The History Department

Curriculum

Dr. Thomas Schaeper with students

The History Department offers a major that is both challenging and flexible.  In this age of rapid change and globalization our courses offer students to opportunity to understand of the United States and the world.  Furthermore, through internships and public history offerings students can take a hands-on approach to understanding what history means for a community and what they might want to do after they leave St. Bonaventure.  The flexibility of the major allows students to pursue a wide variety of minors, double majors, and the dual degree MBA program.

Below you will find a list of our courses along with descriptions.  

Degree Requirements

Please see the catalog for more detail.  SBU Catalog (as PDF)  The History Department is on page 116.

Minor Requirements

Course Descriptions

Survey Courses

History 101:  Europe to 1815

Surveys the principal political, economic, and intellectual forces in European history from the late Middle Ages through the Napoleonic period.  The major trends, key personalities, and important institutions are investigated and assessed for their historical significance.  Specific topics to be covered include the Renaissance, Protestant Reformation, the Scientific Revolution, and the Enlightenment, among others. 3 credits.  Fall.  Dr. Schaeper  

History 102:  Europe since 1815

Surveys the principal political, economic, social, religions, cultural, and intellectual forces in Europe from the time of Napoleon to the present.  The specific topics that will be studied include the Romantic era, the Industrial Revolution, European imperialism, urbanization, the two world wars and the growth and decline of Communism, among many others.  3 credits.  Dr.  Horowitz.  

History 201:  United States History to 1865

A survey of the history of the United States from its discover through the Civil War.  American social, economic and cultural influences are woven into the traditional political pattern.  Emphasis is on the Colonial Era, the American Revolution, the Early National Period, the Age of Jackson and the Civil War.  3 credits.  Fall.  Dr. Huddle, Dr. Robbins, Dr. Payne.  

History 202:  United States History since 1865

A survey of the history of the United States from Reconstruction to modern times.  The course focuses upon the social, economic and cultural growth of the modern United States in the setting of traditional political events.  Emphasis is given t the growth of business, Progressive Reforms, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, the World Wars and post-war America.  3 credits.  Spring.  Dr. Huddle, Dr. Robbins, Dr. Payne.  

History 360:  World History to 1450

This course is descriptive and analytical survey of world cultures from early river valley civilizations to 1450, with an emphasis on non-Western civilizations in Asia, Africa and the Middle East .  Among the themes explored are the evolution of social inequalities in early societies, the importance of land and water trade routes as conveyors of civilizations, the influence of nomadic peoples on the spread of ideas and technologies, the reshaping of local cultures as Buddhism and Islam spread to Asia and Africa, and the importance of urban centers such as Baghdad as intellectual and cosmopolitan capitals before the “rise” of the West.  

History 361:  World History since 1450

This course surveys world history since 1450 in order to provide students with a historical context for understanding current world problems. Using an analytical and comparative approach, it examines the rise of Western global hegemony and how the non-West responded and is still responding.  We will look at a wide range of topics and issues including nationalism, imperialism, decolonization, and globalization.  What role has trade, technology, war and revolution played?  How have national and regional interests in the Middle East Asia resisted and/or competed with the advance of globalization? What geographic, economic, social, and cultural factors created today’s world?   

World History Courses

 History 394:  Special Topics in History

This course will deal with countries, topics, or periods of history that are not usually studied in other courses by the department.  3 credits.  Staff  

Latin American

 History 307:  Colonial Latin America

An examination of the social and economic history of Latin America from the coming of the first Europeans until independence in the 1820s.  Topics emphasized will include the physical and spiritual conquest, the forging of new societies, the decline of empire and attempts at reform and the coming of the wars for independence.  3 credits.  Fall.  Dr. Horowitz.  

History 308:  Modern Latin America

The course surveys the history of Latin America from independence in 182 until the present.  Special attention will be paid to socio-economic change.  Among the topics to be considered are causes of political instability, populism, the Mexican and Cuban revolutions and the relationship with the United States .  3 credits. Spring.  Dr. Horowitz.  

