Current Courses

Introductory Courses | Upper-Level Courses

​Introductory Courses                                          Spring 2010 Course Offerings

111. Introduction to Early European History (Hernández-Múzquiz) An introduction to the creation of European society, from its Roman roots to the wars of religion in the seventeenth century. In addition to covering the major political developments of the middle ages, Renaissance, and early modern periods, the course will consider how ideas, culture, and social organization changed throughout this long time frame. Some of the topics covered, at the introductory level, include: Constantine and the Byzantine Empire, Charlemagne, the Crusades, the Black Death, the world of the Renaissance artist, religious institutions and reform, and the early modern voyages of exploration. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required. This is a Foundation Course for AMRS, Medieval Studies Majors and AMRS, Renaissance Studies Majors.

112. Introduction to Modern European History (Gingerich/Spall) Europe since 1648, with emphasis on the ideas, institutions, and problems of topics such as the rise of absolute monarchy, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the growth of industrialism and liberalism, the advent of democracy and socialism, the development of nationalism and imperialism, and the interaction of European democracies with totalitarian dictatorships in the 20th Century. Readings include contemporary source materials, biographies, and interpretive essays.

113. Introduction to Early American History to 1877 (Terzian) This course surveys the major social, political, cultural, constitutional, and economic developments from the age of exploration through the Civil War and Reconstruction. It introduces students to some of the main issues and controversies of early America.

114. Introduction to Modern American History (PDF*) (Flamm) The course surveys the major political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic developments since 1877. It seeks to introduce students to some of the main themes, issues, and controversies of modern America.

115. Introduction to Latin American History (PDF*) (Baskes) A general introduction to the civilizations, populations, economies, societies and politics of Latin America.

116. Introduction to Pacific Asia (Chen) An introduction to those non-western nations once considered underdeveloped which have recently produced economies competitive with our own. The course will focus on Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong and will trace their pre-war experiences with the west, post-war development, economic organization, and will address issues of political form and human rights.

160. The Sixties (PDF*) (Flamm) The course examines the major political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic developments of the period, with special emphasis on the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and other social movements (women and youth in particular).

*Note: Not all courses are offered every year. Please visit the Registrar's Office Web site and click “Class Schedule” to view the online course schedule.

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​Upper-Level Courses

250. Historical Inquiry (Faculty) The seminar provides an introduction to various historiographical traditions, genres, and schools. It also emphasizes methodological techniques such as source identification, evaluation, and location as well as research organization and presentation. Students prepare a research paper based on primary and secondary sources. Open to declared history majors or with permission of the instructor.

320. Middle East (Staff) The development of Persia, the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of nationalism particularly in the Arab states, and European imperialism.

322. Asian Civilizations to the 17th Century (Chen) The rise, development, and expansion of the peoples of India, China, and Japan in their formative years. Consideration of economic, social, cultural, and political aspects with a lecture emphasis.

323. Modern China (Chen) This course covers China’s history from 1644 to present. It focuses on such issues as the development and decline of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), the coming of the West, and China’s various reforms and revolutions in the 19th and 20th centuries.

324. Topics in Asian History (Chen) This upper-division seminar is open to all students.

324A. China and the West (Chen) This seminar examines the relations between China and the West. While certain attention is given to Sino-Western contact before modern times, the course focuses on China's response to the West since the Opium War (1839-1842). Issues covered include the coming of the West, Western imperialism, Western impact, China's nationalism, and the various roles that the West has played in China's modernization.

324B. China's Communist Revolution (Chen) This seminar examines the Communist revolution in modern China. It discusses the origin and development of China's Communist movement in the historical context of the country's interaction with the West and Japan in the modern era.

325. Modern Japan (Chen) A brief introduction to the traditional Samurai culture of Tokugawa Japan, followed by examination of the nation's rapid initial modernization and the positive and negative consequences of that modernization, the latter including social dislocation, fascism, and war. The study of post-war Japan includes an introduction to the workings of modern Japanese party politics and foreign policy, and an examination of various aspects of contemporary Japanese society through Japanese eyes, including farm life, urban factory life, and the political and social controversies that have arisen over nuclear weapons and pollution control.

331. Mexico: From Conquest to Revolution (PDF*) (Baskes) A survey of the history of Mexico with emphasis on the variety of forces contributing to the formation of modern Mexico. Special emphasis on the clash between Mexico's European and Indigenous populations and the major social, political and economic upheavals of the Mexican Revolution.

