequisites

consent of the supervising instructor.

HIS470 : Topics in History

Some topics might include African American History; History of Feminism; Hitler and National Socialism; History of Revolutions; History of American Labor; History of Race Relations; History of American Business; History of Latin America.

Credit Hour(s)

3