Course Descriptions

College Catalog

Public History Courses

Below is a list of Public History courses offered by Stevenson University. To earn a degree in Public History, students must also complete coursework in other areas. To view a complete listing of all course requirements for the Public History degree, please see the University catalog.

HIST 105
World History I
This course focuses on the diverse forces that helped shape the world in which we live. The course traces the development of culture and civilization from the origins of mankind to the Early Modern era. Prerequisite: ENG 151 or equivalent. (May be taken concurrently.) Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 106
World History II
This courses focuses on the diverse forces that helped shape the world in which we live. The course traces the development of culture and civilization from the Early Modern era to the present. Prerequisite: ENG 151 or equivalent. (May be taken concurrently.) Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 109
The US: Colonial America to 1877
The goal of this course is to familiarize studentswith the major personalities, events, and ideasrelated to the development of the United States up to 1865. The course will look at the settlement and development of the American colonies, the American Revolution, and the Civil War, and will look as well at the collision of cultures and ideas that led to the formation of early America. Prerequisite: ENG 151 or equivalent (May be taken concurrently). Fall semester. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 110
U.S.: 1877 - Present
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the major personalities, events, and ideas related to the development of the United States since 1865. The course will look at the consequences of the Civil War, Reconstruction, Populism, Progressivism, the two World Wars, and the inter-war years marked by great social changes and the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the political and social reactions to it up to the present. Prerequisite: ENG 151 or equivalent (May be taken concurrently). Spring semester. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 208
Introduction to Public History
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts and methods of public history. It will explore the various careers open to individuals with a strong background in historical study. It will provide a survey of the basic knowledge required of individuals working in the fields of museum studies, historic preservation, cultural resources management, and related fields, and will emphasize the issues related to communicating about history to the public. Prerequisites: ENG 152 or equivalent, and HIST 205, or permission of the instructor. HIST 205 may be taken concurrently with this course. Fall semester. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 209
Research & Writing in History
Students will learn to use the tools and methods of historians, to interpret and evaluate historical sources, and to construct narratives based on primary and secondary research. In addition, students will develop skills in presenting history to a variety of public audiences. Prerequisite: ENG 152 or equivalent and HIST 205. Spring semester. Three credits. Satisfies Core Curriculum requirement for a 200-level writing course. May be taken as ENG 209. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 210
African American History
This course traces the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans through the course of United States history. It explores the cultural heritage of African peoples, the impact of the slave trade,slavery,and the development of racism. It traces the struggle for freedom and justice in America from the colonial period up to the present and discusses the accomplishments of individual African Americans on the development of the economics, politics, and culture of the United States. Prerequisite: ENG 151 or equivalent. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 220
American History & Community Service
Who are we as Americans? This course explores this question through a survey of our nation's history in conjunction with a service project in a nonprofit organization. The course topic rotates, focusing on one aspect of national identity, for example equality, individualism, community, or philanthropy. In the classroom, students trace this theme from colonial times to present. In the field, students complete a service project with a nonprofit organization, reflect upon their experience in light of their academic learning, and conversely, use this experience to deepen their understanding of U.S. history. Prerequisite: ENG 152 or equivalent and 2Y status. Three credits.

HIST 230
American Women's History
This course is an examination of women in the United States from the time of the Native Americans in the precolonial era to the end of the twentieth century. It explores how women's roles, status, image, and legal rights evolved due to social and economic change and as a result of the activism of reformers and writers. Prerequisite: ENG 151. Spring semester. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 300
U.S. History Since 1945
The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the major personalities, events, ideas, and issues relating to recent United States history. It begins with the conditions that led to the stock market crash in 1929, continues with analysis of the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Counter-Culture Revolution of the 1960s, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, and the political and social reactions to these events in recent years. Prerequisite: ENG 152 or equivalent. Offered periodically. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 306
History of the Family
The family is the fundamental social unit in nearly every society, and yet the structure of the family can vary widely from the extended, polygamous family of some cultures to the single parent households common in the U.S. today. This course traces the evolution of the family from the Neolithic era to the present. It studies the impact of geography, economy,religion,and political structures on the variety of family structures in the Western and non-Western worlds. Prerequisite: ENG 152 or equivalent. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 311
Topics in History
Focuses on a particular period or on a specialized topic in history. Analysis of primary sources involved. Topic announced each semester. Prerequisite: Third year status or permission of the instructor. Three credits. Repeatable if content differs. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 330
Robbers, Radicals, Reformers: 1877-1920
This course examines political,social,economic,and cultural life in the US from 1877 to 1920, the decades in which the country grew from a mostly rural,agrarian society into an urban, industrialized world power. The course will explore the imapact of late-19th century industrialism,urbanization,immigration and imperialism as well as the influence of robber barons and captains of industry,suffragettes and labor radicals, and populist and progressive reformers on the lives of ordinary Americans. Prerequisites: Any lower level American history course and ENG 152(or equivalent). Offered in Fall of odd-numbered years. Three credits (18 Sep 2007)

HIST 336
Civil War
This course explores the American Civil War from its root causes to its aftermath. Topics include the military and political leadership, new and improved technologies, the battles from Fort Sumter to appomattox, and the impact of the war on civilian population. Prerequisite: Any American history course and ENG 152 or equivalent. Three credits (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 337
The Sixties
This course uses primary sources to explore the fast-paced social, political, and cultural changes that occurred in America from 1960 to 1974. It familiarizes students with major trends in society, the economy, and politics. Topics include the presidencies of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon; the Civil Rights and Black Liberation movements; the Vietnam War; the rise and fall of the New Left; and the counter-culture. Prerequisite: Any American history course and ENG 152 or equivalent. Offered periodically. Three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 350
Independent Study in History
An independent study course in which the student completes an approved project under close faculty supervision during the course of a semester. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and approval of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. Two to three credits. (15 Nov 2006)

HIST 411
Senior Seminar in Public History
The Senior Seminar is specifically designed for students in the Public History Major in their senior year (although others may take the course). The topic will vary according to the needs of the major, the professor teaching the course and students' requests. The subject of the Senior Seminar will generally focus on a specific time period, theme, person, or idea. The subject will be investigated thoroughly from a wide variety of perspectives. Emphasis will be placed upon interpreting the subject through the primary written and material record, through contrasting interpretations that illustrate the complexity and depth of the subject and its lasting significance and influence. Prerequisites: Majors in Public History in their Senior year, exceptions with permission of instructor of Humanities & Public History Department Chairperson, and HIST 209. Repeatable for credit as long as topic is different. Offered in either semester on a periodic basis. 3 credits.

HIST 450
Public History Internship
Public History majors will perform a minimum of 120 hours of career related work experience during the course of one semester under the guidance of a history faculty mentor and an on-site suprevisor. Internships are arranged individually to match student' career goals and interests with employers' needs. Requirements include a daily journal, written material evaluating the position and experience, and a final presentation. Prerequisites: Senior or second-semester junior status; at least 24 credits in history, including HIST 208 and HIST 209; a minimum 2.5 GPA for seiors and 2.75 for juniors. Spring semester. Three credits.