332. Argentina, Brazil and Chile Since Independence (PDF*) (Baskes) An introduction to socioeconomic and political trends in the largest nations of the Southern Cone. Topics investigated will include slavery, state formation, immigration, modernization, industrialization, economic development, populism, socialism, military dictatorship and democratization in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

333. Modern Latin America: 1800 to Present (PDF*) (Baskes) A topical approach to nineteenth and twentieth century Latin American history with emphasis on the Latin American nations' struggles to sustain economic development, the causes and consequences of social revolutions, and the successes and failures of distinct political formations.

334. Indians, Spaniards and the Struggle for Colonial Latin America (PDF*) (Baskes) A topical approach to the years 1492 to 1821 during which distinctively Latin American nations were forged from the clash of American, European and African societies. Most of the course investigates the Spanish conquest of the great American civilizations of the Inca and the Aztecs. Special attention to the pre-conquest societies and the adaptations made by those societies to resist the Spanish colonial state and to maintain political, social and economic autonomy.

335. Topics in Latin American History (Baskes) An advanced course that examines selected topics and themes of Latin American History. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

335A. Latin America in Revolution (PDF*) (Baskes) this seminar examines the origins and outcomes of revolutionary upheaval in twentieth century Latin America focusing on Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Cuba, Chile and Nicaragua.

335B. The Spanish Conquest of America (PDF*) (Baskes) This seminar explores the Spanish conquest of native American societies. Readings focus on the military, ideological, religious, economic, and biological consequences of the Spanish conquest.

335C. Economic History of Latin America (Baskes) This seminar examines the evolution of economies of Latin America from the arrival of Europeans to the present day. Course materials focus on the origins and causes of the region's underdevelopment as well as the social consequences of underdevelopment from poverty to political instability.

340. Ancient Greek History (Staff) After briefly surveying the early history of the Aegean world from the Minoans through the archaic period, the course will focus upon 5th century Athenian society. Through careful reading from a variety of primary sources (Herodotus, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato and others) students will examine both the events and the ideas that have contributed to Classical Greece's prominence in the Western canon. There will be a strong emphasis on critical thinking and learning historical methodology.

341. Roman History (Staff) A topical examination of the Roman Empire at its zenith, focusing on the first two centuries of the Principate. In addition to reviewing the political history of the period, the course will also consider how Roman society was organized and assess the consequences of Romanization upon Europe, North Africa, and the Near East.

342. Christians and Barbarians in Early Medieval Europe (Hernández-Múzquiz) Examines the development of Western Europe from the end of the western Roman Empire to the dawn of the Central Middle Ages (approximately CE 300-1000). The class will devote particular attention to such topics as: the fall of Rome, the nature of Barbarian kingdoms, the reign of Charlemagne and Carolingian culture, monks and monasteries, the impact of the Vikings, and the year 1000 as the end of a millennium. The class will use primary sources, secondary sources, and various types of media to understand this period in pre-modern European history. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required. This is a Core Course for AMRS, Medieval Studies Majors and an Elective Course for AMRS, Ancient Studies Majors.

346. Renaissance Europe (Hernández-Múzquiz) This course is a study of Renaissance Europe, focused largely on the 14th-16th centuries. It is a thematic course, which explores political, economic, and social developments as well as specific intellectual and creative currents which cohered in such fashion as to create a particular epoch in European history. While the geographical focus is predominantly Italian, the larger context within which the Italian Peninsula operated, and the extent and means of influence of the Italianate Renaissance, will comprise part of the study as well. Specific topics covered include: the Black Death as a watershed event; trade and banking companies such as the Bardi, the Paruzzi, and the Medici; the commune movement and Italian city-states; humanism and its cultural influence; Renaissance patrons, artists, and masterpieces; and the corruption and reform of the papacy. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required. This is a Core Course for AMRS, Renaissance Studies Majors.

