History Courses (HIST)

HIST 1010. Introduction to Historical Skills — 3 hrs.

This course is designed to introduce students to methods and practices of historical research, analysis and writing. It is a discussion-based and collaborative seminar in which students work on and demonstrate the acquisition of historical skills by producing an original research paper using primary and secondary sources. History majors should take this class immediately after the major is declared. Corequisite(s): HIST 1011 required for History majors only. (Fall and Spring)

HIST 1011. Field Experience: Public History — 1 hr.

Students spend 15 hours working on a public history project in a local institution. This seminar provides opportunities for orientation, discussion, and introduction to professions related to the major. Corequisite(s): HIST 1010 required for History majors only. (Fall and Spring)

HIST 1023. History of the United States — 3 hrs.

Study of key individuals and major political, economic, social, and cultural events that have shaped U.S. history. This is a Liberal Arts Core course and will NOT fulfill History major requirements. (United States History course) (Variable)

HIST 1110. United States History to the Civil War and Emancipation — 3 hrs.

This course introduces students to major political, economic, social and cultural developments and conflicts in American history through the Civil War and the end of slavery. Particular attention will be paid to roles of women and men from diverse racial, ethnic and class backgrounds in shaping history. (United States History course) (Fall and Spring)

HIST 1120. United States History since the Civil War and Emancipation — 3 hrs.

This course introduces students to major political, economic, social and cultural developments and conflicts in American history from the end of slavery to the present. Particular attention will be paid to roles of women and men from diverse racial, ethnic and class backgrounds in shaping history. (United States History course) (Fall and Spring)

HIST 1210. Making the Modern World — 3 hrs.

A survey of global history from 1800 to the present, examining the events and processes that shaped the contemporary world. (World History course) (Fall and Spring)

HIST 2011. Engaging Sources: (Topic) — 3 hrs.

This class explores a particular genre of created source in its historical and cultural context. Students conduct and present original research, contribute to an exhibit or digital archive, and create or design their own example of the genre. May be repeated on different topics. (Fall and Spring)

HIST 2210. Problems & Perspectives in Global History: (Topic) — 3 hrs.

A thematic exploration of global history, emphasizing diversity and the comparative study of the human condition in historical perspective. May be repeated on different topics. (Fall and Spring)

HIST 2310. From Mesopotamia to the Middle Ages: The Premodern West — 3 hrs.

The evolution of Western civilization from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to the eve of the Renaissance, encompassing government, economics, art, social relationships, intellectual life, and religious beliefs and practices. (Variable)

HIST 3010. Readings in History — 1-3 hrs.

Student will choose one of the following areas: (1) Ancient; (2) Medieval; (3) English; (4) French; (5) German; (6) Russian; (7) United States; (8) Latin American; or (9) Asian (India, China, and Japan). Prerequisite(s): consent of department head; for the field of U.S. History, 9 semester hours in U.S. History; for each of the other fields, 9 hours in history other than U.S., which must include 3 hours related to the particular field to be studied. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

HIST 3110. Conflict and Justice in History: (Topic) — 3 hrs.

Conflict and Justice in History courses explore how competing social, cultural, economic, and political interests or visions have shaped concepts such as justice, responsibility, ethics, and values in different historical contexts. May be repeated on different topics. (Fall and Spring)

HIST 3279. Conflict and Justice Study Abroad: (Topic) — 3 hrs.

A travel study course in history, emphasizing the politics, culture, values, and ethics of historical societies. May be repeated on different topics. (Variable)

HIST 4000. Senior Seminar in Advanced Historical Skills — 3 hrs.

History 4000 seminars are advanced-level seminars that focus on a specific historical topic/theme/area. They are designed to build on and refine the research, analytical and writing skills gained in HIST 1010: Introduction to Historical Skills. They are discussion-based seminars that provide an opportunity for students to focus in-depth on a specific historical topic and are organized around the production of an original historical research paper using primary and secondary sources. May be repeated on different topics. Prerequisite(s): for History majors: HIST 1010; senior standing. For non-History majors: consent of instructor. (Fall and Spring)

HIST 4003/5003. Collections Care and Management — 3 hrs.

