Course Descriptions

History

HIS 119E History of Modern Europe and the United States II

This course approaches in an integrated way historical developments in both Western Europe and America (with emphasis on what is now the United States) from 1815 to the present. (Survey Course)

HIS 213E Women and the American Experience

Students in this course explore the contribution of women to the American historical experience and examine the impact of changes in American politics, economics, and society on the lives of women and their families. Through readings, class discussions, films, and independent writing assignments, students will be able to explain the diversity of experience that has always characterized women and families in America. (Survey Course)

HIS 264E         The United States since 1960

An examination of contemporary America and its role in the world. Topics include the Civil Rights Movement, the "Great Society," Vietnam, Watergate, the Carter years, the "Reagan Revolution," the end of the Cold War, and the recent Clinton and Bush years.

HIS 275E The Jewish Holocaust

This course examines the Nazi persecution and extermination of the Jews in the larger historical context of intensifying anti-Semitism in modern times, its particular effect on Germany, and the manner in which Adolf Hitler and the Nazis systematically engaged in the Holocaust. The reasons behind this apocalyptic event, the reaction of people to it and what it says about western society in the 20th century are also considered.

HIS276E History of American Science and Technology

This course examines the unique nature of American scientific and technological development. It examines the emergence of “republican” characteristics for U.S. science and technology from colonial times to the present, and the impact of these trends on political, environmental and gender issues throughout the last 225 years.  (Survey course)

HI 277E  History of Flight & Space Travel

This course studies the history of aviation beginning with humanity’s insatiable desire to fly and the roots of the first powered flight.  The origins of aviation are studied beginning with flight and then the progression into developments in speed, altitude, jet & rocket propulsion and eventually man’s venture into outer space.  The course also focuses on the technological drive of aviation through two World Wars and the post-1945 World.  Emphasis is on the growth & evolution of both military & civilian aviation.  The course then follows the development of how aviation and ultimately space travel (unmanned & manned) has led to a technocratic global society. (Survey course)

HIS278E          War and American Society

This course examines the general evolution of American attitudes toward war and the military since 1776. At the heart of this inquiry is the seeming dichotomy between our abhorrence of a professional military and our respect for the same, and our frequent willingness to use war as an instrument of domestic and international policy. We also look at how the “American Way of War” has been a reflection of our industrial development as well as our social structure. (Survey Course)