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Clayton State University History

Course Descriptions for the B.A. in History

HIST 1111 – Survey of pre- Modern World History (3-0-3)

A survey of world history from the earliest civilizations to the voyages of discovery of the sixteenth century. Social, religious, and political history will be emphasized. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.]

HIST 1112 - Survey of Modern World History (3-0-3)

A survey of world history from the early sixteenth century to the present, emphasizing social, intellectual, and political topics. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.]

HIST 2111 – Survey of United States History to 1877 (3-0-3).

The history of the U. S. and the lands that would become the U. S. from the colonial period through Reconstruction. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.]

HIST 2112 – Survey of United States History since 1877 (3-0-3).

A survey of United States history from the post-Civil War period to the present. The course focuses on the political, social, and cultural development of the modern United States with particular emphasis on the twentieth century. [Note: Learning Support students who are required to take ENGL 0099 and/or READ 0099 must exit the requirement(s) before they can enroll in this course.]

HIST 2265 - Minorities in American History (3-0-3) (Fall, Spring)

A survey of the history of minorities in America. Attention is given to the concepts of ethnicity, race, culture, and minority status, and emphasis is placed on African-Americans as the largest minority in the region. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 or HIST 2112

HIST 3001 - Historiography and Historical Methods – (3) (Fall)

This course will examine the perspectives of significant historical schools and analyze the contributions made by major historians. Methodological investigation will include the following topics: selection, verification, organization, interpretation, and presentation. Students will be required to complete a research project. Prerequisites: HIST 2111 (c ) and HIST 2112 (c ) and HIST 1111 (c ) and HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3010 -- Introduction to Public History (3-0-3) (Fall)

An introduction to the various facets of public history including archives. This course will emphasize the importance of the preservation and use of historical documents, artifacts, and sites. The examination of public history will include reference to organizations, museums, historical sites, advocacy groups, and public policy development. Non history majors including students considering majoring in history are encouraged to take this course. Prerequisites: Completion of Area E history courses, i.e. [HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c )] and [HIST 1111 (c ) or HIST 1112 (c )]

HIST 3110 -- Georgia History and Government (3-1-3) (Fall, Spring)

Georgia History and Government provides students with the basic analytical and conceptual skills for studying history and government on the state and local level. The course examines the social, political, and institutional history of Georgia to prepare students to analyze similar developments on the local, regional, and national level. A field-based project, appropriate for both teacher education majors and others, is incorporated into the course. Includes a laboratory/ practicum component. Fall course is reserved for all middle level teacher education students with social science majors and course offered Spring semester is for history and other majors. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 3120 -- The Establishment of the U. S., 1607 - 1800 (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

Cultural, social, economic, and political development of Anglo-America through the War for Independence, the formation of state and national constitutions and governments, the Federalist years, and the "Revolution of 1800." Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c )

HIST 3125 - The Age of Jefferson and Jackson (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

The history of the U.S. from the Early Republic through 1845. Major themes include territorial expansion, the market revolution, the rise of social reform movements, constitutional developments, the first and second party systems, and the growth of sectional tensions. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c)

HIST 3130 -- Sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction, 1845-1877 (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

The origins of the American Civil War, its course, and subsequent efforts at reconciling North and South. Emphasis on the social, economic, and cultural background to the war, its military aspects, its impact on American society, and the struggle over the war’s meaning. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c)

HIST 3135 - The U.S. in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, 1877-1917 (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

This course provides students with a deepened understanding of the emergence of the United States as a modern, industrial nation with an increasingly important role in world affairs. It will explore the political, social, economic, and technological changes associated with this process. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c) or HIST 2112 (c)

HIST 3140 -- Themes of 20th Century United States History (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

A study of domestic developments in the United States during the 20th Century with emphasis on major cultural, social, economic, and political reform movements. Prerequisite: HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 3150-- War and Diplomacy 1898 – Present (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

An historical overview of the programs and policies of U.S. foreign policy from America’s rise to the status of Great Power before World War II to its global pre-eminence thereafter. Topics include colonialism, American involvement in World War I, interwar diplomacy, conflicts leading to World War II and the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c) or HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 3210- The Twentieth Century World (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

An examination of the political, social, and cultural developments of the twentieth century, with emphasis on the era of the world wars and the Cold War, and the end of colonialism. Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3220- Latin American History - (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

The history of Latin America from before the European arrival, through the era of colonialism and independence, to twentieth century national movements. Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3225- Caribbean History - (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

Survey of the history of the Caribbean, from pre-Columbian cultures to the present. The course will emphasize slavery and emancipation, the rise of nationalist movements, independence, and the post-colonial states. In addition, this course will link the shared experiences of the Caribbean with the American South. Prerequisites: HIST 1112 or HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 3230- History of Sub Sahara Africa - (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