This course will present topics in museums collections management ranging from object/artifact handling, storage, loaning and conservation to museum ethics, acquisitions, policy-making and research to donors, fundraising, marketing, and education. In addition, the course will cover discussions of what constitutes a museum and why museums collect. Museum professionals from both the UNI Museum and UNI Gallery of Art will present all topics, and classes will include an experiential component that will allow students a more personal involvement with historical artifacts and art objects. Students will be given the opportunity to work with a variety of museum professionals and will engage in real-world museum concerns. Prerequisite(s): junior standing.[Same as ARTHIST 4003/5003] (Fall)

HIST 4010/5010. Introduction to Public History — 3 hrs.

Exploration of the critical methodologies and practices of historians working in non-academic settings. Examination of the various issues that historians confront in working with public audiences and instruction in the skills required to pursue a career in public history. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall)

HIST 4020/5020. Introduction to Museum Studies — 3 hrs.

Exploration of history, public mission, working environment, and ethical issues of museums. Discussion of practical skills and theoretical issues of museum studies, exposing students to broad range of museum types and career opportunities. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Same as ANTH 3440/5440) (Spring)

HIST 4030/5030. Internship in Historical Studies — 1-3 hrs.

Study and experience in public history settings. Coursework, either individual or collaborative, defined by instructor and/or site supervisor in conjunction with students. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours of undergraduate credit and a maximum of 6 hours of graduate credit. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

HIST 4110/5110. American Colonial History — 3 hrs.

17th- and 18th-century America; development of colonial societies in the New World and American Revolution era. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4130/5130. The Early Republic, 1785-1850 — 3 hrs.

Political, economic, and social development of United States in years between American Revolution and end of Jacksonian era. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4140/5140. Civil War and Reconstruction — 3 hrs.

Causes of the Civil War, nature of the conflict, and short- and long-range consequences of the war. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4150/5150. Foundations of Modern America: The United States, 1877-1929 — 3 hrs.

Description and analysis of dramatic social, cultural, economic, and political changes occurring in the U.S. between the close of Reconstruction and the beginning of the Great Depression. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4160/5160. U.S. History from 1929 to 1960 — 3 hrs.

U.S. history from the Great Crash through the Eisenhower Era, emphasizing the Great Depression and New Deal of 1930s, World War II at home and abroad in the 1940s, and postwar issues including the Cold War and economic prosperity. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4170/5170. U.S. Environmental History — 3 hrs.

Exploration of various concepts of nature within the contexts of U.S. History. Treats the history of nature as a thing in itself, as something that has acted on Americans and that Americans have acted upon. Also explores nature as an idea that has changed over time. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4175/5175. History on Film — 3 hrs.

History on Film explores the ways past events, peoples, and eras have been represented in movies. One of the course goals is to break down assumed and largely false boundaries between academic and popular history. Rather than simply debunk movies, the approach is to assess them in terms of the standards of professional history, to think about how these standards might make films better but also how the popularity of film might improve the practice of history. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Spring)

HIST 4180/5180. Recent United States History — 3 hrs.

History of the American people since 1960 with emphasis on domestic affairs. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4198. Independent Study.

(Fall, Spring, Summer)

HIST 4200/5200. History of Iowa — 3 hrs.

Social, political, and economic developments in Iowa from prehistoric times to present. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4235/5235. Popular Culture in the United States — 3 hrs.

Exploration of relationships between expressions of popular culture and the development of American values, political ideologies, and unconscious yearnings. Includes popular music, celebrities, literature, art, design, film, and various forms of mass media. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4245/5245. African-American History — 3 hrs.

History of black Americans from African background into 1980s, with emphasis on period since end of slavery. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4250/5250. Religion in America — 3 hrs.

Investigation of religious movements and beliefs from colonial times to present, with attention to religion and the U.S. Constitution. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Same as RELS 4230/5230) (Variable)

HIST 4260/5260. United States Women's History — 3 hrs.

This class explores major themes in the history of U.S. women from the pre-Columbian Era to the present. Putting women at the center of the historical narrative, it examines how ideas about gender have shaped both the everyday lives of Americans and U.S. society more generally, past and present. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4270/5270. American Indian History — 3 hrs.

Survey of the North American Indian experience over four centuries, with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Focus on Native response to European colonialism, removal, allotment, termination, revitalization, urbanization, Red Power, and pan-Indian movements. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4280/5280. The American Radical Tradition — 3 hrs.

