2008–2009 Berea College Online Catalog

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History

Department | Program | Courses

Courses

Please note that the frequency of course offerings is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement) and/or the Department Chairperson to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Progress Toward Graduation is a factor.

Class Schedule

HIS 101
Western Civilization I
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

An introduction to the ideas and events that shaped the Western world from its beginnings in the ancient Near East to the 15th century. The course emphasizes the study and interpretation of primary documents, viewed within an historical context. Western History Perspective. NOTES: Strongly recommended for the first or sophomore year. Noncredit for students who have completed HIS 226.
1 Course
HIS 102
Western Civilization II
Offered: Typically every Spring Term

A survey of major cultural, scientific, and technological developments from the 15th century to 1945, and their interaction with social, political, and organizational structures. Western History Perspective. NOTES: Strongly recommended for the first or sophomore year. Noncredit for students who have completed HIS 227.
1 Course
HIS 122
History of China (AST)
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

China has one of the foundational civilizations in human history. It gave rise to social structures, political systems, and philosophies that deeply influenced the development of East Asia. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion, and lecture, students will develop their own understanding of the evolution of China from its Neolithic origins to its present status as a world power. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 123
History of Japan (AST)
Offered: Typically every Spring Term

Japan has developed from an isolated chain of islands at the edge of East Asia into a modern economic giant. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion, and lecture, we will examine the complexity of the culture that gave rise to Zen Buddhism, the samurai, and Japan?s current position as one of the world?s most powerful economies. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 140
History of Spain (SPN)
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Fall 2008)

A broad survey from pre-history to present as viewed through Spain?s culture, art, literature, and customs. Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 161
American History to 1865
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

A survey of American history from its beginnings through the War Between the States, with emphasis on political, social, cultural, economics, and military trends, and on the ways in which unified American civilization is created from diverse elements. Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 162
American History Since 1865
Offered: Typically every Spring Term

A survey of American history since the War Between the States, with emphasis on political, social, cultural, economic, and military trends, and on the ways in which unified American civilization is created from diverse elements. Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 165
Intro to African Amer His(AFR)
Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms (this year, offered only Fall 2008, as an exception)

This course surveys the formation of African American cultural identity from the early National period to the present. This course will touch upon major formative events in African American history: slavery, the early formation of African American cultural institutions, the reconstruction of African American life after slavery, northern migration during the World Wars, the civil rights and black power movements of the 1950s and 1960s, and urbanization and class structure in the 1980s and 1990s. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 186
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course
HIS 200
Intro to Historical Study
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

An introduction to history as a scholarly discipline; a way of studying one aspect of human experience. It includes examination of various kinds of sources and how they are handled, principles of research, the collection of data and use of quantitative analysis, historical reasoning, interpretation and synthesis, the history of historical study, and issues raised by contemporary concerns about the uses of history. Should be taken by majors not later than the sophomore year. Social Science Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 201
Amer Political Thought(PSC)
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow (next offered Fall 2009)

A study of major theoretical traditions related to the design and history of American government and political culture.
1 Course
HIS 209
Classical Greek Civilization
Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2010)
History of Greece from its earliest period through the conquests of Alexander the Great, with emphasis on political and cultural forces. Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 210
Classical Roman Civ (LAT)
Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2009)

History of Rome from its foundations to 476 A.D., with emphasis on political, social, economic, and religious forces. Arts Perspective and Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 215
His Christianity to 1600(REL)
Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

A general survey of the development of Christianity from apostolic times through the 16th-century Reformations. Emphasis is on Western Christianity, the development of beliefs, practices, and institutions, and Christianity's interaction with society and culture. Religion Perspective and Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 219
History of the British Isles
Offered: Typically every Spring Term

A general survey of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the British Isles from ancient times to the present. Emphasis will be put on the interaction and diversity of the four regions (England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland) and their relations with other regions. Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 224
20th Century World History
Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

This course is an examination of major world developments from 1900 to 2000. Topics include colonialism; the two World Wars; political experimentation in the interwar years; the Cold War; the demise of political imperialism; nation-building in Africa, Asia, and South America; globalization; the fall of Soviet-based communism; and challenges to nationalism and the nation-state, including the rise of political regionalism, environmental sustainability, human rights, and terrorism. World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 228
Gender-Modern West 1750-(WST)
Prerequisite: HIS 101, 102, OR GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

This course compares the experiences of women and men to determine how gender roles have contributed to and been shaped by the political and social history of Europe and the United States. The class is arranged topically and chronologically from the Enlightenment through the success of the parity movement in France at the beginning of the 21st century. Topics to be considered include: national revolutions, industrialization and the sexual division of labor, widening political opportunities, socialism, feminism, racism, and warfare. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Western History Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 229
Modern Imperialism (AST)
Prerequisite: HIS 102, HIS/AST 122, HIS/AST 123,OR GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2009)

This course is a selective exploration of imperialism using a comparative historical perspective. Beginning with a reflection on the meanings of "empire," the course explores the rise of European empires during the "high colonialism" of the 19th and 20th centuries. This course then will explore the expansion of European colonialism and regional responses--including local resistance, national revolutions, and the development of the Soviet and Japanese Empires. After examining the dynamics of imperial decline between 1919 and 1945, the course will conclude by considering the status of empires in the post-World War II period. World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 240
Islam (REL)
Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

An examination of the doctrine, ritual, jurisprudence, and historical vision of Islam with an emphasis on historical and contemporary expressions of Islam. Special attention will be given to the historical origins of religious traditions which still are alive today, namely Sunni, Shi?ite, and Sufi Islam, as well as the central features of Islamic theology and practice, including the Qur'an, the Hadith (the Traditions), legal reasoning, and Tafsir (Qur'an interpretation). Students study modern political and social expressions of Islam, including the political Islamic movements, popular piety, and women in Muslim society. The interrelations of Islamic traditions with Christian and Jewish traditions also will be studied. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 253
Appalachian America (APS)
Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

