History

This course explores the process of doing history, practice those processes, and discuss the merits of different approaches to studying the past. Students will be exposed to the concept of historiography, its role within the discipline, and its importance regarding historical research. This course prepares students for upper level courses, including HIS 480. Required for history major and minors. Serves as a prerequisites for all upper level history courses, including American and European. This course should be taken during the sophomore year. It cannot be taken any later than the Fall semester of their junior year.

The principle events surrounding the formation of England from the Norman Conquest to the end of the Stuart monarchy in 1714 with additional examination of England’s relation to its Celtic neighbors, the beginnings of the British Empire, and the creation of Great Britain.

The main political, social, economic, and cultural developments in Britain since 1714. Students will also examine British colonialism, Britain’s role in international affairs, and relations among the various territories that make up the United Kingdom itself.

Survey of the history of Ireland from the arrival of the Celts to the present-day conflict in Northern Ireland with major emphasis on explaining how Ireland’s history shaped and continues to shape its present.

An examination of Scotland’s historical development and distinctiveness within the period concerned. Students will also examine how Scotland was influenced and shaped by engagement with other cultures and societies.

A wide-ranging introduction to the history of Britain and the British Empire from the 16th century to the present with emphasis on the changing political system, the development of the British state, and the maintenance of an overseas Empire.

Varying studies of cinematic representations of the Celtic world, its geography, people, and history. Students will examine films by English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, and Irish directors that use English, Scottish, Welsh, Norther Irish, or Irish settings and/or whose subject matter is the history and/ or character of the Celtic world. Prerequisites will vary.

An introduction to the Scottish Enlightenment, including Scottish culture, learning, development, improvement, and influence.

Study of selected topics in the history of Ireland or Scotland.

Was the American Revolution radical? This course will investigate this crucial question and, in so doing, demonstrate to students that there are layers of meaning to our founding moment that our current discourse around democracy and justice tend to obscure. Course content will focus on constitutional issues and juxtaposing these issues with social and economic history, allowing students to compare political theories of independence with the ways in which life was lived on the ground across colonial America.

An exploration of the era during which Europeans established polities and societies on this continent, with emphasis on the diversity of peoples and cultures present and how this diversity made possible what would become the United States of America. Students will explore the histories of the various regions, colonies, people, and important changes that took place culturally, socially, religiously, economically, and politically across the 150 years of colonial history.

An introduction to the materials, methods, and latest trends in the teaching of social studies.

A showcase of several films based on real historical events. Students will research both the films and the actual events from the standpoint of professional historians, ascertain their historical veracity, and demonstrate how films are the reflection of the society that produced them. Film topics will vary but treat such issues as war, revolution, imperialism, colonialism, and the struggle of classes and social order.

Dominant currents in Europe and their dependencies from the Congress of Vienna to the present.

An exploration of the causes and consequences of this very decisive period which witnessed the destruction of the Old Regime and the birth of the modern state. Students will consider the ideology of the Enlightenment, social and political reforms, the forces of radicalism and popular violence, and the origin of nationalism, as well as examine the career of Napoleon and its impact on Europe.

An exploration of warfare from earliest times to the present, viewing war as a social institution that must be seen in its fullest cultural contextto be understood. Students will examine notonly the historical development of war, but its interrelationships with society and technology as well. Although the course focuses mainly on the West, it will have a significant global component with the military experience of other cultures serving as a vehicle of comparison.

An exploration of the causes and consequences of the Reformation with emphasis on understanding the role of the major reformers such as Luther, Calvin, and Loyola. In addition, students will explore the Reformation’s sociopolitical and cultural dimensions.  (Same as RPH 358)

Spanish culture and society during the Golden Age of the 16th and 17th centuries. Through the study of historical texts, students will explore some of the major issues of the age (the Inquisition, the Counter-Reformation, the problem of ethnic and religious minorities, and the rise and fall of an empire).

The history of France from the “new monarchs” of the 15th century to the end of the Ancient Regime in 1789. Course content will focus on students gaining an understanding of such traditional themes as the consolidation of the French kingdom, the Renaissance monarchy, the wars of religion, the development of absolutism, Louis XIV, the Enlightenment, and the forces that would eventually unleash the French Revolution. Great stress will be placed on understanding the larger economic and social forces that helped shape French history. In addition, students will explore some of the recent work in the areas of gender and cultural history.

An examination of the Civil War as a military conflict with great emphasis on understanding the strategy, operations, and tactics employed by both sides. In addition, students will study the war in the context of international diplomacy and domestic politics as well as its impact on the nation.

Arkansas from exploration to the present.

The history of the United States from the 1900s to the 1990s. Social history, domestic politics, influence of the media and popular culture will serve as themes while considering such topics as the Progressive Era, The Roaring Twenties, the home front during World War II, the Great Depression, Cold War culture, counterculture during the 1960s, and others.

Study of selected topics in history. Prerequisites will vary.

Study of varying topics in history. Includes a 2-week Nichols trip. Prerequisites will vary.

Reading and review of three to six monographs each semester. Tutorial.

Students will write a research paper on a literary or historical topic pertaining to the British Isles, the British Empire, or the Celtic daspora.

Preparation of a major research paper with some study of methodology in history.