Below is a list of available courses offered by the History Department. Learn more about the curriculum and degree requirements.
This course will introduce the main social, political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped and reshaped European societies and Europe’s relationship to the world in this period. Topics for discussion and study include the institutions of medieval Europe, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the emergence of modern commercial capitalism, the English Revolutions, and the Enlightenment. Hours credit: 3.
Between 1750 and 1900 most of the characteristics associated with the “modern world” became established facts of life in much of Europe. This course will introduce the main social, political, economic, and cultural forces that transformed European societies and led to an era of European domination of much of the globe. Topics include the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, nationalism and the unification of Italy and Germany, imperialism, the emergence of modern feminism, and socialism. Hours credit: 3.
This course explores European political, social, cultural and economic history from the turn of the twentieth century to today. Students will examine topics such as the Great War and its aftermath, the rise of Communism and Nazism, the Second World War, the Holocaust, the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, the impact of history and memory on European society, and the problems and possibilities facing Europe today. Hours credit: 3.
This course will introduce the main social, political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped and reshaped European societies and Europe’s relationship to the world in this period. Topics for discussion and study include the institutions of medieval Europe, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the emergence of modern commercial capitalism, the English Revolutions, and the Enlightenment. Hours credit: 4.
Between 1750 and 1900 most of the characteristics associated with the “modern world” became established facts of life in much of Europe. This course will introduce the main social, political, economic, and cultural forces that transformed European societies and led to an era of European domination of much of the globe. Topics include the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, nationalism and the unification of Italy and Germany, imperialism, the emergence of modern feminism, and socialism. Hours credit: 4.
This course explores European political, social, cultural and economic history from the turn of the twentieth century to today. Students will examine topics such as the Great War and its aftermath, the rise of Communism and Nazism, the Second World War, the Holocaust, the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, the impact of history and memory on European society, and the problems and possibilities facing Europe today. Hours credit: 4.
What is public history, and why does it matter? Who authors the narratives found on historical markers, memorials, and in museum exhibits? How do these public media shape our collective consciousness? This course draws from the historical, theoretical, and practical applications of the field through readings, discussions, lectures, field trips, and experiential learning. Students will learn the art of historical storytelling, while gaining hands-on experience by curating a small exhibit. Hours credit: 3.
What is public history, and why does it matter? Who authors the narratives found on historical markers, memorials, and in museum exhibits? How do these public media shape our collective consciousness? This course draws from the historical, theoretical, and practical applications of the field through readings, discussions, lectures, field trips, and experiential learning. Students will learn the art of historical storytelling, while gaining hands-on experience by curating a small exhibit. Hours credit: 4.
This course will examine Nazi Germany’s systematic murder of Europe’s Jews and other minorities during the Second World War. Topics to be covered include the history of racism and anti-Semitism, Nazi racial policies, the mindset of perpetrators and bystanders, the variety of experiences of the victims, and memory after Auschwitz. Hours credit: 4.
A survey of the civilizations of China, Japan, and Korea from roughly 2000 BC to 1600 AD. Hours credit: 4.
The course is a continuation of East Asia to 1600. It introduces students to social and political change in East Asia from 1600 to present. The course complements modern histories of China and Japan with the history of Korea and presents a comparative and transnational perspective.(CI, HE)
An introductory survey of the American experience from precolonial Native American cultures to the end of the Civil War. Topics include European invasion and colonization, the evolution of colonial societies, the slave trade and slavery, the American Revolution, antebellum reform, industrialization, immigration, the African-American struggle for freedom, the Confederate rebellion, and the new America the Civil War created. Hours credit: 4.
A survey of the American experience since the end of the Civil War, emphasizing social and technological change; growing ethnic diversity; changing gender roles; civil rights and labor movements; political controversies; the nation’s emergence as an international power and superpower; and the evolution of government as a presence in citizens’ lives. Hours credit: 4.