A survey of American social activists working to achieve change, from the abolition of slavery to the present. It will pay particular attention to African-American, women's and working class history. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4310/5310. History of Ancient Greece — 3 hrs.

Archaeology of the Aegean and the Minoan-Mycenaean civilization; Homeric period, classical civilization of Greece to Alexander the Great, and the Hellenistic Age; advent of the Romans. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4320/5320. History of Ancient Rome — 3 hrs.

Roman Republic, expansion of Roman rule, Roman Empire, decline and fall of the empire in 5th century A.D. Comparison of the Romans as people with modern Americans. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4330/5330. Greek and Roman Life and Culture — 3 hrs.

Cultural survey of the Greco-Roman world from the eighth century B.C. to the fifth century A.D. Subject matter includes elite culture, such as literature, philosophy, and religion, as well as aspects of everyday life, such as clothing, food and drink, and entertainment. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4340/5340. Barbarians, Saints, and Pestilence: The Middle Ages — 3 hrs.

European social, economic, political, and cultural developments from the collapse of Roman authority to 15th century. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4350/5350. Rebirth, Reform, and Rebellion: The Beginnings of the Modern World — 3 hrs.

A study of the intellectual, artistic, economic, social, and political developments of the Italian and Northern Renaissances and the sixteenth-century Reformations. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4360/5360. Age of Absolutism and the Enlightenment — 3 hrs.

History of emerging nations of Europe with emphasis on Age of Absolutism, Louis XIV, and the Enlightenment. (World History course; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4420/5420. History of Ireland — 3 hrs.

Survey of Irish history from the age of conquests (Celtic, Viking, Anglo-Norman, and English) to the present with an emphasis on the development of political and cultural nationalism in the nineteenth century. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4440/5440. Kings, Heretics, Witches, and Revolutionaries: England to 1688 — 3 hrs.

England and the British Isles from Celtic and Roman times to the Glorious Revolution of 1688; traces social, cultural, and political developments, with an emphasis on constitutional developments and the emergence of England as a European power. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4480/5480. The Ancient Near East — 3 hrs.

The artistic, literary, political, religious, and social accomplishments of Near Eastern people of ancient times. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Europe to ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4510/5510. Europe from the French Revolution to World War I — 3 hrs.

Emphasis on political unification, the economic, intellectual, and social impact of advances in science and technology, and the decline of the European concert leading to war in 1914. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4520/5520. Europe from World War I to the Present — 3 hrs.

Study of impact of World War I, rise of Communism and Fascism, impact of World War II, and European Renaissance since 1945. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4556/5556. History of Outdoor Recreation — 3 hrs.

Explores the history of outdoor recreation in the United States and its role in defining American identity by tracing its global roots, its production and management from the local to the federal level, and by examining controversies surrounding various recreational forms. (United States History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Same as RTNL 4556/5556) (Variable)

HIST 4610/5610. English History since 1688 — 3 hrs.

The political, social, and cultural history of England with emphasis on its evolution as a constitutional monarchy, industrial power, and global empire. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4640/5640. Modern Mediterranean Europe: History and Culture — 3 hrs.

Exploration of the rich and vibrant histories, cultures, and societies of Spain, Italy, and Greece from the late eighteenth century to the early twenty-first century. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4650/5650. Modern Central and Eastern Europe — 3 hrs.

History of Central and Eastern Europe from the 18th to early 21st century in a country-specific, regional, and comparative perspective. Employs a social history approach to examine the long-term development of societies, nations, and states in the region. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4660/5660. History of Imperial Russia — 3 hrs.

Political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of Russia with emphasis on 19th century. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4670/5670. History of Soviet Russia — 3 hrs.

Political, social, economic, and cultural developments of Russia in 20th century, emphasis on ideology. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4675/5675. Great Power Diplomacy from the Congress of Vienna to the Present — 3 hrs.

International diplomacy from 1815 with emphasis on 20th century. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4680/5680. Military History from Napoleon to the Present — 3 hrs.

Study of causes and conduct of war and impact of war on society, with emphasis on 20th century. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4690/5690. Modern European Women's History — 3 hrs.

Examination of the political, social, intellectual, and economic history of women and gender relations in Europe from the Enlightenment to the present. Attention to women's rights movements and the social construction of gender. (World History course; formerly, Europe since ca. 1700 course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4720/5720. Modern Latin American History — 3 hrs.

