Full-Time Faculty: Julie S. Gibert, Chair; Thomas M. Banchich1, Keith Burich, Henry C. Clark, David R. Costello, David R. Devereux, Larry E. Jones, René A. De La Pedraja, Bruce J. Dierenfield, Jonathan Mercantini, Nancy J. Rosenbloom, Walter G. Sharrow, James S. Valone.
The History Department offers a series of wide-ranging courses at both the introductory and advanced levels that are designed to acquaint the student with the richness of human historical experience and to introduce the methodologies of the historian’s craft. Through this intellectual endeavor, the student gains an appreciation of the inter-relatedness of human activity in social, political, economic, cultural and intellectual affairs. An awareness of the impact of time and the importance of chronological milieu is also achieved. Through the study of the past, one develops a more comprehensive understanding of the present and insight into the values of human experience.
Area IV courses furnish students with a general knowledge of the history and traditions of the major nations of the modern world and an appreciation of the fundamental trends that shape the world in which they live. These courses also provide the student with an intellectual and chronological framework within which study in other disciplines can be placed to obtain increased understanding of those content areas.
Upper-level courses deal with a wide variety of specialized areas of historical inquiry, including non-Western, Ancient, European and American development. Some courses focus on major national or geographic areas, while others emphasize period, topical, or thematic approaches. The upper-level courses provide the student with an opportunity for further development of their historical understanding and critical thinking. By encouraging social context and historical perspective, these courses enable the history major to draw upon the great traditions of civilizations in the attainment of the primary objective of liberal education: the analysis and discrimination of reality and values.
The History Department offers a departmental honors program consisting of four sequential seminars in the junior and senior years (HIS 401, HIS 402, HIS 410, HIS 411). These courses are specifically designed to develop the research, writing and analytical skills necessary for success in graduate school or law school. Students who complete these four courses with a 3.25 average and a 3.00 average in all of their history courses graduate with Honors in history.
History offers pre-professional experience for the student through emphasis on data analysis, trend observation, critical thinking, value discrimination and clarity of expression. The content and skills of the history major program are useful for those anticipating careers in law, communications media, journalism, library science, government service, teaching, or managerial positions in business or industry.
History Major
To graduate with a bachelor of arts in history, a student must complete a minimum of twelve courses (36 credit hours) in history, of which no more than four (12 credit hours) may be taken at the 100 level. Students who are dual majors or who transfer into the history program at a late stage in their college career may petition the chair of the History Department for a reduction in the number of courses they need to satisfy the requirement for the major to ten courses (30 credit hours). Further information may be obtained from departmental advisors or the department chair.
Admission
Admission to the history major depends upon the applicant having attained a grade of at least “C” in six hours of Area IV courses and in ancillary subjects.
History Curriculum
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | |
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII (14 courses)2 | (42 credits) | |
| 3. | Major course requirements: (12 courses) | (36 credits) | |
| History electives distribution: American history: at least six credits European history: at least six credits History of Africa, Asia and Latin America: at least six credits Period before 1800: at least three credits3 |
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| Note: The 36 credits in history must include 6-12 credits in Area IV (100-level credits) courses and 24-30 credits in upper-level (200 or higher credits) courses. | |||
| 4. | Electives (10 courses) | (30 credits) | |
| TOTAL | (40 courses) | (120 credits) | |
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| Area IV History elective | 3 credits | RST 101 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Area IV History elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 credits | History elective | 3 credits | |||
| History elective | 3 credits | History elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| History elective | 3 credits | History elective | 3 credits | |||
| History elective | 3 credits | History elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| History elective | 3 credits | History elective | 3 credits | |||
| History elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| TOTAL | 120 |
Dual Majors
The Departments of History and Teacher Education have developed a five-year Dual Degree Program in History and Social Studies Education that will enable a student to receive a bachelor of arts degree in history, a master of science degree in education (social studies), and New York State Certification in social studies at the secondary level. This program has been certified by the New York State Department of Education. The two departments also offer dual majors in History and Social Studies Education at the undergraduate level for students interested in teaching at either the early childhood or adolescent level. For further information, contact Dr. Julie Gibert (History) at 888-2689, Dr. Larry Jones (History) at 888-2686, or Dr. James McDonnell (Education) at 888-2547.