This course will examine Nazi Germany’s systematic murder of Europe’s Jews and other minorities during the Second World War. Topics to be covered include the history of racism and anti-Semitism, Nazi racial policies, the mindset of perpetrators and bystanders, the variety of experiences of the victims, and memory after Auschwitz. Hours credit: 3.
Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage created the first sustained link between the eastern and western Atlantic, opening new worlds of possibility, transformation, and unforeseen consequences that continue to reverberate today. This course explores the history of the Atlantic World, and the peoples from Europe, Africa, and the Americas who lived it. Topics include encounters, cultural adaptations, slavery, circulation, and revolutions. Credit hours: 4. Offered Session Two.
This is a survey course covering the history of the Mediterranean from the introduction of agriculture (c. 9000 BCE) to the rise of Islam (632 CE). The course considers the cultural, political, and social history of the region across this period, paying particular attention to the Greeks and Romans. Hours: 4. Identical with CLAS 1180. Offered in alternate years.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 1. One time only.
Hours credit: 2. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 2. Prerequisite: HIST 1188. One time only.
A survey of the civilizations of China, Japan, and Korea from roughly 2000 BC to 1600 AD. Hours credit: 3.
The course is a continuation of East Asia to 1600. It introduces students to social and political change in East Asia from 1600 to present. The course complements modern histories of China and Japan with the history of Korea and presents a comparative and transnational perspective.(CI, HE)
An introductory survey of the American experience from precolonial Native American cultures to the end of the Civil War. Topics include European invasion and colonization, the evolution of colonial societies, the slave trade and slavery, the American Revolution, antebellum reform, industrialization, immigration, the African-American struggle for freedom, the Confederate rebellion, and the new America the Civil War created. Hours credit: 3.
A survey of the American experience since the end of the Civil War, emphasizing social and technological change; growing ethnic diversity; changing gender roles; civil rights and labor movements; political controversies; the nation’s emergence as an international power and superpower; and the evolution of government as a presence in citizens’ lives. Hours credit: 3.
This is a survey course covering the history of the Mediterranean from the introduction of agriculture (c. 9000 BCE) to the rise of Islam (632 CE). The course considers the cultural, political, and social history of the region across this period, paying particular attention to the Greeks and Romans. Hours: 3. Identical with CLAS 180. Offered in alternate years.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Hours credit: 1. One time only.
Hours credit: 2. One time only.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Hours credit: 2. Prerequisite: HIST 188. One time only.
This course explores German political, social, economic, and cultural history from the French Revolution through the First World War. Students will examine topics such as the impact of the French Revolution on the German lands, the conservative reaction after the downfall of Napoleon, the revolutions of 1848, the establishment of the German Empire, the emergence of modern culture and mass politics, and the outbreak of the First World War. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
This course explores German political, social, economic, and cultural history from the First World War to the present. Students will examine topics such as the impact of World War I, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, World War II, the Holocaust, the Cold War, the division and reunification of Germany, the impact of history and memory on German society, and the problems and possibilities facing Germany today. The course includes a required field trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
This course explores German political, social, economic, and cultural history from the French Revolution through the First World War. Students will examine topics such as the impact of the French Revolution on the German lands, the conservative reaction after the downfall of Napoleon, the revolutions of 1848, the establishment of the German Empire, the emergence of modern culture and mass politics, and the outbreak of the First World War. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
This course explores German political, social, economic, and cultural history from the First World War to the present. Students will examine topics such as the impact of World War I, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, World War II, the Holocaust, the Cold War, the division and reunification of Germany, the impact of history and memory on German society, and the problems and possibilities facing Germany today. The course includes a required field trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
An introductory survey of the history of modern China from the early 19th century to the present that will examine the shifting contours of China's social fabric, political identity, and internatinal position. The course will focus equally on the Qing Dynasty, Republic of China, and post-1949 People's Republic of China under the Communist regime. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
An introductory survey of the history of modern Japan from the mid-19th century to present that will begin with the Meiji Restoration and end with the Fukushima disaster of 2011. The course will examine Japan’s rapid modernization and its consequences, focusing on Japan’s shifting domestic identities, international position, and socioeconomic developments. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
An introductory survey of the history of modern China from the early 19th century to the present that will examine the shifting contours of China's social fabric, political identity, and internatinal position. The course will focus equally on the Qing Dynasty, Republic of China, and post-11949 People's Republic of China under the Communist regime. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
An introductory survey of the history of modern Japan from the mid-119th century to present that will begin with the Meiji Restoration and end with the Fukushima disaster of 2011. The course will examine Japan’s rapid modernization and its consequences, focusing on Japan’s shifting domestic identities, international position, and socioeconomic developments. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
A selective survey of Middle Eastern history from the time of Muhammad until the present. Primary emphasis is on the Islamic Middle East, although the course will also be concerned with the establishment of Israel. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
Hours credit: 4.