347: Golden Age Spain (Hernández-Múzquiz) This course examines the history and culture of Peninsular Spain and its overseas empire during the period known as the Spanish Golden Age. The study begins with the dynastic unification of the peninsula under Fernando and Isabel (the Catholic Kings) and ends with the territorial unification achieved by the early years of the reign of Felipe V. We will investigate such topics as the monarchs and their political and military agendas, the economy of Spain and its relationship to the overseas territories, the religious history of the period, and the art and literature of the Spanish Golden Age. Finally, we will assess the contentious question of the decline of Spain in the 17 century. The immense achievements of Spain's imperial experience had both positive and negative aspects, and her role as a global power during the 16th and 17th centuries had long-term influences and ramifications we still encounter today. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required. This is an Elective Course for AMRS, Renaissance Studies Majors. (Not offered 2008-2009)

350. Topics in Pre-Modern European History [Medieval Europe, Early Modern Europe, Peninsular Spain, The Mediterranean] (Hernández-Múzquiz) Examines special topics in pre-modern European history in greater detail than is possible in lecture-based courses. The format of pre-modern European topics courses is generally colloquium or seminar style [the group completes assigned readings which are then discussed in course meetings, with short response-style papers submitted]. There are various types of media utilized as well. There is usually a paper or project of some kind required [in addition to the short response papers], but there are no examinations for these courses. Check the online class schedule for any topics courses offered each semester. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required.

350A: The Kingdoms of Medieval Spain (Hernández-Múzquiz) This course is a study of the several kingdoms of the Spanish Peninsula during the medieval period, roughly the 10th century through 1492. There was great diversity and variety in the composition of Spain at this time, and the differences between Aragón, León, Castile, Galicia, Portugal, and Al-Andalus are as important as the resemblances which make comparison possible. Chronologically, we begin our study with the aftermath of the Arab conquest and formation of separate realms in the Iberian Peninsula, and we conclude with the dynastic unification of the land under Fernando and Isabel. We will examine not only the political and military history of the kingdoms, but their economic, social, religious, artistic, and intellectual history as well. Specific topics covered include: the Umayyad Caliphate and the glamour of Córdoba; the world of the "party" [taifa] kings; El Cid and the Kingdom of Valencia; Alfonso el Sabio of Castile and patronage of the arts; the road to Galicia and the Santiago pilgrimage; Nasrid Granada and the Anno Mirabilis [1492]. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required. This is an Elective Course for AMRS, Medieval Studies Majors.

HIST 350B: The Crusades (Hernández-Múzquiz) This course will examine the phenomenon of the Crusades, and the world of the Crusader, from the 11th to the 16th centuries. Crusader chronicles and other primary sources will be central to our study. We will use an interdisciplinary approach which incorporates art, architecture, music and literature. Our goals include understanding the concept of crusading as well as tracing its development in a variety of locations such as the Holy Land, Spain, Northern Europe, Southern France, and the Mediterranean. The wide variety of cultural contacts made during the Crusades also provides a wealth of material concerning ethnic groups, gender, trade, and travel, which will enable us to experience the Crusade period from different perspectives. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required. This is an Elective Course for AMRS, Medieval Studies Majors and AMRS, Renaissance Studies Majors. (Offered Spring 2009)

350C: Jews, Christians and Muslims in Medieval and Early Modern Spain(Hernández-Múzquiz) This course is about a specific phenomenon in Spanish medieval and early modern history known as "CONVIVENCIA", or the coexistence of the world’s three dominant monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) in the Spanish peninsula. The chronological period under consideration runs from CE 711 (the Arab conquest of almost two-thirds of the peninsula) to CE 1492 (the expulsion of the Jews and the Christian reconquest of Granada, the last Muslim kingdom of the peninsula). Over the course of these centuries, the three cultures frequently lived in an atmosphere of tolerance, despite the ongoing campaigns of Christian reconquest. We will examine the history, society, philosophy, art and architecture, the sciences, and the literature of this world during this unique period in global history, and reflect upon the possibilities of toleration and mutual cooperation, as well as the pitfalls of fanaticism, in human societies. Open enrollment, with no prerequisites required. This is an Elective Course for AMRS, Medieval Studies Majors.

351. 19th Century Europe (Gingerich) Comprehensive account of the transformation of Europe from the era of the French Revolution until the First World War. Topics include conservatism, liberalism, nationalism, socialism, industrialization, racialism, and imperialism.

352. 20th Century Europe (Gingerich) Comprehensive investigation of the major political, social, cultural, and economic trends and changes in Europe from the eve of the First World War until the revolutions of 1989. Topics include the impact of the two world wars, totalitarianism, imperialism and decolonialization, the cold war, regeneration of Europe, and the revival of nationalism.

353. Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany (Gingerich) A topical study which explores the origins, structure and ethos, and collapse of National Socialist Germany, and the impact of the Nazi era on Europe and the world. Offered as both regular and Honors class.