History 309:  Argentina and Brazil from 1700 to the present

This course will examine the history of the two largest countries in South America from 1700 until the present.  It will focus on how the two societies evolved from being very different to having similar problems.  Among the topics discussed will be the impact of rapid economic growth, immigration from Europe especially from Italy , the inability to establish working democratic systems and repression under military dictatorships.  3 credits.  Fall every other year.  Dr. Horowitz.  

History 310:  History of Mexico

An examination of Mexican History from the coming of the Spanish until the present.  Particular attention will be given to the creation of a new society, one that was neither European nor a product of the original inhabitants.  The course will also focus on the attempts to create a national identity and on the Revolution of 1910 and its impact on society.  3 credits.  Spring every other year.  Dr. Horowitz.  

History 311:  The United States and the Caribbean

This course will examine the relationship between the United States and Central America and the islands of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean .  The focus will be on the period from 1898 to the present.  Among the topics to be explored are:  the reasons for the United States ’ interest in the region; the impact of that interest on local politics; the long-range impacts of intervention; the impacts of North American culture; and an analysis of which social groups ally with outside interests and which oppose them.  3 credits.  Dr. Horowitz.  

European

History 325:  Modern Britain and Ireland

A survey of the intertwined history of Great Britain and Ireland over the past two centuries.  Topics to be studied include the Industrial Revolution, the British Empire, the Irish potato famine, the world wars, and the problems in Northern Ireland .  3 credits.  Fall every other year.  Dr. Schaeper.  

History 327:  The French Revolution and Napoleon

A detailed analysis of one of the most exciting and important eras in the history of the world.  The course will trace the collapse of the Old Regime, the various stages of the Revolution, and the rise and fall of Napoleon.  The class will also examine the legacies left by the Revolution and Napoleon on France as well as on the entire world.  3 credits.  Fall every other year.  Dr. Schaeper.  

Asian

 History 362:  History of Imperial China to 1800

China is frequently represented as a monolithic civilization, self-isolated and static in pre-modern times. This course is a descriptive and analytical survey of Chinese history from its mythological and historical origins in the 2^nd millennium BCE to its confrontation with the West in the 19^th century.  It focuses on critical junctures in the evolution of China ’s civilization and the forces that shaped it including the development of political philosophies, state ideologies, and bureaucratic institutions; empire-building, invasion, and rebellion; economic vitality and technological advancement; and, finally, China ’s rich and varied intellectual, social and cultural life.   3 credits.  Dr. Littell-Lamb

History 363:  Modern China

Many view China as an ethnocentric civilization that responded to Western intrusions haphazardly, suffered under Japanese imperialism then under a communist regime but is nonetheless poised to become a dominant world power. This course is a descriptive and analytical survey of Chinese history from the 19^th to the 21^st century with an emphasis on China ’s search for identity and power in the modern world.  It examines the changing relationship between the Chinese state and Chinese society and the evolving relationship of the Chinese nation to the rest of the world over the past two centuries. 3 credits.  Dr. Littell-Lamb.  

History 364:  Modern Japan

After reviewing early Japanese history to understand how Japanese political and cultural traditions shaped its responses to the West, this course will focus on the rise of Japan from the mid-19^th on.  Topics that this course will explore in depth are how Japanese transformed itself into a major world power in the half-century after Admiral Perry’s black ships “opened” Japan, how the Japanese experiment with democracy gave way to Japanese militarism and imperialism, the war in the Asia and Pacific evolved out of a confluence of Japanese identity and world politics,  why there is a continuing controversy over the dropping of Atomic bombs on non-military targets to end the war, how the American occupation shaped contemporary Japan, and Japan continues to struggle with its historical legacy.  This course will emphasize comparison, analysis and interpretation and include a variety of material including historical studies, documentaries and film (which may extend beyond the scheduled class time).  3 credits.  Dr. Littell-Lamb.  