The history of Africa south of the Sahara from the first century C.E. to the present, with emphasis on the rise of empires in west and southern Africa, the influence of Islam, the impact of European imperialism, and the independence movements of the twentieth century. Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3240- History of the Middle East and North Africa – (3-0-3) (Fall even years)

The history of the region from the end of the Roman empire to the present, with emphasis on the rise of Islam, the rise and decline of the Islamic empires, the era of European control, and the twentieth century independence movements. Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3250- East Asian History – (3-0-3) (Fall even years)

This course serves as an introduction to the major political, social, and cultural traditions of East Asia from circa 2000 B.C.E. to the present. It focuses on the creation of the distinct Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cultural identities and the emergence of a comprehensive East Asian civilization. Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3260- History of India and South Asia – (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

The history of India and South Asia from the Indus Valley civilization (2000 B.C.E.) through the twentieth century, with special attention given to the dominant role of Indian religion and culture in the development of the region. Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3270 - History of Russia (3-0-3) (Fall odd years, Spring even years)

A survey from the mythic founding of Kievan Rus in A.D. 862 to the post-Soviet present. Broad political, social, cultural, and religious topics will be stressed. Detailed themes include the impact of the Mongol invasion, serfdom, the Romanov Dynasty of 1613-1917, the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the Stalin years, World War II, the Gorbachev era, and the fall of the Soviet Union . Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c)

HIST 3330 - Business & Economic History (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

An examination of the historical development of the American economy with emphasis on business organization, business values, business cycles, and business government relationships. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 3401 – Introduction to Archival Theory and Practice (3-0-3) (On sufficient demand)

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of archival work. This will involve such functions as arrangement and description of manuscripts and non-documentary materials, assistance to patrons, creation and updating of finding aids, care and preservation of materials, security, privacy, legal responsibilities, and professional ethics. Prerequisite: HIST 3010 (c )

HIST 3410 -- Introduction to Electronic Records (3-0-3) (On sufficient demand)

This course will introduce the student to the storage and retrieval of electronic records. This includes records originally in electronic form as well as items (manuscripts, photographs, motion pictures, audio recordings, etc.) originally created on paper or other media and then converted to electronic form (digitalized.) The course will also involve the use of electronic methods that facilitate the use of traditional records (e.g., indices, finding aids, web presentation). Prerequisite: HIST 3401 (c )

HIST 3420 --Family History and Genealogical Resources (3-0-3) (On sufficient demand)

This course is an introduction to the use of family history to illustrate broader historical currents and a survey of the resources and methods of genealogy. Students will research actual genealogy or family history. Non history majors interested in family history are encouraged to take this course. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 3500 - Selected Topics in World History (3-0-3) (Fall)

This course examines selected periods of significant development in world history. While topics may vary from semester to semester, a consistent focus of the course will be the interaction between Western and non-Western cultures and the impact of these interactions on the evolution of the modern world. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisite: HIST 1111 or (c ) HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 3501 – Selected Topics in U. S. History (3-0-3) (Summer)

This course will present significant topics in U. S. history not covered by other courses in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 3901 -- Archival Internship I (0-V-3) (On sufficient demand)

The student will acquire hands-on experience working with archives in such tasks as record retrieval, patron assistance, preparing finding aids, preserving materials, editing manuscripts, or performing other archival functions. The internship placement and duties must be approved by the history experiential learning coordinator, the Office of Experiential Learning, and the placement site. This course is required for completion of the archival concentration. Prerequisite: HIST 3401 (c )

HIST 4001-- African-American History (3-0-3) (Fall even years)

The African Americans, from their cultural roots in West Africa to the changing economic, political, social status over time to the present. Special emphasis placed on the civil rights movement, Black nationalism, and Black leadership. Prerequisites: HIST 2265 (c ) or [HIST 2111 (c ) and HIST 2112 (c )]

HIST 4002 -- History of the American South (3-0-3) (Fall even years)

A synthesis of the economic, social, political, and cultural developments that shaped the history of southern states, from the Colonial period to the creation of the modern South. Prerequisites: HIST 2111 (c ) and HIST 2112 (c )

HIST 4003 -- Women’s History (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)
The roles of women in the social, economic, and political development of the United States. Contributions of women and the historical significance of their attitudes in the liberal reform eras in American history. Prerequisites: HIST 2111 (c) and HIST 2112 (c)

HIST 4100- Origins of the Western World – (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

The history of the Mediterranean world and Western Europe from the beginnings of Greek civilization through the Middle Ages. (800 B.C.E.- 1300 C.E.), with special attention given to the origins of Western political, religious, and economic systems. Prerequisite: HIST 1111 (c )