354. Economic History (Spall)A historical description and analysis of economic development in the Western world from 950 A.D. to the mid-20th century. Topics include manorialism, early urban market economies, the Age of Ambition, mercantilism, Agricultural Revolution, industrialization, classical economics, free trade and varieties of colonialism, socialism, neo-imperialism, rise of welfare state, governmental growth, and dependency theory. Also listed as ECON 354.

355. The Making of Britain (Spall)A survey of the history of Great Britain and Ireland from earliest times through the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and its settlement. Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales, and British continental and colonial holdings receive attention. Celtic, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Norman, Medieval, and Tudor-Stuart society and institutions are considered. Political structures, economic life, intellectual developments, cultural values, as well as war and diplomacy are treated.

356. British History Since 1688 (Spall) A survey of the history of the United Kingdom (England & Wales, Scotland, and Ireland) since the Glorious Revolution. Covers the Age of Aristocracy and the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution and its social and political consequences, loss of the American colonies, the wars of the French Revolution and Napoleon, Regency and Victorian England, the rise of the Welfare State, the Age of Churchill, and contemporary Britain. Attention is given to political development and reform, empire, economic life, foreign relations, war, and changes in society and culture.

357. Topics in British History (Spall)A topical inquiry at the advanced level into British History. Conducted as a readings colloquium, the course allows examination of one (or more) topics or themes in the history of the United Kingdom and its Empire/Commonwealth. The class studies the selected topic in depth becoming familiar with primary and secondary authorities, standard works, interpretations and revisions, methodologies, and the historiographical context of the issues pertaining to the topics. A problems approach. Prerequisite: HIST 355 or 356, or permission of the instructor.

360. Topics in Modern European History (Gingerich)A readings colloquium at the advanced level focused on selected themes and topics of 19th and 20th century European history. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

362. Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union Since 1801 (Gingerich) A survey of the history of the Russian empire and the USSR from the accession of Alexander I to the collapse of the Soviet Union, focusing on the salient political, ideological, social, economic, and cultural trends and developments.

366. Contemporary Spanish History (Salamanca, Spain) The major themes and problems of twentieth century Spanish history will be presented in the context of Spanish traditions. Seven classes devoted to a survey of Spanish history with the remaining classes devoted to the Spanish Republic (1931-39), the Franco era (1939-75), and the post-Franco era (1975 to the present). This course, offered exclusively at OWU's Salamanca, Spain Program, is accepted in the major and minor as a European history course. Students studying at Salamanca are encouraged to take 111 or 112 prior to their departure. Also listed as Spanish 378.

370. Topics in Early American History (Terzian) A seminar that examines selected topics and themes of American History. The seminar is open to all students.

370A. Famous American Trials (Terzian) This seminar examines famous and infamous trials to understand significant legal, social, and cultural issues in American History. We will consider also how legal institutions and legal values, such as notions of justice and rights, have evolved over the course of United States history.

370B. American Revolution (Terzian) This seminar examines the social, political, intellectual, military, and constitutional developments of the American Revolutionary era from 1750 through ratification of the Constitution.

371. Colonial America (Terzian) This course analyzes the origins and social, political, cultural and economic development of the British colonies in North America from the early 17th century to the Revolutionary War, with special emphasis on regional similarities and differences, how European contact with Native Americans shaped the cultures of both peoples, and how the southern colonies came to rely on a system based on slave labor.

372. Old South and Slavery Controversy (Terzian) This course examines the colonial and antebellum years of the southern region of the United States, which came to be known as the Old South. If explores the Old South's economic, political, and cultural development. In particular, we will analyze the ways in which race, class, and gender affected antebellum southern politics, economics, and culture.

373. The Civil War Era (Terzian) This course analyzes the political, constitutional, military, social, and cultural aspects of the Civil War from its origins in the early nineteenth century through the end of Reconstruction in 1877.

374. The Frontier in American History (Terzian) Selected phases of the American Westward Movement, the problems of the West, and the significance of the frontier in the nation's development.

375. Women in American History (Terzian) This course examines the history of women in the United States from the colonial period to the present, paying attention to the experiences of women of different races , classes, and ethnic backgrounds with work, family, sexuality, and social and political activism.

376. The Emergence of Modern America, 1877-1929 (PDF*) (Flamm) The course examines the major political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic developments of the period, with special emphasis on the impact of urbanization, immigration, and industrialization, the emergence of the Populist and Progressive movements, the legacies of World War I, and the clash of cultures in the 1920s.