History Minor
The History minor complements majors in other academic departments by providing students with exposure to the study of history that is both comprehensive and intensive.
Students majoring in various disciplines such as English, communications, psychology, political science and philosophy can often benefit from pursuing a minor in history. Those students who hope to pursue graduate studies in the aforementioned disciplines, as well as law, would be well-advised to consider a history minor.
The History minor requires a student to complete the following sequence of courses for a total of seven courses (21):
Survey courses: two or three 100-level courses selected from Area IV courses in American, European, Classical, Asian, or Latin American history (6 or 9 credits)
Upper-level courses: four or five history courses (200-499). (12 or 15 credits)
Distribution: The seven courses must include at least one course in American history, one in European history, and one in the history of Africa, Asia and Latin America. At least one of the seven courses must concentrate on the period before 1800.
Note: With the chair’s permission, transfer students and students with an exceptional secondary background in history, may be allowed to substitute upper-level courses for the 100-level requirement.
COURSES: 2007 - 2009
Greek History (see CLS 103)
Roman History (see CLS 104)
HIS 106 The Medieval World 3 credits
The development of a distinctive European civilization between 500 and 1500. Emphasis on Europe’s contacts and conflicts with the “competing” cultures of Byzantium and Islam. (AS IV) (ICD)Fall and/or Spring
HIS 107 History of Modern Europe to 1815 3 credits
The major political, economic, social and intellectual currents in Western Civilization from 1500 to 1815. (AS IV) (ICD) Fall
HIS 108 History of Modern Europe since 1815 3 credits
The major political, economic, social and intellectual currents in Western Civilization from 1815 to the present. (AS IV) (ICD) Spring
HIS 109 History of Asia to 1800 3 credits
Comparative study of civilizations, cultures, religions and institutions of the Far East, and South Asia. (AS IV) (ICD) Fall
HIS 110 History of Asia since 1800 3 credits
The various independence and revolutionary movements and their evolution into the modern nation-states of Asia. (AS IV) (ICD) Spring
HIS 111 Men and Ideas in History 3 credits
Role of ideas in historical change. Relationship between the ideas of a particular period and the social, political and economic forces that helped to shape them. (AS IV) (ICD) Fall and/or Spring
HIS 113 The Twentieth Century 3 credits
Major political, economic, social and intellectual currents in Europe since 1900. (AS IV) (ICD) Fall and/or Spring
HIS 123 History of the United States: The Colonial Period to Reconstruction 3 credits
Introduction to major themes of American history through the Civil War including: the Columbian Exchange and colonization, American Revolution, paradox of freedom and slavery, emergence of a market economy, secession and Reconstruction. (AS IV) Fall
HIS 124 History of the United States: 1877 to the Present 3 credits
Industrialization and urbanization of the United States with the accompanying social, economic and political problems; America’s emergence as a major power in world affairs. (AS IV) Fall
HIS 131 Latin American History to 1830 3 credits
Pre-Columbian Indian civilizations. Conquest and colonization. Economy, society, and the Church. Eighteenth century reforms and independence. (AS IV) (ICD) Fall
HIS 132 Latin American History since 1830 3 credits
Overview of economy and society. Upheavals and revolutions in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Chile and Mexico. (AS IV) (ICD) Spring
HIS 211 Women in the Western World 3 credits
Comparative history of women in Europe, Britain and America from Renaissance to present. Deals with changing role of women in society, politics and the economy and on the development of feminism as an intellectual and political force. (AS IV) (ICD) Fall and/or Spring
HIS 230 The Holocaust in Historical Perspective 3 credits
