List of Courses by Level 100 Level Courses 200 Level Courses 300 Level Courses 400 Level Courses List of Courses by Category List of Courses

100 Level Courses
HIST 101 Foundations of Western Civilization	The first of a two-semester sequence, this course covers the historical development of Western civilization to 1648. The subjects include ancient Greece and Rome, the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Reformation. Emphasis is placed on broad cultural history and the formation of the Western cultural heritage. (GE requirement; not credited towards the major)
HIST 102 The West and the Modern World	The second of a two-semester sequence, this course is designed to provide broad coverage of the shaping of modern Western civilization. It traces political, intellectual, social and economic trends from 1648 to the present. (GE requirement; not credited towards the major) Prerequisite: HIST 101
200 Level Courses
HIST 205 United States History Through Reconstruction	The first semester of an introduction to United States history, from the time of the European conquest of the Americas to the reconstruction of the nation after the Civil War. Recent approaches and techniques--social history, women's history, African-American history, working class history--are incorporated to permit new perspectives on the nation's past. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 206 United States History Since Reconstruction	The second half of the introduction to U.S. history, this course spans the years from Reconstruction to the present. It aims to cast new light on familiar questions about the American experience in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries--the transformation of America under the impact of immigration, urbanization, industrialization, movements of social protest and reform, and the exercise of power on a global scale--through using the latest tools of historical interpretation. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 260 Historiography	This course, intended primarily for History majors, is concerned with the theory and practice of historical thinking and writing. The major schools of historical interpretation, the historical method, and research skills all will be stressed. Prerequisite: HIST 101
300 Level Courses
HIST 301 Social History of Modern Europe	Covers the evolution of European society from a preindustrial society in the eighteenth century through an industrial society in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, to a post-industrial society in the late twentieth century and introduces students to the objectives, methodology and sources of social history. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 302 Origins of Civilization	A survey of the world's oldest civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Hebrews and the ancient Near East in general. The course examines how and why civilizations originated and developed in the ancient Near East. Focus includes art and archaeology as well as political, social and religious history. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 303 Greek Civilization	Covers the cultural background of ancient Greece and the rise and fall of Athenian democracy. Thucydides and other commentators are used for a critical study of the great issues of Greek civilization. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 304 Rome: Republic and Empire	A survey of critical issues and developments in Roman history from the founding of the city in the eighth century B.C. to the fall of the Empire in the fifth century A.D. Particular attention is placed on the historical effects of social and political growth and decline. Topics include both political- constitutional history and the development of social institutions such as the family and marriage. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 305 Italy from Renaissance to Nation-State 1300-1871	A survey of Italian history from the Middle Ages to the present. Topics include the city-state, the Renaissance, the early modern era, the Risorgimento and modern Italy. The course emphasizes the growth of the Italian nation as well as diverse regions of Italy. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 306 Europe in the Middle Ages	Covers the early Middle Ages and the emergence of medieval order, fact and theories of the relations between church and state, Europe in the High Middle Ages, the development of secular and urban society, formation of nation states, the artistic and intellectual culture of castle, cathedral and university. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 307 Imperial Spain 1450-1700	How did a country of nine million discover, conquer and colonize two continents, dominate Europe for 150 years and create one of the world's major cultures? This course surveys the political and cultural history of Spain and her empire from 1450-1700. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 308 History of Christianity	A history of Christianity from the ancient world to the present, primarily in its European setting. Focus is on the reciprocal impact of the forms, thought and organization of the Christian religion and society and culture. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 309 The Italian Renaissance	This course concentrates on the cultural, political and social foundations of the Renaissance in Italy between 1350 and 1550. Because of the Italian Renaissance's profound influence on all of Europe, some attention is paid to tracing the spread of Renaissance ideas to other countries. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 310 Modern France Since 1815	The development of France, one of the first democratic republics, from the Bourbon Restoration in 1814 through the Fifth Republic today, featuring a multifaceted approach to French history. Emphasis is on continuity versus change and stability versus instability. The course explores the reasons for France's decline and later resurgence as a European power. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 311 Labor History Through Film	An examination of labor history from the nineteenth century to the present, particularly in the United States, through the study of films depicting the conditions and struggles of working people, accompanied by collateral readings and discussions. The films range from animated cartoons to slides, documentaries and feature-length masterpieces, such as How Green Was My Valley, Sacco and Vanzetti and The Grapes of Wrath. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 312 Reformation Europe	Martin Luther's challenge to the Catholic Church in 1517 led to one hundred and fifty years of religious reformations and wars in Europe and Christian evangelization around the world. This course examines the origins of the reformation movement and assesses its impact on European society and politics during the early modern period. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 314 History of New Jersey	An examination in historical perspective of political, economic and social institutions of New Jersey and the influence of adjacent areas. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 315 U.S. Jewish Community	Focusing on the historic development of the American-Jewish community from colonial to recent times, this course examines such vital issues in American society as ethnicity, cultural identity and intergroup relations. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 316 American Women's History	The experience of American women from colonial times to the present. Explores conditions that shaped women's destiny, analyzes the differences between the historical experience of women from different social classes and ethnic groups and considers the ways American women have perceived their condition and worked to alter it. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 317 Cultural History of the 1960s	Examines the history of the 1960s--a decade of change, reflection and dissent--from the cultural perspectives of literature, music and social and political thought. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 320 Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy 1789-1840	An inquiry into the origins of Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy is followed by a consideration of their immediate impact and lasting significance. Economic, social and political developments are studied and comparisons made with developments in other nations. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 321 Era of the Civil War 1840-77	An investigation of the causes and effects of the rise of modern industry and the expansion of slavery, the abolitionist movement, the sectional conflict, the Civil War and Reconstruction with emphasis on their long-range impact on the white and black peoples of the United States. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 322 Progress, War and Normalcy 1877-1933	A survey of rapid economic growth with its impact on business, labor and agriculture, followed by discussion of social and political developments, including urbanization and progressivism. Attention is focused on the rise of overseas imperialism, the First World War and the League of Nations, concluding with an examination of the booming twenties and the Great Depression. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 323 From New Deal to Cold War: Since 1933	An in-depth examination of the Great Depression of the 1930s with an appraisal of New Deal domestic and foreign policies, followed by a study of World War II and the United States' role in world affairs through the postwar decades. Changing political, social and economic issues confronting the postwar generation are assessed against the background of world developments. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 325 Immigration in the Growth of America	Exploring John F. Kennedy's theme of "A Nation of Immigrants," the course focuses on the mass migrations that shaped American development into the twentieth century. The causes of immigration, the economic and cultural adjustment of the newcomers and their impact are studied in the light of historical evidence. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 327 America as a World Power	This course studies the history of United States foreign relations in the 20th century. From America's becoming an imperial power after the Spanish-american War to her uncertain role in the world today, the course traces the ideological underpinnings of American strategy and tactics on the world stage, America's role in major 20th century wars--hot and cold--the development of nuclear weapons and the course of the arms race, and the problems and opportunities presented by the dramatic political changes in the contemporary world. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 330 Imperial Russia	Examines society, politics and culture of Imperial Russia from the reign of Peter the Great to the last Romanovs. Major topics include serfdom, intellectual currents and nineteenth-century revolutionary movements. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 331 Twentieth-Century Russia	After an inquiry into the causes and effects of the revolutions of 1905 and 1917, a study is made of the Soviet regime under Lenin, Stalin, Malenkov, Khrushchev, Brezhnev and Kosygin. Attention is given to internal industrial, agricultural, social, political and cultural development as well as to the role of the Soviet Union in world affairs. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 332 Tudor-Stuart England	Explores the England of Henry VII to Queen Elizabeth, the social and political opposition to the early Stuarts, the English Civil War, the regime of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration, the Glorious Revolution and the growth of political stability after 1689. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 333 Modern Britain	Surveys key political developments in Great Britain since the 1780s. Main emphasis is on the development of those social, economic, religious and educational developments that produced modern British society. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 336 Europe in the Age of Revolution: 1789-1848	Examines the transformation of Europe between 1789 and 1848 in terms of what has been called the "dual revolution" --the French Revolution of 1789 and the contemporaneous industrial revolution in Britain. Special emphasis is placed on the revolutionary movement from 1789 to 1848, which gives this period a certain unity. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 337 Triumphant Materialism: Europe 1848-1914	European history from the close of the revolutionary era of 1848 to the outbreak of the First World War. Major emphasis is on liberalism and nationalism, imperialism and world politics, the late phases of the industrial revolution, cultural developments and the coming of the war. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 338 Europe Since 1914	Major political, economic, social and intellectual developments in Europe since 1914. The internal and diplomatic history of the Great Powers, the economic and political transformation of Europe under the impact of American-Soviet rivalry, and the intellectual record of the age are discussed. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 339 The Revolutionary Movement in Russia	Examines a century of revolution (1825-1925), focusing on the social, political and intellectual characteristics of such groups as the Decembrists, Nihilists, Populists, Marxists and Anarchists. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 340 Germany from Bismarck Through Hitler	Covers Germany's history from 1848 to 1945 with an emphasis on Germany's involvement in the wars from the Franco-Prussian War to World War II. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 341 Hitler and the Nazi Era	This course deals with the era of twentieth-century Fascism and World War II, with an emphasis on Hitler and Nazi Germany. Prerequisite: HIST 101 and HIST 102