An exploration of American women from pre-contact Native American cultures to the contemporary United States, focusing on women’s evolving roles, work and status; family construction; sexual attitudes and behaviors; reproductive patterns and rights; and the development and impact of feminist consciousness. The course is alert to regional, ethnic, ideological, and class diversity among American women. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
The Civil War was not something that happened to us; it was something we did to ourselves. In this course we explore why a rational, idealistic people slid into this fratricidal barbarism that killed one out of every fifty Americans. We think about slavery's impact and legacy. We ponder the concept of a "good war." We consider what the war and its aftermath solved, worsened, and bequeathed to us, undone. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
This course explores Virginia’s crucial significance in the saga of America from pre-colonial Indian civilizations to the present, using Virginia as a laboratory in which to scrutinize central themes in American history: race, religion, democracy, violence, capitalism, and freedom. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
From the western Sahel to the central savannahs to the Swahili coast, Sub-Saharan Africa is as diverse in its regional history as it is in its geography. This course will investigate the distinct histories of these different regions, as well as the connections between them and to wider Indian Ocean, Atlantic, and trans-Saharan networks. Credit hours: 4. (CI,HE,WI)
A selective survey of Middle Eastern history from the time of Muhammad until the present. Primary emphasis is on the Islamic Middle East, although the course will also be concerned with the establishment of Israel. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
Hours credit: 1. One time only.
Hours Credit: 2. One time only.
This course explores Russian political, social, economic, and cultural history from the founding of Kievan Rusia through the beginning of Nicholas II’s reign. Students will examine topics such as the impact of the Mongol invasion, the rise of Muscovy, the reigns of Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, the impact of the Napoleonic Wars, and developments in the Russian Empire as its leaders and people faced the changing, modernizing world of the nineteenth century. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Offered alternate years.
This course explores Russian political, social, economic, and cultural history from the turn of the twentieth century to today. Students will examine topics such as the Revolution of 1905, World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, the reign of Joseph Stalin, World War II, the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the problems and possibilities facing Russia today. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Offered alternate years
Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 3.
An exploration of American women from pre-contact Native American cultures to the contemporary United States, focusing on women’s evolving roles, work and status; family construction; sexual attitudes and behaviors; reproductive patterns and rights; and the development and impact of feminist consciousness. The course is alert to regional, ethnic, ideological, and class diversity among American women. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
The Civil War was not something that happened to us; it was something we did to ourselves. In this course we explore why a rational, idealistic people slid into this fratricidal barbarism that killed one out of every fifty Americans. We think about slavery's impact and legacy. We ponder the concept of a "good war." We consider what the war and its aftermath solved, worsened, and bequeathed to us, undone. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
This course explores Virginia’s crucial significance in the saga of America from pre-colonial Indian civilizations to the present, using Virginia as a laboratory in which to scrutinize central themes in American history: race, religion, democracy, violence, capitalism, and freedom. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years.