A historical survey of the Holocaust that places Nazi Germany’s campaign to exterminate European Jewry during World War II (1939-45) in a broader historical context by tracing the history of anti-Semitism from its origins in late antiquity to the emergence of racial anti-Semitism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. (AS IV) Fall 2007, Spring 2008
HIS 240 Wars of Latin America 3 credits
Wars of independence and major conflicts of the nineteenth century. Military history of Mexican, Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutions. Border clashes and guerilla insurgencies of the twentieth century. Argentina’s war with England. Fall and/or Spring
History 260 Canada and the World 3 credits
A survey of Canada’s place in world history from the colonial period to the present. Among the topics examined are Native-Canadians, the British-French rivalry for North America, Canada’s emergence as a nation within the British empire, Canada-US relations and the modern multicultural Canadian state. (AS IV) (ICD) Fall 2007
HIS 290 The Family in American History 3 credits
This course explores the social history of American families from colonial times to the present. By looking at the experiences of a variety of families – colonial Puritan, slave, middle-class Victorian, frontier, immigrant, 20th century suburbanite — it examines themes such as work, childhood, marriage and gender roles. (AS IV)
HIS 300 Historical Geography 3 credits
Examines the interaction between the historical process and human, physical and cultural geography. Required for double-major in history and social studies education. Spring
HIS 301 History of Sports in America 3 credits
The historical development and impact of sports, especially spectator sports, in the United States since World War II. Summer 2008
HIS 306 The American Religious Experience 3 credits
Overview of major thoughts, movements and personalities of American Religious History from colonial era to present. Catholicism used as a model, focusing on themes of immigration and Americanization as central to understanding religious landscape of the U.S. (AS VI) Spring 2009
HIS 309 World War I 3 credits
A study of the origins, conduct and aftermath of the Great War from a global perspective. Emphasis on the diplomatic, social and military aspects of the War. Fall 2008
Roman Law and Society - See CLS 300
Pagans and Christians - See CLS 308
Alexander the Great - See CLS 311
The Greek Enlightenment - See CLS 312
The Roman Revolution - See CLS 313
HIS 316 Reformation Europe 3 credits
The Reformation from Luther to the 30 Years War. Spring 2008
HIS 319 The Enlightenment 3 credits
Intellectual, cultural and social history of 18th century enlightenment with specific emphasis on Voltaire, Diderot, Montesquieu and Rousseau. Fall 2008
HIS 320 The French Revolution and Napoleon 3 credits
The transformation of aristocratic Europe into a modern society controlled by a bourgeoisie and oriented toward scientific and industrial progress. Fall 2007
HIS 327 History of Ireland 3 credits
Examines political, social and cultural developments from medieval origins through invasion, conquest, colonization and finally independence from Great Britain. Special emphasis on the development of Irish nationalism and on the emergence of Eire as a modern European state. Spring 2009
HIS 333 Britain in an Age of Revolution 3 credits
Social and political history of eighteenth century Britain. Emphasis on responses to the American, French and Industrial revolutions. Fall 2007
HIS 334 Britain in the Age of Victoria. 3 credits
Social and political history of 19th-century Britain. Topics include the transition from rural to urban society, the evolution from aristocratic to democratic politics, and the emergence of characteristically ‘Victorian’ social and cultural patterns. Fall 2008
HIS 336 Modern Mexico 3 credits
History of Mexico in the twentieth century. Emphasis on Mexican Revolution, society, petroleum and one-party rule. Fall 2008
HIS 337 The History of Globalization 3 credits
A survey of the cultural, institutional, economic and historical origins and nature of today’s global economy.
