History
IHHIST111 The Ancient and Medieval World
Examines the development of first civilizations of the Near East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Americas; ancient Greece and Rome; the growth of the Byzantine, Islamic, and Western civilizations; European imperialism in Africa, the Americas, and Asia; and religious, political, and cultural change in Europe in the early-modern era. Annually. (WPS)
IHHIST112 The Modern World
Examines the evolution of the major civilizations of the world (Western, Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, sub-Saharan African, and Latin American) from the early-modern era to the present. It focuses upon the revolutionary intellectual, political, and economic changes that occurred during this period and their effects upon the world. Annually. (WPS)
IHHIST141 The West in the World
This course will follow the rise and spread of early civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China to the political, economic, and cultural foundations of the West in ancient Greece and Rome. Course concludes with an examination of the classical age of Muslim culture during the European Middle Ages. Fall. (WPS GRC)
IHHIST161 American Encounters to 1877
In this course, students will be exposed to a variety of American perspectives through time. Emphasis will be placed on the voices of the traditionally unheard such as the poor, women, African Americans, and American Indians. Issues of class, race, and gender will be explored from a comparative approach. (MPC WPS GRC IB)
IHHIST162 American Encounters from 1877
In this course, students will be exposed to a variety of American perspectives through time. Emphasis will be placed on the voices of the traditionally unheard such as the working poor, women, African Americans, and Native Americans. Issues of class, race, and gender will be explored from a comparative approach. Fall, Spring. (MPC WPS GRC IB)
IHHIST190 Special Topics in History
This course examines a selected subject or theme in history at a beginner level.
HIST200 Reading and Writing in History
An introduction to various ways of reading and interpreting historical documents and to the major forms of historical writing. This course is intended to prepare students for advanced course work. HIST 200 must be taken prior to completing 13 credits in History. Fall, Spring.
IHHIST220 The Crusades: Identity and Religious War in the Middle Ages
Course examines the Crusades with the aim of understanding how markers of identity and religious differentiation were used to support and perpetuate the ideology of crusade and holy war, and how cross-cultural contact eventually altered the European Christian constructs of identity that had motivated the initial 11th-century call for Crusade. Fall. (WPS GRC IB)
IHHIST221 Intro to World Religions
This class will provide a survey of the origins and central beliefs of several major world religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – through some of the canonical texts of these traditions. Minimum of 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL. Fall, even years.
IHHIST222 Marriage and Family in Western Civilization: The Ancient West
The class examines the institutions of marriage and family in the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Israelites, Greece, and Rome. By studying the development of the family, this course offers an examination of the roles of both men and women in the development of the western culture and civilization. Fall. (GRC IB)
IHHIST252 The Holocaust
Examines the genocide and mass murder committed by the Nazi regime during 1939 to 1945. Also surveys long- and short-term factors, including World War I and Germany's failed post-war democratic experiment, that help explain the consolidation of a racially based totalitarian regime. Cross-listed as IHHGS 252. Spring. (WPS GRC IB)
IHHIST253 The Second World War
Examines the origins and outbreak of WWII, the course of the war in Europe and the Pacific, the complexity of military priorities and operations, the evolution of mass murder in Nazi occupied Europe, and the war's social and political impact.
HIST290 Special Topics
1-4 credits
Study of a selected topic in History. May be repeated as topics change. Fall, Spring.
IHHIST293 Weimar and the Rise of Hitler
This class examines the period in German history from 1918-1933. We will explore the social and political turmoil following the loss of the war and the underlying conditions that made the Nazi seizure of power possible. (WPS)
IHHIST310 "Who Was Benjamin Franklin?"
Explores identity and power in the British Empire and American Revolution through an examination of Benjamin Franklin's presentation of self in his autobiography. Additionally, through various biographies, we will consider Franklin as a "self-made man", embodiment of empire, literary artist, scientist, early patriarch, runaway servant, and slave owner. Minimum of 24 credits in ISP, including ITW-101 and QL.