Modern development of Latin American states and their relations to the United States. (World History course; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4730/5730. African Kingdoms & Societies — 3 hrs.

Historical and cultural topics in Africa from earliest times to ca. 1800. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4740/5740. Modern African History — 3 hrs.

Economic and social developments in the African continent, emergence of modern nationalist movements, and character of the European contact and its interaction with traditional African societies, from the 19th century to the present. (World History course; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4820/5820. Modern Middle East History — 3 hrs.

Middle East history from 1789 to present including Islamic roots, the rise of nationalism in various states, Arab attempts at unity, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. (World History course; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4830/5830. Sanskrit and Sovereigns; Sultans and Sufis: A History of South Asia to 1526 CE — 3 hrs.

An analysis of the ideologies, cultures, and institutions within South Asia from the time of the oldest inhabitants, the Adivasis, through to the Indus Valley, Aryan, Indic, and Indo-Islamic periods up to the collapse of the Delhi Sultanate in 1526. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Non-western History) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4840/5840. Mughals and Marauders; Merchants and Mahatmas: A History of South Asia since 1526 CE — 3 hrs.

A survey of the ideologies, cultures, and institutions of the Indo-Timurid Mughals and their powerful collaborators and antagonists, European, Persian, Central Asian, and Indian (1526-mid 18th century) through to the Indo-Anglian period (1757-present); The influence of India on the expanding British empire; the movements and ideologies which culminated in the creation of the Republic of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh; contemporary South Asia. (World History course; formerly, Non-Western History) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4850/5850. Pre-Modern Chinese History — 3 hrs.

Cultural and institutional developments in China from earliest times to ca. 1800 A.D. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4860/5860. Modern Chinese History — 3 hrs.

Political, social, economic, and intellectual developments in China with special emphasis on period from the Revolution of 1911 to present. (World History course; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4870/5870. Courtiers, Warriors, and Merchants: Japan to 1800 — 3 hrs.

An analysis of the ideologies and institutions of Japan from the time of the adoption of Chinese Civilization to the end of the 18th century, paying special attention to the processes of decentralization and reunification, and their concomitant culture changes. (World History course, Pre-1600 History Elective; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4880/5880. The Legacy of the Samurai: Japan since 1800 — 3 hrs.

Description of first non-Western nation to become a modern economic superpower. Traces development in political, social, economic, and cultural aspects from 1800 to present. (World History course; formerly, Non-western History course) Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 4910/5910. Global Studies: (Topic) — 3 hrs.

This course is based on a faculty-chosen topic of a transnational character, with a focus on analyzing this topic in the context of multiple global societies and historical contexts. This course is intended for students in the History-Global Studies Track; however, other History and non-History students also may take the course upon junior standing. May be repeated on different topics. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Variable)

HIST 6020. History and U.S. Public Policy — 3 hrs.

Use of history in policymaking; historical development of public policy in a specific area. (Spring)

HIST 6030. Research Seminar in History — 3-6 hrs.

Research-centered seminar on specific topics in history, emphasizing application of methods of research, critical analysis, and writing. May be repeated with a change of topic. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

HIST 6050. Historical Methods — 3 hrs.

Investigation of problems confronting the historian and analysis of methods and techniques employed. (Fall)

HIST 6285. Individual Readings — 1-3 hrs.

May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): consent of department head. (Fall and Spring)

HIST 6288. Seminar: Topics in History — 3 hrs.

Seminar on selected topics in history. May be repeated with change of topic. (Variable)

HIST 6289. Readings Seminar in History — 3-6 hrs.

Historiographical seminar on major schools of interpretation of a specific topic. Seminar will focus on a specific region or have a transnational focus. May be repeated with change of topic. (Variable)

HIST 6297. Practicum — 1-4 hrs.

May be repeated. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

HIST 6299. Research — 3 hrs.

Preparation for thesis or portfolio exit option. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hours on the Thesis option. Prerequisite(s): consent of department. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

HIST 6300. Writing — 3-6 hrs.

Thesis writing. Prerequisite(s): consent of department; Graduate standing. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

HIST 6301. Portfolio — 3-6 hrs.

Portfolio writing. Prerequisite(s): consent of department; Graduate standing. (Fall, Spring, Summer)