HIS 338 The British Empire 3 credits
The growth and character of the British Empire from 17th century throughout the 20th. Emphasis in social, cultural and political impact of colonization and decolonization in such regions as India, Africa, the Caribbean and Australia. Spring 2008
HIS 339 Nazi Germany, World War II and the Holocaust, 1933-45 3 credits
An intensive study of the Third Reich from Hitler’s appointment as chancellor in 1933 to the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. Will focus on the political, diplomatic and military history of the Third Reich with special attention on the mass murder of European Jewry. Spring 2008
HIS 340 Films of the Violent Century 3 credits
The major events of the 20th century, including World Wars I and II, the Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, the rise of Fascism and the Vietnam War. Summer 2009
HIS 345 Soviet Union and After 3 credits
Political, economic and foreign policies of the Communist regime. Fall 2008
HIS 347 The History of Marxism 3 credits
History of Marxism as an intellectual tradition, with emphasis on writings of Marx and Lenin, from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. (AS V) Fall 2008
HIS 350 20th Century Eastern Europe 3 credits
Ethnic, linguistic and geographic origins. Emphasis on social, political, economic and cultural developments since 1918. Fall 2007
HIS 351 Films of World War II 3 credits
A survey history of World War II using films to examine military, political, cultural and psychological dimensions of the war. Summer 2008
HIS 356 Twentieth Century China 3 credits
Examines the evolution of Chinese society from the imperial era, through the world wars, the Communist Revolution and the re-emergence of China as a major economic and political power.Fall 2008
HIS 357 The Old South 3 credits
Investigation of the American South from colonization to the Civil War. Special attention will be paid to those factors which seem to make the South a distinct region, especially the peculiar institution of slavery. Fall 2008
HIS 359: History of Japan: 1868 - Present 3 credits
Development of modern Japan from Restoration of 1868 to the present. Fall 2007
HIS 360 Great African Americans 3 credits
This course focuses on African American Leaders in many different areas of human endeavor, including religion, entertainment, business, reform, the military, education, sports, labor, the media and government service. Fall 2008
HIS 361 Origins of American Constitutionalism 3 credits
Sources of American political ideology and constitutional theory in the American experience from the 17th century beginnings until the Civil War. Recommended for pre-law students. Fall 2008
HIS 362 The Constitution in an Age of Crisis 3 credits
American Constitutional theory and practice from Civil War to present. Emphasis on Supreme Court development, economic relationships, civil liberties, civil rights and criminal justice. Spring 2009
HIS 365 U.S. - Latin American Relations Since 1898 3 credits
Occupations of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Central America; interventions in Columbia, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala. Response to Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutions and South American military dictatorships. Spring 2009
HIS 367 Bullwhip Days: Slavery in America 3 credits
An overview of the 500-year African diaspora to the New World. Considers African origins, the Middle Passage, slavery in the Americas, abolitionism and the Civil War. Special opportunities will include nationally known speakers, a theatrical performance, instruction in African drumming and out-of-town travel. Fall 2007
HIS 368 Native American History 3 credits
History of Native Americans from Pre-Colonial era to the present day. Spring 2008
HIS 373 Urban Portraits: Topics in American Urban History 3 credits
An exploration of six cities in critical periods of the development of American urban culture. Philadelphia and New York City, 1660-1880; Chicago and New Orleans, 1880-1920; and Atlanta and Los Angeles, 1870-1968. Spring 2009
HIS 376 The American Military Tradition 3 credits
Examination of major conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War. Nature of warfare in the Civil War and in World War II. The citizen soldier and the rise of the professional army. Defense consolidation of the three services. Spring 2009
HIS 379 America since Vietnam 3 credits
This course covers the United States from the early 1970s to today. Topics include the Reagan Revolution, the culture wars, the AIDS epidemic, Generation X, the birth of the VCR and the Internet, and the rise of terrorism. Spring 2008
HIS 382 (URS 382) New York State History 3 credits
History of the Empire State will stress social and cultural development from the Iroquois background to the present. Fall
HIS 383 America in the Progressive Era 3 credits
Explores American social and political reform around the turn of the century (1890-1920) with particular emphasis on: conflicts that accompanied rapid urbanization and industrialization, debates on democracy, freedom and the role of government, the rise of the “New Woman,” modernism in art and literature and World War I. Fall 2008
HIS 386 The Civil War Era 3 credits
Covers the events leading up to the War, including abolitionism and Bleeding Kansas. There will also be an in-depth examination of the military strategies and tactics of the War as well as the process of modernization that War engendered. The course will conclude with an analysis of the successes and failures of Reconstruction. Fall 2007
HIS 388 The Age of Rock n’ Roll 3 credits