From the western Sahel to the central savannahs to the Swahili coast, Sub-Saharan Africa is as diverse in its regional history as it is in its geography. This course will investigate the distinct histories of these different regions, as well as the connections between them and to wider Indian Ocean, Atlantic, and trans-Saharan networks. Credit hours: 3. (CI,HE,WI)
Hours credit: 1. One time only.
Hours Credit: 2. One time only.
This course explores Russian political, social, economic, and cultural history from the founding of Kievan Rusia through the beginning of Nicholas II’s reign. Students will examine topics such as the impact of the Mongol invasion, the rise of Muscovy, the reigns of Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, the impact of the Napoleonic Wars, and developments in the Russian Empire as its leaders and people faced the changing, modernizing world of the nineteenth century. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Offered alternate years.
This course explores Russian political, social, economic, and cultural history from the turn of the twentieth century to today. Students will examine topics such as the Revolution of 1905, World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, the reign of Joseph Stalin, World War II, the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the problems and possibilities facing Russia today. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Offered alternate years
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. One time only.
One time only.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Concentrated reading and discussion on a specific theme or themes in modern European history. Topics will be selected in advance. Themes/topics will vary from year to year. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
Concentrated reading and discussion on a specific theme or set of themes in Asian history. Topics will be selected in advance. Topics will vary from year to year. Hours Credit: 3. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or permission of the Instructor. Offered alternate years. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
Concentrated reading and discussion on a specific topic or theme in Atlantic history. Topics will be selected in advance and will vary from year to year. Credit hours: 3.
Concentrated reading and discussion on a specific theme or themes in modern European history. Topics will be selected in advance. Themes/topics will vary from year to year. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
Concentrated reading and discussion on a specific theme or set of themes in Asian history. Topics will be selected in advance. Topics will vary from year to year. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or permission of the Instructor. Offered alternate years. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
Concentrated reading and discussion on a specific topic or theme in Atlantic history. Topics will be selected in advance and will vary from year to year. Credit hours: 4.
A seminar on a topic in the history of the sectional conflict that culminated in the bloodiest and most socially revolutionary conflict in United States history. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs from topic(s) previously taken.
A seminar on a topic in the social and cultural history of North America from the colonial period to the twentieth century. Hours credit: 4. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs. Offered second semester.
A seminar on a topic in the history of the sectional conflict that culminated in the bloodiest and most socially revolutionary conflict in United States history. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs from topic(s) previously taken.
A seminar on a topic in the social and cultural history of North America from the colonial period to the twentieth century. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs. Offered second semester.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Credit Hours: 4. Prerequisite: Hist 1132 or 1135, or permission of instructor. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
Hours credit: 4. One time only.
This course introduces methods and tools of historical analysis and explores the mechanics of historical writing and research presentation to prepare history majors for successful completion of upper-division requirements. It also introduces students to the theories and methodologies historians employ, and leads them into discussions about ethical issues related to historical research, writing, and presentation. Credit hours: 4. Offered Session One.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Credit Hours: 3. Prerequisite: Hist 132 or 135, or permission of instructor. One time only.
One time only.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
Students will choose a topic for their independent research project and conduct the research in the first half of the capstone project. Working under the supervision of a faculty member, students will hone their research question and identify and analyze appropriate primary and secondary sources to help them answer it. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: HIST 3393 and permission of the History Department. Offered: Session One.
In the second half of the capstone project, students will write their research paper. Students will organize the evidence gathered in HIST 493, create and revise multiple drafts of their paper, develop and use skills in bibliography, and will present their findings together in a conference setting at the end of the session. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: HIST 4493 and permission of the History Department. Offered: Session Two.
A selective study of historiography, historical evidence, and historical methodology, evaluating various approaches to history by academic, popular, and public historians. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: permission of the Department.
Students will prepare an independent research paper or senior thesis on a topic of their choice, working under the supervision of a faculty member. The project is designed to develop skills in bibliography, in examination and use of evidence, and in the organization and writing of history. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: HIST 493 and permission of the Department.