HIST 342 Soviet Foreign Policy	This course traces the origins and development of Soviet foreign policy from the time of the Civil War and foreign intervention following the Revolution and World War I, through the need to reassess priorities in the 1920's, the response to the rise of fascism and Nazism, the emergence of a policy toward the Third World, participation in World War II, and the origins, progress, and demise of the Cold War. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 343 England in the Age of the American Revolution	A social and political history of England, 1740--1820. Explores the impact of three revolutions--the industrial, the American and the French--on the older institutions of the realm. Students examine the industrial revolution, analyze the varied responses of the political leaders, the new radicals, and the Irish patriots to the American and French Revolutions, and reflect on how this age produced a new economy, a new society and a new form of politics. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 345 A Social History of Soviet Russia Through Its Literature and Art	This team-taught interdisciplinary (History and Literature) course is a cultural, social, and literary history of 20th century Russia. The development of Soviet society and of intellectual trends in Soviet Russia since 1917 will be studied through the use of historical and literary works, contemporary films, and graphic arts. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 346 European Women's History	European women fromthe Enlightenment to the post-World War II years. The course will discuss women, the family, and the state and will combine the documentary record as well as the most recent scholarship in the field. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 347 Irish History	A survey course of Irish History from 1600 to the present. The course will pay special attention to the Irish struggle for independence from British rule and the defining characteristics of Irish as opposed to English culture.
HIST 350 America Slavery	This course examines the institution of American slavery from its early beginnings to 1867. Special attention will be paid to the life of the enslaved black: his religion, his personality, his culture, his acculturation, and his heritage.
HIST 360 Traditional Japan	This course treats the emergence of a distinctly Japanese cultural tradition, the development of a highly refined imperial court world, and the usurpation of political power by the warrior class known as the samurai, whose rule culminated in the Tokugawa Peace 1600-1868 Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 361 Modern Japan	This course examines Japan's spectacular rise to world power and a position of economic prominence. The social and political consequences of industrialization and "Westernization" receive special attention. Japan's experience with continental empire, war, defeat and recovery will be treated through social, economic, cultural, and political perspectives. Literature and contemporary films will be key resources used. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 365 The Pacific War: Japan and the Second World War in Asia	The course examines the Japanese experience during the 1931-1945 era and postwar occupation to better understand the political, economic, and social toll of the war and its impact on the development of Japanese society. The course makes extensive use of rare film materials to bring the experience closer. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 370 Traditional China	The foundations of Chinese civilization. Analyzes China's religions, philosophies, government, economics, family and society and attempts to bring into focus those aspects of Chinese civilization that have a direct bearing on our understanding of the Chinese today. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 371 Modern China	From Empire to People's Republic, the transformation of China since 1800. The course will examine, too, China's response to the impact of the West with particular attention to the difficulties with which China adjusts itself to a modern, fast-changing world and the developments that led to communism. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 380 Colonial Latin America	A review of the Ibero-Indian-African background of Latin America. Also deals with the discovery and conquest of the area; Spain's and Portugal's imperial policies; political, economic and social developments of the colonial society, and the wars for independence. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 381 Modern Latin America	Such topics as problems of early nationhood, caudillismo versus modern dictatorships and quest for democracy, difficulties in moving from a colonial to a national economy, and the social tensions of a society in transition are explored with consideration given to Latin America's role in world affairs and relationships with the United States. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 382 Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Caribbean World	A survey of Caribbean history from Columbus to Castro, stressing the important changes that occurred in the 1950s when the Caribbean became a focal point of the struggle between different world interests and ideologies. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 390 Islamic/Middle Eastern History and Civilization I	History of Islamic Civilization from the Prophet Muhammad to the Mongol Invasion and destruction of the Classical Caliphate in 1258 A.D. The subjects of concentration will be: 1) the expansion of Islam as a political movement; 2) the formulation of the prophetic message into the religion and law that became the spiritual nucleus of the new civilization; 3) the absorption of the subject peoples (Jews, Christians, Iranians, Turks, Berbers) into the civilization and the role they played in its development and broadening visions; 4) the intellectual achievements of the High Caliphate in law, theology, mysticism, science, philosophy. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 391 Islamic/Middle Eastern History and Civilization II	This is a continuation of Islamic/Middle Eastern History and Civilization I. The course covers a seven century span, from the Mongol Conquest and destruction of Baghdad and the Classical Abassid Caliphate in 1258 to 1918. In addition to the political history of the Islamic World, the course surveys the institutional, administrative, religious and intellectual changes that were intended to meet the successive challenges facing Muslim society, from the murder of the last Abassid Caliph by the Mongols to the rise of a resurgent Western Europe and Russia that ultimately, in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, came to dominate the once powerful heartland of Islam, from Morocco to Central Asia. The course ends with World War I and the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 392 Contemporary Middle East	This course is a survey of Middle Eastern History from World War I to the present, with an emphasis on political, social and economic development, nationalism and militarism, and contemporary problems threatening the uneasy peace in the region. Prerequisite: HIST 101
HIST 395 History of Modern Gulf States	This course, an economic and political survey of the modern Gulf States (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Emirates and Bahrein), will inform the students of the historical origins of the modern Gulf states, the development of these states, and how both, origins and development rooted in Western strategic and economic interests on the one hand and confronted by Arab nationalism and Arab rivalries on the other, led to a series of crisis culminating in the American led war against Iraq to liberate Kuwait. Prerequisite: HIST 101 and 102
HIST 399 Selected Topics	A subject not covered by an existing course will be offered as needed.