Covers the supposedly “quiet” period after World War II. Topics include the baby boom, the Soviet Menace, atomic espionage, the Hollywood blacklist, the rise of television, Elvis Presley and teen culture, desegregation and the Beats. Spring 2009
HIS 393 The Making of Modern Africa 3 credits
Development of modern Africa from the diverse societies of precolonial Africa through the impact of imperialism to an examination of the problems facing modern African states. Spring 2008
HIS 394 Contemporary Middle East 3 credits
History of Middle East from the last days of the Ottoman Empire through mandate system established by Versailles Peace Conference to struggle for independence during and after World War II. Spring 2009
HIS 395 History of American Women 3 credits
Examines the social experiences of American women from colonial times to the present with particular emphasis on work, marriage and the family, politics, and reform. Fall 2008
HIS 396 Politics and Society in American Film 3 credits
Explores how film illuminates American social and political life with attention to the origins of the motion picture industry, the struggle over censorship and the challenges of political radicalism. Focus on classic films that reflect immigration and urbanization, women and the family, civil rights and political leadership. Spring 2009
HIS 399 History of U.S. Foreign Relations 3 credits
An overview of American foreign policy from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War. Emphasis on the imperial period since 1898. Spring 2008
HIS 401 Seminar: Introduction to Historical Research 3 credits
Methods of historical research and criticism, including consideration of basic bibliographical and reference works, note-taking, and evaluation of sources. Research paper required. Prerequisite: History honors students and others with permission of chair. Spring
HIS 402 Seminar: Historiography 3 credits
A study of the major historians of Western civilization, emphasizing the student’s development of a meaningful personal philosophy of history. Prerequisite: History honors students and others with permission of chair. Spring
HIS 410 Senior Honors Colloquium 3 credits
Reading course organized around central theme that varies from semester to semester. Deals with American and European history and occasionally with history of Third World. Satisfies requirement for graduation with departmental honors in history. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or department chair. Spring
HIS 411 Seniors Honors Thesis 3 credits
Research and writing of a thesis to satisfy requirements for graduation with Honors in History. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and/or permission of the chair. Fall
HIS 413 Representations of the Holocaust in Film and Literature, Art and Music 3 credits
A multi-disciplinary study of how the Holocaust has been represented in works of art, film literature and music in Europe, America and Israel. Examines the literary works and first-person testimony of Holocaust survivors, as well as cinematic representations of the Holocaust from 1945 to the present.
HIS 454 Main Themes in Global History 3 credits
Historiography and methodology of global history. Relationship between the West and the world, especially Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Teaching global history at the secondary level: pedagogy, instructional techniques and multi-media technology.
HIS 498 Internships 3 credits
Internships are currently available with a United States congressman or senator, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation and the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and permission of the chair.
HIS 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Offers the opportunity to conduct a program of independent readings and/or research on a topic of the student’s choice under the supervision of a member of the History Department. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and permission of chair.
HIS 502 Main Themes in American History 3 credits
Historiography and methodology of American history from the colonial times to the present. Course will primarily emphasize such themes as: revolution, identity and the struggle for equality but will also include pedagogy and instructional strategies. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or graduate status.
Other courses which may be used to satisfy HIS requirements
| CLS 103 Greek History | 3 credits | |
| CLS 104 Roman History | 3 credits | |
| CLS 300 Roman Law and Society | 3 credits | |
| CLS 308 Pagans and Christians | 3 credits | |
| CLS 311 Alexander the Great | 3 credits | |
| CLS 312 The Greek Enlightenment | 3 credits | |
| CLS 313 The Roman Revolution | 3 credits | |
| CLS 314 Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire | 3 credits | |
| PSC 110 Western Political Tradition I | 3 credits | |
| PSC 111 Western Political Tradition II | 3 credits | |
| PSC 244 War: Causes and Consequences | 3 credits | |
| PSC 355 European Union | 3 credits | |
| RST 255 History of Christian Community | 3 credits |
1 Joint appointment with Classics Department
2 Area IV is automatically fulfilled because this program is in the area of history. To satisfy the Area VIII requirement, the History Department strongly recommends competence in an ancient or modern foreign language through the intermediate level.
3 Among the courses that satisfy this requirement are HIS 103, 104, HIS 106, HIS 107, HIS 109, HIS 111, HIS 131, and HIS 170 at the introductory level, and HIS 308, HIS 311, HIS 312, HIS 313, HIS 314, HIS 315, HIS 316, HIS 317, HIS 318, HIS 319, HIS 320, HIS 332, HIS 337, and HIS 371, 372 at the upper level.