Chair: Felix Harcourt
Faculty: Max Grober, Hunt Tooley, Claire Wolnisty
Emeritus: Light Cummins, Victoria Cummins, Oscar Page
The mission of the History Department is to provide students with an analytical basis, encompassing multiple areas and time frames, for judgment and perspective on the past.
Degree Plans Offered
Major in History
Minor in History
A major in history consists of:
History Foundation (5 courses)
HIST elective (any history course)
HIST elective (any history course)
HIST elective (any history course)
HIST elective (any history course)
HIST 200 level or higher
Advanced History (3 courses)
HIST 300 level or higher
HIST 300 level or higher
HIST 300 level or higher
Geographic Requirements – Courses above must represent at least one course from each geographic region below.
United States history (HIST 162, 163, 261, 282, 284, 329, 361, 363, 364, 365, 366, as well as 250, 350 or 450 depending on topic)
European history (HIST 133, 143, 230, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 341, 343, as well as 250, 350 or 450 depending on topic)
History of Latin America, Africa, Asia, or the Middle East (HIST 103, 113, 123, 221, 225, 320, 322, 327 as well as 250, 350 or 450 depending on topic)
Other Considerations When Planning for the Major:
- The 100-level courses are broad introductions, have no prerequisites and are recommended for freshmen. The 200-level courses are more specialized topics, usually without prerequisites but recommended for sophomores, juniors or seniors.
- Most 300-level courses have specific prerequisites at the 100 level and are not recommended for freshman students. The 400-level courses often have more prerequisites, cover more specialized topics, and are usually recommended for juniors and seniors only.
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
A minor in history consists of:
History Foundation (3 courses)
HIST elective (any history course)
HIST elective (any history course)
HIST 200 level or higher
Advanced History (2 courses)
HIST 300 level or higher
HIST 300 level or higher
Geographic Requirements – Courses above must represent at least two different geographic regions below.
United States history (HIST 162, 163, 261, 282, 284, 329, 361, 363, 364, 365, 366, as well as 250, 350 or 450 depending on topic)
European history (HIST 133, 143, 230, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 341, 343, as well as 250, 350 or 450 depending on topic)
History of Latin America, Africa, Asia, or the Middle East (HIST 103, 113, 123, 221, 225, 320, 322, 327 as well as 250, 350 or 450 depending on topic)
Other Considerations When Planning for the Major:
- The 100-level courses are broad introductions, have no prerequisites and are recommended for freshmen. The 200-level courses are more specialized topics, usually without prerequisites but recommended for sophomores, juniors or seniors.
- Most 300-level courses have specific prerequisites at the 100 level and are not recommended for freshman students. The 400-level courses often have more prerequisites, cover more specialized topics, and are usually recommended for juniors and seniors only.
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
COURSES
HIST 101 Historical Research and Writing
This course is an introduction to the research and writing of history designed for beginning students. It will provide a consideration of theory regarding the identification, collection, and analysis of historical material along with hands-on exercises and supervised applications that will transmit common techniques. (Fall and spring terms)
HIST 103 The Middle East Since Muhammad
A survey of Middle Eastern history since the rise of Islam. Examines patterns of Middle Eastern life, Islam and its contributions to Middle Eastern political and social systems, the various political forms that have held sway in the Middle East, expansion of the Ottoman Empire, European incursions into the Middle East more recently, and finally the history of the Middle East since the world wars, a time of independence and change. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Global Diversity. (Every other year)
HIST 113 East Asian Civilization
A survey of the histories of China, and Japan, beginning with a description of the nature of traditional societies in those countries, followed by an examination of the social, political, and economic issues in East Asian history since 1800. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 123 Survey of Latin American History
A chronological and topical examination of colonial, national period, and 20th-century Latin American history with emphasis on concepts and events common to the political, social, and economic development of the region. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Most terms)
HIST 133 Europe and the World to 1500
An introduction to the history of Europe from earliest times to the fifteenth century. Emphasis on the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome, Islam, and Medieval and Renaissance Europe. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall)
HIST 143 Europe and the Modern World
A chronological and topical examination of Europe’s rise to dominance in the modern world beginning with the political, social, and economic changes of the 15th century and ending with recent decades. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and spring)
HIST 162 History of the United States to 1876
A chronological survey of significant political, social, and economic issues in the history of the United States from the age of European discovery to reconstruction of the nation after the Civil War. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and spring)
HIST 163 History of the United States from 1876 to the Present
A chronological survey of the significant political, social, and economic issues in the history of the United States from the era of reconstruction to the present. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Foundation Writing Competency. (Each fall and spring)