377. The Transformation of Modern America, 1929-1960 (PDF*) (Flamm) The course examines the major political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic developments of the period, with special emphasis on the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, and the cultural divisions of the 1950s.

378. The Ascendance of Modern America, 1960-2001 (PDF*) (Flamm) The course examines the major political, social, cultural, diplomatic, and economic developments of the period, with special emphasis on the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the social movements (minorities, women, and youth), and the political shifts (such as the conservative revival).

380. American Foreign Relations since 1917 (PDF*) (Flamm) The course examines the major diplomatic developments since World War I, with special emphasis on World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and the complex relationship between domestic and international factors.

381. America and Vietnam (PDF*) (Flamm) The course examines the political, military, diplomatic, and personal impact of the war in Indochina, with special emphasis on how it affected soldiers and civilians in America and Vietnam.

385. Topics in Modern American History (Flamm) The seminar explores selected topics and periods. It emphasizes reading and discussion at an advanced level. The seminar is open to all students. (See 385 A-C below)

385A: Crime and Punishment in Modern America (PDF*) (Flamm) From the exploits of Al Capone and John Dillinger to the trial of O.J. Simpson, the clash between police, criminals, and the law has never ceased to fascinate and horrify. This course will examine that fixation by investigating some of the central individuals and events of the past century. The objective is to use both the myth and reality of crime as a lens through which to explore racial, class, and gender issues in American political, social, and cultural history.

385B: Women and Gender in Modern America (PDF*) (Flamm) From the fight for suffrage to the struggle for equality, the history of women in modern America has featured change and continuity, conflict and consensus. Great expectations and extraordinary courage have led to substantial progress  - but also to bitter disappointment and unintended consequences. This seminar will examine how, for more than a century, American women have sought personal fulfillment and professional advancement despite political, economic, racial, social, cultural, and personal obstacles.

385C: World War II (PDF*) (Flamm) This course will examine the most destructive conflict in human history. The Second World War spread devastation across three continents and claimed the lives of tens of millions of soldiers and civilians. It also revealed the horrors of Hiroshima and the Holocaust. But at the same time, the war turned the U.S. into a military and economic superpower. And it transformed American politics and society, with important consequences for the decades to come. Victory over Germany and Japan would not, however, lead to lasting peace. Instead, it would usher in a new era of global rivalry with the Soviet Union.

390. Seminar in the History of Feminism (Terzian) The historical development of feminism in Great Britain and the United States from the late 18th Century to 1900 with readings and seminar reports on primary sources ranging from Wollstonecraft (1790) to Gilman (1898). Also listed as WOMS 499B.

490. Independent Study, Historical Research (Staff) Guided research project for students with specific research interests. Consent of instructor.

491. Independent Study, Directed Readings (Staff) Guided readings and/or tutorial project. Consent of instructor.

493. Historical Research Seminar (Faculty)The seminar is required of history majors in their senior year and emphasizes historical methodology through the preparation of a substantial research paper, which is taken through multiple drafts within the limits of the semester. Students with specialized research interests should consider the alternative to HIST 493 detailed in the Catalog's description of the history major. Students considering graduate school may request an oral defense with a second reader. The defense must occur within the limits of the semester. Students with specialized research interests may consider petitioning to complete the two-semester research project (see HIST 494) with may be done in lieu of HIST 493. Prerequisite: 250.

494. Independent Senior Thesis (History Faculty) Students with specialized research interests may petition the Department to complete an independent senior thesis in lieu of HIST 493. In the first semester (HIST 491) of this two-semester project the student will engage in intensive background readings under the direction of a faculty member. In the second semester (HIST 494) the student will work with the same supervising professor in the writing of a substantial research paper. Students interested in pursuing HIST 494 must submit their research proposals to the Department no later than week twelve of the spring semester of the junior year and have the endorsement of the full-time member of the Department of History who will supervise the independent project. Perquisite: 250 and departmental approval.

495. Apprenticeships The Historian (Phi Alpha Theta journal) offers apprenticeship opportunities in the journal's Book Review Section; contact Dr. Spall. The Newberry Library (Chicago), the Cloisters (New York City), and the Delaware (Ohio) Historical Society, as well as the Beeghly Library and Archives, have provided stimulating experience for history students in library, archival, and editing activities. Other possibilities may be suggested. Students apply in Department Office.

*Note: Not all courses are offered every year. Please visit the Registrar's Office Web site and click “Class Schedule” to view the online course schedule.

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