History 365:  History of the Modern Middle East

This course is an intensive study of a very expansive topic: the rise of modern Middle East .  It examines this topic from three different perspectives: the rise of individual nation-states, the emergence of a region with conflicting religious and political identities, and an international arena of completing global interests. 3 credits.  Dr. Littell-Lamb.  

United States History

 History 208:  History of American Women

This course will examine the history of women in North America from the earliest European settlements to the present.  Women’s struggles and contributions will be studied culturally, socially, economically and politically as we examine their work, in the domestic sphere, factories, fields, and their demonstrations for rights in the streets.  3 credits.  Dr. Robbins.  

History 401:  Colonial American History

The discovery, exploration and settlement of North America ; and the development of a British colonial civilization are examined.  Emphasis is given to political, economic, social, and cultural trends within the colonies, and their relationship to the rest of the British Empire , up to the end of the French and Indian War.  3 credits.  Fall. Dr. Robbins.

 History 402:  The Era of the American Revolution

Intensive study is focused upon the period from the French and Indian War to the Philadelphia Convention, with specific attention to the foundations of a new American national spirit.  3 credits.  Spring every other year.  Dr. Robbins.

History 403:  The Early National Period

Beginning with the creation of the United States , the development of the American nation is studied through the early 1820s.  Special emphasis is given to the rise of political parties and to the influence of world events upon the new American nation.  3 credits.  Fall.  Dr. Robbins.

 History 407:  Twentieth Century United States .

A thorough and detailed investigation of the history of the United States to 1945 touching social, economic, political and intellectual developments.  3 credits.  Fall.  Dr. Huddle.

History 408:  Twentieth Century United States .

A thorough and detailed investigation of the history of the United States from 1945 to the present touching social, economic, political and intellectual developments.  The role of the United States in world affairs will be stressed in this course.  Wide reading in specific works will be required.  3 credits.  Spring.  Dr. Huddle.

 History 410:  U.S. Constitutional History

A study of the historical background and the legal development and application of the U. S. Constitution.  This course deals with constitutional developments of the Civil War and Reconstruction, the later amendments, and the extension of the federal authority in the 20^th century.  3 credits.  Dr. Robbins.

 History 417:  Culture Wars:  The Politics of Memory

This course focuses on the use of history in contemporary partisan politics and on how competing groups use history to establish their own identities.  Students will become familiar with the development of public memory and commemoration.  Specifically, students will examine recent ideological conflicts between left and right regarding the use and interpretation of American history.  The topics covered in this class include the influence of history on public policy, interpretations of history found in popular culture, and political correctness and multiculturalism.  3 credits.  Dr. Payne

 History 418:  African-American History

This course will survey the history of African-Americans from the beginning of their involuntary migration to North American in 1619 to the present day.  After examining the origins of racism, the course will follow the ongoing struggle for equal social, cultural, economic and political rights.  3 credits.  Fall every other year.  Dr. Robbins.

 History 429:  Twentieth Century America in Film and History

Twentieth Century America in Film and History offers an exploration of United States cultural and social history through the medium of film and other mediums of mass culture.  Throughout the semester students will view a variety of films arranged in chronological order.  The class will discuss and write about those films as primary documents within an historical context, as manifestations of popular culture, as reflections of society, as manifestations of business and technology, and as works of art. 3 credits.  Dr. Payne and Mr. Spaeth (library director)

 History 430:  Civil Rights to Black Power, 1941-1980

This course focuses primarily on the African American freedom struggles of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.  It traces the movement from the earliest years of the 20^th century to the emergence of a leadership cadre in the southern church, to the emergence of a generational split in the 1960s, to the increasing militancy and disillusionment that marked the later stages of the struggle.  We will finish with an in-depth discussion of the Black Power movement and the role and legacy of the Black Panther Party.  Students will master the strategy and tactics of the movement leadership, as well as the central importance of the grassroots activism initially in the South, and eventually across the country.  There will also be an emphasis on the American cultural production and its response to the CRM.  3 credits.  Dr. Huddle