IHHIST330 Game of Thrones: England to 1500
This class examines the history of England from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the succession of Henry Tudor in 1485. The class focuses on the role of gender, status, and cultural difference in the political and dynastic struggles for the throne of England. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. (WPS GRC)
HIST332 Greece in the Classical Age
The evolution of Greek classical civilization from the Mycenaean origins through the Hellenistic age. The significance of the Polis is brought out by detailed examination of Athens and Sparta. Intellectual and cultural contributions of classical Greece. Fall. (WPS GRC IB)
HIST333 Decline and Fall of the Roman Republic
A close reading of ancient and modern histories of the Roman Republic. The Roman Civil War and the rise and fall of Julius Caesar will be of particular interest. (WPS IB)
HIST335 Islamic Kingdoms in Medieval Europe
The eighth-century Arab-Berber invasion and occupation of the Iberian Peninsula altered the religious and cultural borders of the European continent. This class examines the cultural and political effects of Islamic invasion and occupation in Iberia and investigates cross-cultural contact between Muslim Iberia and Christian Europe. (WPS GRC IB)
HIST336 The Medieval World: 400-1500
Europe and the Byzantine and Islamic worlds from the collapse of the western Roman Empire to the discovery of America by Columbus. Feudalism, manorialism, the role of the Church, the rise of the nation-state, the growth of cities, the revival of the economy, and the development of technology. Spring. (WPS GRC IB)
HIST337 Europe: 1400-1600
The events of the 15th and 16th centuries laid the foundations of the modern western world, from the Renaissance and the print revolution to war with the Turks in the East and the conquest of American natives in the West and the Reformation and religious war. (IB)
IHHIST338 A History of Sexuality
This course examines theories and historiography of pre-modern sexualities. By focusing on the history of ancient and medieval ideologies and hierarchies of sexual behavior, this class seeks to understand the cultural constructs of sexuality and gender in various eras and civilizations and questions the idea of a trans-historical heteronormativity. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. (GRC IB)
HIST339 The Age of Enlightenment
This course will explore central themes of the period in European history known as the Enlightenment (1650-1800), such as race, gender, religious tolerance, materialism, and political engagement. Students will explore these themes in writing assignments and class presentations based on close readings of primary and secondary sources. Occasionally. (GRC IB)
HIST351 Imperial Germany
This course explores the history of Germany from 1870 to 1918, from national unification to defeat in WWI. Topics will include religious conflicts, German colonialism, the emergence of political parties, the changing place of women in modern German society, and the rise of anti-Semitism. (GRC)
HIST352 World War I
This course examines the origins, chief military developments, and fateful conclusion of the First World War. Topics include the motivations of the combatants, the course of the conflict within Europe and beyond its borders, and the post-war peace settlement. (WPS)
HIST353 Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
Examines the Nazi rise to power during the Weimar Republic, the consolidation of totalitarian rule, the transformation of racial ideology into policy, Hitler's foreign policy as prelude to war, World War II, and the Holocaust. Cross-listed as HGS 353. Spring. (WPS GRC IB)
IHHIST354 Weimar Culture and Film
The purpose of this course is to explore the history of German culture during the Weimar period (1919-1933), primarily through the lens of several of the most famous films of the era. We will compare, contrast, and critique interpretations of these films by film critics and historians. Prereqs: 24 credits including ITW and QL. Spring, odd years.
IHHIST358 American Empire I
This course explores America’s many intersections with the world from the American Revolution through the era of World War One. It examines why and how American leaders devised policies to protect, manage, and, most importantly, expand the American empire. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. (WPS IB)
HIST360 Natives and Newcomers in North America 1500-1766
Examines the experiences of native peoples of North America in the era of European invasion and imperialism from the pre-contact period through the development of Pan-Indian identity in Pontiac’s War. Major themes include power relations, environmental impacts, gender, changes over time, responses to imperialism, and the persistence of native cultures. (WPS GRC IB)
HIST361 The American Revolution
Examines the causes of the conflicts of 1763 to 1783, the nature of the Revolution, the Confederation years, the establishment of the Constitution and changes to 1789. Spring. (MPC WPS GRC IB)
HIST362 American Slavery/American Capitalism 1787-1848
Examines political, social, economic, and cultural developments as well as changes in material culture from the establishment of the federal government to the Compromise of 1850. Fall. (WPS GRC IB)
HIST363 United States in the Civil War Period 1850-1876
Examines the coming of the Civil War, the secession crisis, the war itself, and Reconstruction. Prerequisite: Not open to freshmen without permission of instructor. Fall. (MPC WPC GRC IB)
IHHIST368 Brahmins & Bosses: Boston History
Focuses on the political, cultural, and social history of the city of Boston from its founding to the 1980s. The course will examine how Boston struggled to grow from an insular and largely homogeneous community to becoming a truly diverse, international city well poised for the 21st-century. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, Including ITW 101 and QL. (MPC GRC IB)
IHHIST371 Africans in the Colonial Atlantic World
Focuses on the experiences of Africans and African Americans in the Atlantic World during the era of early modern European empires, ca. 1500-1830. The course will examine transatlantic cultural connections between Africa, Europe and the Americas. Course topical focus will vary between North America/West Indies and Latin America. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL course. (WPS GRC IB)
HIST373 Race, Disability, and Eugenics
An examination of the history of the nineteenth and twentieth century eugenics movement in the United States and Europe. Efforts to "improve" humanity by selectively controlling or eliminating individuals deemed socially undesirable because of race or disability will be investigated by exploring science, legislation, and popular culture. Cross listed as HGS 373.