HIST 221 Red, White, and Black: Race and Culture in Colonial Latin America
A topical approach to social and cultural history, emphasizing the impact of race and culture on colonial life and institutions. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover, Global Diversity, and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Every other year)
HIST 225 Latin America in the 21st Century
The developing and underdeveloped countries of Latin America face many common problems and challenges as they enter the 21st century. This course will utilize lecture, film, and discussion to explore a series of these issues. Topics addressed will include debt and development, race and identity, women and feminism, liberation theology and religion, and security and sovereignty issues. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 230 Women in Europe
A topical introduction to the history of women in Europe from the later Middle Ages to the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. Emphasis on the individual and social experience of women and their representation in artistic, literary, political, and scientific discourse. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover, Advanced Writing Competency, and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Every other year)
HIST 250 Intermediate Topics in History
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. 1 course credit.
HIST 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
HIST 261 Women in the United States
A chronological and topical introduction to the experiences of women in the United States, from the founding of British colonies in North America to recent decades. Stress is on economic and social change as it affects the roles of women in America. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Every other year)
HIST 280 Research Practicum in State and Local History
Contracted individual research project on a topic dealing with Texas and/or Grayson County history. Involves research in primary documents under the supervision of the instructor. The student will write a paper for presentation to a state or local historical society. PREQ: Instructor permission. 0.50 course credit unit.
HIST 282 The Quest for Civil Rights, 1945 to Present
A detailed study of the history of the Civil Rights Movement for African-Americans and other ethnic minorities in America with focus on school desegregation, student and community protest, white backlash, court decisions, government action and inaction, divisions between moderates and radicals, and the causes of disintegration of the various movements, with some attention to busing and affirmative action. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. (Every other year)
HIST 284 Texan History
A critical examination of the history of Texas from the era of European discovery to the present. Includes analysis of the state’s ethnohistory, economic growth, political development, and society, with emphasis on relating Texas to the history of the United States. Also examines the impact of Texas on the international arena. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Half Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to history, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
HIST 320 Mexico and Central America
A critical appraisal of Mesoamerican history, beginning with pre-conquest civilization and emphasizing political and social developments in the 19th and 20th centuries. PREQ: History 123 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 322 Andean Nations
A critical appraisal of Andean history, beginning with pre-conquest civilization and emphasizing political and social developments in the 19th and 20th centuries. PREQ: History 123 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 327 Latin American Social Revolutions
A critical analysis of the major social upheavals of modern Latin America, investigating causes and results with special attention to the relative importance of socio-economic conditions, ideologies, and personalities on revolutionary uprisings. PREQ: History 123 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Half Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 329 The Spanish Borderlands
A critical analysis of the Spanish experience in those geographical areas of colonial New Spain that are now part of the United States. Examines the Hispanic colonial history of Florida, the Gulf Coast, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and northern Mexico from the beginnings of European colonization to the 19th century. Special emphasis on the Hispanic heritage of these areas of the United States. PREQ: History 123 or History 162 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 331 Medieval Europe
A critical appraisal of the revival of medieval western society, from ca. 1000 A.D., in the context of a tripartite world of Latin Christendom, Islam, and Byzantium, to the mid-15th century. The tensions of involving church and state, evidences of early humanism, and technological development will be emphasized. PREQ: One history course or Sophomore standing or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 332 Renaissance and Reformation
A critical analysis of Europe from the late 13th century through the mid-17th century, with special emphasis on the creation of a middle-class laity, the rise of capitalism, the emergent modern state, the visual renaissance in art forms, and the reformation in religious spirit. PREQ: One history course or Sophomore standing or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover, Half Writing Competency, and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 333 Enlightenment and Revolutions
A critical examination of the political, social, and economic life in Europe from the 17th century to the middle of the 19th century. The French Revolution stands at the center of this examination. Other topics will include absolutism, the Enlightenment, Liberalism, the Industrial Revolution, and the spread of participatory politics in Europe. PREQ: One history course or Sophomore standing or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 334 Europe: Industry, Identity, Empire