400 Level Courses
HIST 400 Internship in History	This course is offered to qualified history majors to provide on-the-job training as interns at one of the following museums or institutions: Botto House Museum, New Jersey Historical Society, Passaic County Historical Society located in Lambert Castle, etc. Internships offer training in museum work, archival work and as tour guides. Prerequisites: HIST 102 and 15 credits in history, with a GPA in history of 3.0
HIST 403 Interpreting U.S. History	Primarily for students with a special interest in American history. Provides an opportunity to critically examine areas in which important reinterpretations have been made or in which controversy exists among scholars. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 417 War and Society	This seminar explores the history of war and its impact on the development of societies emphasizing the integration of military, social, and political history to better understand the expansion and development of armed forces and the roles war has played in human history. The course is cross-cultural as well as interdisciplinary. After an initial introduction to the history of human conflict and techniques the student of history can apply to the analysis of the social history of war, we will look more closely at several human conflicts using a case-study approach. Prerequisites: HIST 102
HIST 427 Peasant Russia (Approved by HMSS School Council; pending approval from Provost's Office)	An in depth study of the Russian peasantry from the Emancipation decree of 1861 to forced collectivization under Stalin in the 1930s. Students are strongly urged to have at least one 300-level course in a related subject. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 428 Stalin and his Times	An examination of Stalin's rise within the leadership of the communist party and Soviet state, Stalin's impact on Soviet domestic policy and international affairs, and the process of de-Stalinization since the 1950's through the present. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 429 The Russian Revolution 1917-32	This course examines the causes and impact of the revolutions of 1917, the major political parties and figures and the social dynamics within the revolutionary movement. The course then focuses on the first 15 years of Soviet power, delving into the type of society created, the conflicts within the leadership and the rise of Stalin. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 430 The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era	Examines crucial periods such as the revolution of 1789, the Year II the revolutionary dictatorship and the Terror--and the Napoleonic era. While political history is stressed, great emphasis is placed on social history. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 432 Intellectual History of Ancient and Medieval Civilizations	An examination of the artistic, practical (ethical and political), theoretical and religious thought of ancient and medieval civilization in the West. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 433 Comparative Revolutions	A comparative study of revolution as a historical phenomenon. An analysis of various theoretical models of revolutionary change provides the conceptual tools with which to compare revolutions in different historical and cultural settings. Major attention is focused on an intensive analysis of selected major revolutions. Prerequisites: HIST 102
HIST 434 History of Medieval Islamic Thought	A survey of Islamic thought from its Hellenistic beginnings to the period of transmission and translation from Arabic into Latin, in the 12th and 13th Centuries. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 444 Saints, Witches and Ordinary Folk: Social History of Religion in Europe, 1400-1700	Between 1400 and 1700, Europe went through the religious upheaval of the Protestant and Catholic Reformations. This seminar attempts to understand the impact of the Reformations on European society by reading outstanding books in the field. Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 460 Seminar in East Asian History	This course examines the key critical methods of historical research and writing in the East Asian environment. Each semester will focus on a specific theme. The course looks at the countries of East Asia in context, comparing them to each other and to states and societies outside the region and no specialist knowledge is required. Prerequisite: History 102 plus one 300 level History course and Instructor's permission.
HIST 480 Seminar	Topics chosen and announced by faculty. Readings, reports and papers related to specific topics. (1-3 credits) Prerequisite: HIST 102
HIST 499 Independent Study	As approved and to be arranged.