History Courses
Social Science Division
Courses marked with an asterisk (*) may be used to partially fulfill
Core Requirements.
HIST 101* and 102*
Ideas and Institutions in Western Society I & II
-
A study of the principles and history of social organization
in the western tradition and a study of the interrelationships
of ideas and events. Emphasis is on major trends in western
thought and the problems confronted by major political and
social thinkers in their historical context.
Fall and Spring, 3 Credits each
HIST 111*, 112*
Introduction to American Civilization
-
This two semester sequence will survey American
history from the Colonial beginnings to the present. Emphasis
will be on the development of institutions, ideas and values.
The first semester will cover the time period from the pre-Colombian
era to the civil war. The second semester will cover
the events from reconstruction to the present.
Fall and Spring, 3 Credits each
HIST 124*
American Maritime History
-
A topical survey of American and Caribbean History from
colonial days to present. The course is unified by lectures,
readings, field trips and oral reports based on student research.
Emphasis is placed on the lore of ships and the influence of
economic patterns on the establishment of a maritime nation.
Every Semester, 4 Credits
-
HIST 151 History of Africa
-
This course will take a topical
approach to the most important
issues in the continent's six million
years of human history. Among the
topics to be discussed will be early
humans and the peopling of the
continent; the spread of agriculture
and iron-working; state-formation
and "stateless" societies; trade and
commerce; indigenous arts and
philosophies; European contact,
slavery and the slave trade;
colonialism and the response to it;
independence and development. The
class will follow a
lecture/discussion format.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 203*
Europe in the 19th Century
-
The development of European civilization from the
outbreak of the French Revolution to 1914. Special attention is
given to the French Revolution, the economic-industrial
revolution, the socialist and liberal response, the movements of
political reconstruction in Germany and Italy, and the foreign
relations of the major European states to 1914.
Prerequisite: HIST 101,
102 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 204*
Twentieth Century Europe
-
The origins and development of contemporary Europe
from the outbreak of World War I in 1914 through the second
World War and the Cold War sequel. Special attention is given
to the origin of World War I, League of Nations, and the
outbreak of World War II, as well as the political and
intellectual impact of the Russian Revolution, rise of fascism
in Italy, Germany, and domestic affairs in the inter-war period.
Prerequisite: HIST 101,
102 or permission of
instructor.
Alternate Spring, 3 Credits
-
HIST 208* Environmental History
-
This course will trace the impact of
the environment on the development
of American ideas and institutions
from the arrival of the first human
beings in North America around
20,000 years ago. The view of the
wilderness as an area of unlimited
potential for national growth and
development dominated American
thought until the beginning of this
century when the first conservation
movement emerged. The class will
discuss the major issues and
organizations that played a part in
this growing awareness. The course
will conclude with a consideration
of the United States in the global
environmental context.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 215*
America from Colony to Nation
-
A study of the institutions established by the English
prior to the Revolution, the nature of the revolution and new
institutions established to realize the ideals of the
Declaration and the Constitution. The primary emphasis of this
course will be on the Revolution and the early national period.
Emphasis will be placed on the constitutional developments which
took place during the administration of Washington, Adams, and
Jefferson.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 216*
Slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction
-
The course will focus on the origins and nature
of slavery in the American South. The emergence of the
Abolitionist Movement, the causes and consequences of the Civil
War, and the significance of the reconstruction era for the
future of race relations in the United States.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 217*
20th Century America
-
America from the beginning of the Progressive era
through the alternate themes of war and reform to the present.
Emphasis will be on the politics of Wilson, the Twenties, the
New Deal, World War II, and contemporary issues.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112 or permission of
instructor.
Alternate Spring, 3 Credits
HIST 221* (POLI 221)
Contemporary World Politics
-
Major issues, problems, and crises in the world serve
as the focal point for the course. Crises and conflicts are
explored in terms of their historical roots, their current
status and future possible outcomes.
Prerequisites: HIST 101,
102 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 224*
Modern Germany
-
Deals with the political, cultural and social events and
characteristics of modern Germany from unification in
1871-present. Emphasis is on the periods of Bismarck, William
II, Weimar Republic, Nazi regime, and the two German states
after World War II.
Prerequisites: HIST 101,
102 or permission
of instructor.
Alternate Spring, 3 Credits
HIST 227*
The American Indian
-
The focus of the course will shift in alternate years
from a broad survey of Native American History in the New World
to a more specified focus on the Native American of Long Island.
Consult instructor.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
HIST 112 or permission
of instructor.
Laboratory fee: $15.00.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 231*
Imperial Russia: Peter the Great to 1917
-
The development of Russian civilization from Peter the
Great to 1917. Special emphasis on the evolution of autocracy,
the development of a national culture, growth of serfdom, policy
of Westernization, and development of a radical and liberal
tradition.
Prerequisites: HIST 101,
102 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 232*
The Soviet Union: 1917 to the Present
-
Special attention is given to the social, political, and
cultural development of the Soviet Union. Particular emphasis
on the period following World War II.
Prerequisites: HIST 101,
102 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 233*
Soviet Foreign Policy
-
The development of relations between the Soviet Union and
the world from the October Revolution-present. Emphasis on the
Soviet Union's dual existence as nation-state and exponent of
world revolution.
Prerequisites: HIST 101,
102 or permission
of instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 240*
American Literature as History
-
A study of the uses of literature as historical sources.
Works of fiction and poetry which have particular American
historical settings and relevance will be selected for analysis.
Materials selected will be selected from the works of Irving,
Cooper, Hawthorne, Twain, Crane, Cather, Hemingway, Steinbeck,
and others.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits
HIST 356* (POLI 356)
American Diplomatic History
-
A study of U.S. policy with emphasis on selected issues
and problems in a historical context.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112 or permission of
instructor.
Alternate Fall, 3 Credits
HIST 357* (POLI 357)
American Constitutional Development I
-
A historical survey of constitutional law, basic
constitutional principles and ideas viewed through leading court
cases. The emphasis in the course is on how constitutional
principles have evolved as a consequence of historical/social
forces and problems in society.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112,
POLI 102 or permission of
instructor.
Alternate Fall, 3 Credits
HIST 358* (POLI 358)
American Constitutional Development II
-
An analysis of major constitutional issues in recent decades
(with an emphasis on civil rights/liberties issues) and of the
Supreme Court's major role in shaping public policy and
determining the character of American society.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112,
POLI 102
or permission of instructor.
Alternate Spring, 3 Credits
HIST 375* (POLI 375)
European Political Thought
-
The study of selected political and social ideas,
movements and individuals that have shaped the character of
European society.
Prerequisites: HIST 101,
102 or permission
of instructor.
Alternate Fall, 3 Credits
HIST 376*
American Political and Social Thought
-
The study of selected political and social ideas,
movements and individuals that have shaped the character of
American society.
Prerequisites: HIST 111,
112 or permission
of instructor.
Alternate Fall, 3 Credits
HIST 300* and 400*
Special Studies in History
-
Particularly focused special historical studies will be
offered under these numbers. Designed to fill special needs not
accommodated under other course titles. HIST 300 and 400 may be
repeated for credit. Open by special permission to a limited
number of students.
Prerequisites: HIST 101,
102 or
HIST 111,
112 or permission of
instructor.
On Occasion, 3 Credits each
HIST 440
Cooperative Education in History
-
Students interested in
Cooperative Education
should meet
with the staff of the Cooperative Education office.
Every Semester, 1 to 6 Credits
HIST 490
Internship in History
-
Students should meet with their advisor to discuss their
interest in a full semester
internship.
16 Credits