A critical examination of Europe from 1860 to 1939. Covers European political, cultural, and social history from the mid-19th century to the outbreak of World War II, Nationalism, imperialism, industrialization, and the two world wars will be central topics. PREQ: History 143 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 335 Europe Since 1939
An in-depth study of political, social, cultural, and military developments in the contemporary phase of European history. The course deals with World War II, the Cold War, Decolonization, European Union, and post-Communist developments, including the reemergence of nationalism. PREQ: History 143 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 341 Germany Since Bismarck
A critical examination of German history, which has been an important part of modern European history culturally, economically, and politically. Examines Germany from the period of its founding in the mid-19th century to the present. Topics include the internal patterns of German life as well as the role of Germany in Europe and the world. PREQ: History 143 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 343 Russia and the Soviet Union
A survey and critical analysis of the history of Russia and the Russian Empire from its founding, through the Soviet era to the present post-Communist state. Almost half the course will deal with the period after 1917. PREQ: History 143 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 350/450 Advanced Topics in History
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.
HIST 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
HIST 361 American Colonial History and Revolutionary War Era
A critical examination of the colonial and revolutionary eras of the history of the United States, with special emphasis on the European discovery of America, the colonial foundations of England, the development of the British North American Colonies, and the American Revolution. PREQ: History 162 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Half Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 362 United States: Early Nineteenth Century
The first half of the 19th century in the United States saw the rise of alternative communities, social reform movements, Jacksonian Democracy, immigration, women’s rights movements, displacement of Indigenous Peoples, and the continued spread of slavery. This course is an in-depth study of the first half of the 19th century in the United States, from “The Revolution of 1800” to the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War in 1861. PREQ: History 162 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 363 United States: Civil War and Reconstruction
An in-depth analysis of the causes and consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction. A detailed examination of the military, political, social, cultural, and constitutional aspects of the struggle, including a full survey of the reconstruction of the South. PREQ: History 162 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 364 United States: Gilded Age and Progressive Era
A critical analysis of the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era and examination of the rise of industrial America and the expansion of the federal government’s role in daily life. Consideration of such topics as immigration and urbanization, the Populist and Progressive reform movements, the experiences of women and minorities, and the impact of World War I. PREQ: History 163 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
HIST 365 United States: New Era, New Deal
A critical examination of the 1920s and 1930s focusing on such topics as the origins of the Great Depression and the rise of the welfare state, the transformation of the political party system, and the impact of cultural movements including the Harlem Renaissance and the arrival of the Lost Generation. Includes an examination of the origins of World War II. PREQ: History 163 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 366 United States: 1945 to Present
A critical examination of the modern era in America, beginning with an overview of the impact of World War II. Includes the rise and decline of the liberal consensus, the impact of the Cold War, the rise of protest movements in the 1960s and 1970s, the Vietnam War, the resurgence of political conservatism in the 1980s, and the end of the Cold War. PREQ: History 163 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other year)
HIST 394/494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to history suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Offered for variable course credit from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
HIST 451 Seminar in History
Advanced seminar dealing with a special topic in the history of the United States, Europe, Asia, or Latin America. PREQ: Instructor permission. May be repeated when topic varies. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover.
HIST 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular history course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
HIST 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high-quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
HIST 491 Honors Thesis in History
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
HIST 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
HIST 495 Historiography and Historical Methods
A study of the discipline of history and a survey of research methodology as employed by historians. Examines the philosophy of history, provides a survey of research techniques, and affords an introduction to the standard works of historical literature. Geographical and chronological focus may vary according to the interests of the instructor. Normally limited to junior or senior level history majors. PREQ: Instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Half Writing Competency. (Each fall)