Course Descriptions for the B.A. in History

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

A survey of World History to early modern times. [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 early modern times to the present. [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)

A survey of U.S. History to the post-Civil War period. [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 U.S. History from the post-Civil War period to the present. [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 or 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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 2500 Historical Methods (3-0-3) (Fall, Spring)

An introduction to the historian’s craft and the research techniques and philosophies used in the writing of history. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 2750 - Critical Trends and Issues in Recent World History (3-0-3) (Every Term)

An examination of the global significance of critical political, social, cultural, economic, and international trends and issues since the fall of Communism. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course

HIST 3001 – Historiography  (3-0-3) (Fall)

This course will examine the perspectives of significant historical schools and analyze the contributions made by major historians throughout history. Prerequisite: HIST 2500

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 This course will emphasize the importance of the preservation and use of historical documents, artifacts, and sites.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. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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 history and other majors. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3120 – The Establishment of the U. S., 1607 - 1800 (3-0-3) (Fall 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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3130 – Sectionalism and the Civil War (3-0-3) (Fall even years)

The origins and course of the American Civil War. Emphasis on the political, economic, social, and cultural background to the war, its military aspects, its impact on American society. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3132 – The Reconstruction Era, 1863-1877 (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

The abolition of slavery, the political and economic remaking of the South, and the ways the most turbulent and controversial periods in American history have been remembered and re-fought by later generations. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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

An historical overview of the programs , policies, key events, important figures, and enduring lessons of U.S. interactions with other nations and their peoples, 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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3210 – The Twentieth Century World (3-0-3) (Fall even 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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3215 –  Latin American-U.S. Relations (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

A study of political, cultural, economic interaction between the United States and the many and diverse countries of Latin America since 1823. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3245 - History Through Film (3-0-3) (At least once a year)

This course introduces students to critical issues in history and representation, utilizing film to analyze central historical issues. The specific thematic content is variable. Course may be repeated for up to 9 credits. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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

From the Shang Dynasty to Ming Dynasty in China, the Yamato Clan rule to Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, and Gojoseon Kingdom to Chŏson Dynasty in Korea.  Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3255 – Modern East Asian History (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

From the Qing Dynasty to present in China, the Meiji Restoration to present in Japan, and in Korea, from the Tonghak Rebellion of 1894-1895 to the present. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3260 – Pre-Modern South Asian History (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

The history of India from the Harappan Civilization to the Mughal Dynasty.  Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3265 – Modern South Asian History (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

A history of India, from the establishment of the British Raj to the present. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3270 - Pre-Modern Russian History (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

A survey, from the mythic founding Kievan Rus in A.D. 862 to Catherine the Great Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3275 – Modern Russian History (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

From Tsar Alexander I to the present. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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.

HIST 3420 – Family History and Genealogical Resources (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3450 - U.S. Military History (3-0-3) (Spring)

A study of the American military art, from the earliest days of frontier offensives to present-day global concerns. Focuses on the creation of American military institutions, the genesis of policy-making and maintenance of civilian control over that process, the inter-relationship between foreign and military policy, the conduct of war, and the influence of American society upon the armed forces as social institutions. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3700 - U.S. Historical Geography (3-0-3)

Study of the interplay between and among natural factors of climate, soils, vegetation, and landforms, and human factors of settlement, economic activity, transportation, warfare, technology, and cultural traits. Required for all middle level and secondary teacher education students with a major or minor concentration in social studies or history. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 3800 - World Historical Geography (3-0-3)

Provides students with a comprehensive spatial global view and with the basic analytical and conceptual skills required to study the diverse regions of the world, while focusing on the instructional theme of human/environment interaction, especially how geographical factors helped to shape history. Required for all middle level and secondary teacher education students with a major or minor concentration in social studies or history. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course

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.

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. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4004 – American Environmental History (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

Changing attitudes about nature and wilderness, political decisions, supervisory institutions, and environmental problems which accompanied utilization of America's natural resources, from colonial times to the present. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4010 – U.S. Intellectual History (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

This course teaches the basics of American thought, as reflected in literature, politics, religion, science, and laws. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4020 – History of the Old South (3-0-3) (Fall even years)

This course primarily explores the origins of southern society and culture, the growth of southern distinctiveness, and the ultimate attempt to create a separate though short-lived southern nation. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4030 – History of the New South (3-0-3) (Spring odd years)

Analysis of the change and continuity in the American South from the end of the Civil War through the present. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.


HIST 4110 – Ancient Greece and Rome (3-0-3) (Fall odd years)

The history of the Hellenes, from the Minoan civilization through Alexander's legacy, and the development of ancient Rome from its origins in Italy, through the rise as an Empire embracing the entire Mediterranean World and Western Europe, to Christianity and the foundation of Constantinople. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4115 - History of the Middle Ages (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

Medieval European civilization as it emerged, from the declining Roman Empire through its apogee in the 13th century. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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

The history of Europe from the mid-17th century through the Napoleonic Era. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4200 - Nineteenth Century European History, 1815 to 1914 (Fall odd years)

The rise of modern Europe, the spread of liberalism, nationalism, and democratic forces; the industrial revolution and the resulting imperialistic and democratic rivalries among the great powers. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

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: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4350 – Modern World Intellectual History (3-0-3) (Spring even years)

An introduction to the global history of ideas, from the mid-eighteenth century to the present. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4401 – Readings in Archival Studies (3-0-3) (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. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4800 – Selected Topics in History (3-0-3) (Every Term)

This course will present significant topics in history not covered by other courses in the curriculum. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Any 1000 or 2000 level HIST course.

HIST 4850 – Senior Seminar in History (3-0-3) (Fall, 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 and HIST 3010 or HIST 3110.

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) (On sufficient demand)

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 4902 internship must involve either a different archival function or a more advanced application of the same function that was used for the HIST 3901 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

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: Senior standing and HIST 3001 or HIST 3010.