A broad survey of the history of the Appalachian region. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 260
Survey of African His (AFR)
Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

A survey of African history from the ancient period to the late 20th century. Although the major concentration is upon "Sub-Saharan Africa" and the effects of the enslavement trade and colonialism, the course does provide a brief discussion of significant continent-wide highlights from the ancient and medieval periods. The history of Africa?s independence movements and the post-independence era also are addressed. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 270
Recent History of Middle East
Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

A survey of the recent history of the Middle East including political, economic, and religious factors important to the region.
1 Course
HIS 286
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course
HIS 310
Sem in United States History
Prerequisites: HIS 161 and 162, or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term (first offered Spring 2009)

A course designed to examine a key period or a significant segment of life in the United States that will encourage students to develop a deeper appreciation of this history and a better understanding of sources and methodologies historians use to analyze past human experiences. By reading primary and secondary materials, students will develop an understanding of how a variety of factors interact to shape institutions, time periods, and groups of people. NOTE: This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from previous offerings. Western Historical Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 311
Seminar: Medieval History
Prerequisite: HIS 101 or junior standing

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

Through examination of a key period or topic in the history of Medieval Europe (5th through 14th centuries, A.D.), students will develop both a deeper appreciation of this distinctive civilization and its relations to its neighbors, and better understand the sources and methodologies historians use to analyze the human experience in a past era. By reading key primary documents and secondary materials from important historians, they will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape a period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied.
1 Course
HIS 314
Renaissance and Reformation
Prerequisite: HIS 102 or junior standing

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

An examination of the European experience from the late 14th to the late 16th century, including the Renaissance in Italy and trans-alpine Europe, the Religious Reformation of the 16th century, and the resultant diversification of Western Christianity, and the impact of European contact and interaction with the Non-Western world.
1 Course
HIS 315
19th Cent Europe:Rev&Indus Nat
Prerequisite: HIS 102 or junior standing

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2010-2011)

This course examines the history of Europe from the French Revolution, which signaled the end of the Old Order, to the outbreak of World War I, which led to the end of European primacy in the world. Major themes for the years 1789 through 1848 include the first and second industrial revolutions, the decline of aristocratic hegemony, the emergence of new ideologies (especially nationalism, liberalism, and socialism), and the rise of the bourgeoisie. After 1870, principal themes include domestic politics, culture in Europe's golden age, and increasing national rivalry and competition.
1 Course
HIS 316
20th Cent Europe:Div & Recon
Prerequisite: HIS 102 or junior standing

Offered: Typically alternate years ( next offered 2009-2010)

This course explores major political, social, economic, and cultural developments in 20th-century Europe. Topics include the First World War and its aftermath, the Russian Revolution, Stalinism, Fascism, and Nazism, the Second World War, the origins of the Cold War; life in a divided Europe in the post-1945 period, the collapse of Soviet-based communism; and the Balkan Wars in the 1990s. The course combines a survey of broad historical movements with focused examination of specific case studies.
1 Course
HIS 322
Sem in Chinese History (AST)
Prerequisite: HIS/AST 122 or 123; or junior standing

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

The goal of this course is two-fold. Through examining a key period in Chinese history, students both will develop a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material from important historians, students will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied.
1 Course
HIS 323
Sem in Japanese History (AST)
Prerequisite: HIS/AST 122 or 123; or junior standing

Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2009)

The goal of this course is two-fold. Through examining a key period in Japanese history, students will develop both a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material from important historians, students will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those previously studied. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
HIS 335
Topic Sem-Modern European His
Prerequisite: HIS 102 or junior standing

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2009-2010)

This course examines a specific topic in the history of Modern Europe in an effort to develop both a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the past and an understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ. By reading primary documents and secondary materials, students will develop an understanding of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape a period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those previously studied. NOTE: Certain sections of this course also will supplement the Women's Studies and Asian Studies programs, as well as being suited to General Education's African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective, International Perspective, and Western History Perspective, depending upon each section's focus. Refer to the Schedule of Classes and BONd to see which specific sections meet these perspectives.
1 Course
HIS 356
Sem-African-Amer History (AFR)
Prerequisite: HIS 161 and 162, or HIS/AFR 165

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Spring 2009)

Through examination of a key period in African American history, students will develop a deeper appreciation of this history and a better understanding of sources and methodologies historians use to analyze past human experiences. By reading key primary and secondary materials, students will develop an understanding of the way cultural, social, economic, and political issues interact to shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied. NOTE: Certain sections of this course may be approved to meet a Perspective Area in the General Education Program. Check the Schedule of Courses and BONd to see which specific sections meet these perspectives.
1 Course
HIS 386
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course
HIS 390A
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 390B
Independent Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 395
Internship
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.
1 to 3 Courses
HIS 397A
Team Initiated Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 397B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 398
Directed Study
Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course
HIS 406
Advanced Topics in History
Prerequisite: HIS 200 and senior standing, or junior standing with permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

The capstone course for the History major. A study of problems, conflicting interpretations involving specific periods, major writings, or classical writings of history. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied.
1 Course
HIS 486
Special Topics
Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
1/2 to 1 Course
HIS 490A
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 490B
Independent Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 495
Internship
Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement. NOTE: To count as a CFS Internship, the primary sponsor must be a full-time member of the CFS faculty. The CFS Department has imposed specific expectations for Internships within this Department. Please check with the Department Chairperson for additional information.
1 to 3 Courses
HIS 497A
Team Initiated Study
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 497B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.
1 Course
HIS 498
Directed Study
Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
1 Course