IHHIST375 War and Culture in Early America 1600-1865
Cultural history of war, peace, and the military in North America and the United States from the pre-colonial period to the end of the Civil War. Examines military history through categories of class, race, region, ethnicity, and gender. Analyzes warfare as cultural exchange and surveys American ideologies of war. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. Fall. (WPS GRC)
IHHIST376 Modern United States Military History 1865-Present
A social and cultural history of the United States military from the end of the American Civil War to the present. The class examines the development of American military strategies and institutions. Analyzes to what extent the military reflected social norms regarding race, class, sexuality, gender, and ethnicity over time. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. (WPS GRC)
IHHIST377 Sports and American History
An examination of sports as an expression of the social and cultural history of the United States. Among the topics are changing attitudes toward the human body and fitness, the opportunities afforded by sports for marginalized groups to promote social change, and the commercialization of sports. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP including ITW 101 and QL. (MPC GRC IB)
IHHIST378 Alcohol and American History
Alcohol as a window into various aspects of the American past from the first European settlements to the present. Topics include colonial drinking, public discourse in taverns, class conflict over alcohol, the urban saloon, temperance and feminism, the politics of Prohibition, and alcohol and gender in the twentieth century. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. (MPC GRC IB)
HIST390 Studies in History
1-4 credits
Examines a selected subject or theme in history at an intermediate level. May be repeated as subjects or themes change. Fall, Spring.
IHHIST390 Special Topics in History
This course examines a selected subject or theme in history at an advanced level. May be repeated as topics vary.
IHHIST391 World of the Old Testament
An historical, literary and philosophical introduction to the Hebrew Bible, one of the most important and influential books in the history of world civilization. The course will focus on the close reading, analysis and interpretation of key biblical texts. Prerequisite: 24 credits in ISP, including ITW 101 and QL. (IB)
HIST490 Advanced Special Topics
1-4 credits
Study of a selected topic in History at an advanced level. May be repeated as topics change. Fall, Spring.
HIST495 Seminar
Discussion of problems and issues in History. May be repeated as seminar topics change. Fall, Spring.
HIST497 History Internship
1-4 credits
Students research, organize, and write about historical materials in cooperation with historical societies, archives, museums, historical restoration projects, and other groups or agencies. The History Internship Committee, in consultation with the dean for Arts, Education, and Humanities, determines the credit value. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.
HIST498 Independent Study
1-8 credits
Intensive study of an issue, problem, or topic. Offered as independent study if proposed by the student or as directed study if designed by the faculty member. May be repeated for a total of 8 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall, Spring.
HIST650 Graduate Topics in History and Archives
Graduate seminar that provides substantial readings in the historiography (literature) of a particular historical field and links that scholarship to archival practices and advanced research. May be repeated as topics vary and counts toward the MA in History and Archives and History Graduate Certificates. Fall and Spring
HIST651 Introduction to History and Archive Studies
Introduces graduate students to the interdisciplinary field of History and Archive Studies. Topics include history of modern archives, archival practices and archival theory; the relationship between historians and archivists; the role of archives in shaping historical understanding and in creating social memory; and, the relationship between archives and political culture. Summer.
HIST652 Archival Methods and Administration
5 credits
This course will explore the principles of archival management, including arrangement, description, preservation, and digitization, and will discuss the role of archives and archivists in the preservation of culture, history, and memory.
HIST660 Historical Archival Research/Internship
6 credits
Internships and/or research at archives, allowing graduate students to turn archival theory, methods, and technical skills into practice, providing graduate students with hands-on experience. Students must be enrolled in the Master of Arts Program to register for this course. Pass/Fail. Summer, Fall, Spring
HIST670 Graduate Thesis/Project
4-8 credits
Students will work closely with History Department faculty to write a graduate thesis. The topic shall be of the student’s choosing, with guidance by department faculty. Students must be enrolled in the Master of Arts Program to register for this course. Pass/Fail. Can be repeated once for a total of 8 credits. Fall, Spring, Summer
HIST690 Adv Special Topics in History&Archives
Advanced special topics in History and Archives. May be repeated as topics change.
HIST698 Graduate Independent Study
This course examines a selected subject or theme in history at a graduate level. May be repeated as topics vary.