HIST 4120- Renaissance, Reformation, and the Rise of the Western Nation State (3-0-3) (Fall even years)

The history of Europe from 1300 to the Peace of Westphalia (1648) with special emphasis given to the rise of new philosophies, new political systems, new religions, and the impact of European contact with Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Prerequisite: HIST 1111 (c )

HIST 4130- The Age of European Expansionism and Industrialization (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

The history of Europe from the mid-17th century to the beginning of World War I (1914), focusing on the factors that enabled Europe to become the dominant world power of the early 20th century. Special attention will be given to the rise of industrial capitalism, the creation of overseas empires, and the creation of new political systems in the 18th and 19th centuries. Prerequisite: HIST 1112 (c )

HIST 4250 - History of World Religions (3-0-3) (Spring)

Investigates the common themes of all religions: the origins, development, and present status of the major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Chinese Confucianism and Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Provides students with a framework for understanding the various world views to be found in today's increasingly connected world. A field-based research project is required for the course. Option for all middle level teacher education students with a major concentration in social studies. Prerequisite: HIST 1111 or HIST 1112

HIST 4401 - Readings in Archival Studies (3-0-3) (Spring, on sufficient demand)

The course will provide students with core knowledge in specialized archival topics through selected readings and research. Students will concentrate in four of the following subject areas: administration, appraisal and acquisition, arrangement and description, electronic records, preservation and conservation, records and information management, reference and access, and the history and nature of the archival profession. Prerequisite: HIST 3401

HIST 4440 -- Historical Exhibitions and Public Programming (3-0-3) (On sufficient demand)
A survey of the methods and purposes of interpreting history to the general public through museums, displays, exhibitions, pamphlets, documentaries, web sites, and all methods other than traditional historical publishing mediums (i.e. books and articles). Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of items of material culture. Prerequisite: HIST 3010 (c)

HIST 4450 -- Introduction to Historic Preservation (3-0-3) (On sufficient demand)

An introduction to the purposes and methods of identifying, documenting, interpreting, and preserving historically significant structures, buildings, sites, and objects with emphasis on the United States. The course will include a survey of such historic preservation issues as economic development, tourism, architectural history, historical archeology, and community revitalization. It is recommended, but not required, that students take HIST 3010 prior to HIST 4450. Non history majors interested in economic and community development, tourism, or other aspects of historic preservation are encouraged to take this course. Prerequisites: Completion of Area E history courses, i.e. [HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c )] and [HIST 1111 (c ) or HIST 1112 (c )]

HIST 4850 -- Senior Seminar in History (3-0-3) (Spring)

This course is open only to history majors in their senior year (i.e. 90+ hours in the program). The seminar will emphasize readings and discussion concerning historical topics of broad significance. Students will complete a project requiring historical research, analysis, and interpretation. Prerequisites: Senior standing and HIST 3001 (c ) and HIST 3010 (c ) and HIST 3110 (c )

HIST 4900 -- Independent Study in History with Directed Research and Readings. (variable credit) (On sufficient demand)

Special study arranged in consultation with a faculty member and approved by the department head. May be repeated for a maximum of six semester hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing

HIST 4901 -- History Internship (3-0-3) (Fall, Spring, Summer)

An approved historical field experience and carried out by the students in an appropriate institution, agency, or business. Requires the approval of the history experiential learning coordinator, the Office of Experiential Learning, and the placement site.  Prerequisites: HIST 3001 (c ) and HIST 3010 (c )

HIST 4902 -- Archival Internship II (0-V-3) (On sufficient demand)

The student will acquire additional hands-on experience working with archives in such tasks as record retrieval, patron assistance, preparing finding aids, preserving materials, editing manuscripts, or performing other archival functions. The HIST 4030 internship must involve either a different archival function or a more advanced application of the same function that was used for the HIST 3030 internship. The internship placement and duties must be approved by the history experiential learning coordinator, the Office of Experiential Learning, and the placement site. This course is required for completion of the archival concentration. Prerequisite: HIST 3401 (b)

HIST 4903 -- History Practicum (0-V-3) (On sufficient demand)

The practicum will constitute an independent (individual or small group) project in historical methodology, research, and analysis. The student will prepare and submit a significant historical paper and/or project. Requires the approval of the history experiential learning coordinator and the department head. Prerequisites: HIST 3000 (c) and HIST 3010 (c )

Today in History


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"It's the 60s, Stupid!"
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History Program Survivors
Congratulations to our Latest Graduates!

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"Where the Heck is the South?"
Presentation by James Cobb

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Careers in History

What can you do with a History degree?

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Internet Resources

Websites for History majors

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Georgia Department of Archives and History

Our Good Neighbors

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NARA Southeast Region

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