 History 431: Harlem Renaissance:  African America and the Politics of Culture, 1919-1939 

One of the most important cultural phenomena of the 1920s was the flowering of African American culture known as the "Harlem Renaissance."  This course will survey that explosion of creativity against the backdrop of the political, economic, and social history of the period.  A major argument in this course is that the so-called "renaissance" was more than just an ill-fated foray into cultural politics but was a period of institution-building that laid much of the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1940s and 1950s.  We will discuss the changes in American life that help us to account for this period of artistic expression as well as the motivations and goals of participants--the all-important questions of "identity." There will, of course, be an emphasis on the literature of the Renaissance; the novels of Jean Toomer, Walter White, Nella Larsen, the poetry of Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen, the research and writing of Zora Neale Hurston.  Perhaps more importantly, we will spend a great deal of time discussing the black painters of the period, African American theatre, the emergence of Jazz, and the advent of African American film-making.  Students will also acquaint themselves with the major historiographichal schools of thought, including the newest Harlem revisionism. 3 credits.  Dr. Huddle

 History 432:  The Politics of Pop:  Popular Music and 20^th Century American Culture 

This course blends history and cultural theory to illuminate the ways that popular culture and specifically popular music mirror many of the complex political currents of particular historical periods.  Questions:  what is “popular culture?”  What are the politics of celebrity?  How is an often subversive cultural product commodified and marketed for the masses? What is the line between “art” and commerce?  What role do race, class, and gender play in the production of popular music? 3 credits.  Dr. Huddle

 History 475:  World War II

Analyzes the causes, the diplomatic and military history, and resolution of the Second World War.  This course also examines the causes of the Cold War, the relationship between diplomacy and the origins of such a war, and the global impact of this conflict.  3 credits.  Dr. Payne

Public History

History 206:  Introduction to Public History

A survey of the broad range of career fields and areas of interest in which history can be applied.  These include museums, historical societies, archives, historic sites, government agencies, historic preservation, private consulting firms, computer applications, and grant writing as well as others. 3 credits.  Dr. Payne

History 419:  Computer and Archival Skills for Historians

The course is designed to encourage students to blend the traditional skills of an historian (the sorting, analyzing, and interpretation of documents) with computer skills.  Students completing the course will have worked with primary and secondary documents but will also be familiar with Internet research, web page creation, and a variety of software programs.  Students will also have been introduced to archival management and on-line exhibit creation.   A substantial portion of the course will be spent in the library working with archival documents. 3 credits.  Dr. Payne & Mr. Frank (university archivist)

 History 495:  History Internship

Students intern in a variety of museums, archives, historical societies, and other non-profits to gain experience outside of the academy.  Interns will become familiar with the variety of the uses of history and the role history can play in people’s lives; become aware of history as found in tourism and community development; work in a professional and collegial manner; work in groups and become familiar with non-academic structures and institutions, both for-profit and non-profit; should develop an awareness of the issues facing historians interpreting for the general public; apply historical methodology in new situations and develop new technical skills such as cataloguing and care of artifacts, oral history, and management of historical materials.  3 credits.  Dr. Payne

History Majors

 History 200:  Historical Methods and Historiography

A required introductory course in the methods of historical research and writing.  The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the most famous philosophies of history and to instruct the student in the techniques of how to gather and to organize facts, to check their accuracy and to report the findings simply, clearly, and gracefully.  Fall.  Staff

 History 491-492:  Advanced History Reading Program

This required course is designed for senior History majors.  In a seminar format, a small group of students will meet once a week to discuss an assigned book.  This intensive reading course will serve as a capstone to a student’s college career.  Each student will not only be required to read and analyze  several books, but also explain and defend his or her interpretations.  The weekly readings will employ sills gained in previous semesters.  3 credits.  Staff

 History 496:  Independent Study