This course is an introduction to history as a discipline and to the history of Europe. Students develop an introductory sense of the political, economic, social and cultural history of Europe since 1500 and be able to apply this knowledge in analyzing contemporary issues. In particular, students develop an understanding of the encounters between Europe and the rest of the world beginning with Columbus and be able to apply this knowledge in understanding today’s global world. Students also develop an introductory sense of how historians think about change in human society over time, and how historians analyze evidence and develop interpretations. Students develop the basic skill of interpreting primary sources of various kinds and constructing a historical analysis in written and oral form.

This course introduces students to the major themes of American history from the colonial period to the present. Students examine social, economic, intellectual, political, diplomatic, and cultural facets of the diverse people who created America. Together students explore the enduring paradox of separatism and unity within the American spirit.

This is a sophomore level course for students intending to major in history or history/social science, or those interested in exploring these majors. It is also recommended but not required for history minors. The course introduces students to the discipline of history, and in particular to the skills of thinking historically, of collecting and analyzing historical evidence, of critically reading the work of historians, of doing historical research, and of writing effective research papers.

This is a capstone course required for history majors, strongly recommended for history minors, and open to students from other disciplines (including but not limited to social science and social science education majors). It provides students an opportunity to relate what they have learned in historical study to what they have learned in other fields including the natural sciences. The course will focus on close reading of several major historical works which make large claims about the human experience by integrating approaches from several disciplines, and also on critical evaluation of the debates generated by these works. The course will encourage students to broadly synthesize their learning and to deeply reflect on their intellectual; understanding of the human condition.

The capstone course in the history major where students formulate a research proposal, review secondary literature, analyze primary sources, report on work in progress, and research and write three chapters of the final research paper. Students also gain experience critiquing other student research papers.

This course is a continuation of research and writing, critique and revision of first draft, presentation of paper on campus or at a regional history conference.