History Courses
HIS 0900 HISTORY CAPSTONE (0)
History majors enroll in this course during the semester when they plan to present their capstone to the History faculty. To fulfill the requirement, the student must consult with the History faculty regarding which course they will designate as their Capstone course, and then, prior to the end of the semester, present their capstone to the History faculty and receive approval. Pass/fail.
Prerequisite: to be performed in junior or senior year (exceptions to this are approved through applied teacher)
Offered: fall and spring
HIS 1030 WORLD HISTORY I (3) (GP)
This course explores the human past from prehistory to 1500 A.D. with an emphasis on political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments. Students should be able to recognize and analyze historical connections between people, places, and different arenas of activity in pre-modern world civilizations. Recommended only for students who have passed ENG 1010. Must be taken by the end of a student’s sophomore year, or by new students, or with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall and spring
HIS 1040 WORLD HISTORY II (3) (GP)
This course explores the human past from 1500 A.D. to the present with an emphasis on political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments. Students should be able to recognize and analyze historical connections between people, places, and different arenas of activity. Recommended only for students who have passed ENG 1010. Must be taken by the end of a student’s sophomore year, or by new students, or with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: fall and spring
HIS 2010 UNITED STATES HISTORY I (3)
The transition of civilization from Europe and Africa to America, emphasizing political, social, and economic events to 1865. Must be taken by the end of a student’s sophomore year, or by new students, or with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 2020 UNITED STATES HISTORY II (3)
The history of the United States since 1865 with emphasis on diversity in modern America and America’s rise to a world power in the twentieth century. Must be taken by the end of a student’s sophomore year, or by new students, or with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 2040 U.S. WOMEN’S HISTORY (3)
A survey of women’s history in America from contact through the present day. Considers women’s experiences through multiple lenses, including race, gender, and politics.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 2160 HISTORY OF SCIENCE (3)
This course traces the development of the study and attempts to comprehend the natural world. It includes precursors to early science, the development of scientific method, technology and science education, the transfer of knowledge, movements in the definition and philosophy of science, the institutional context of scientific study and research, cross-cultural influences in science and technology, the rise of different scientific disciplines, cultural and political conflicts that involve the progress of scientific knowledge, and the achievements of modern science. While the central focus of the course is the development of western science and technology, Chinese, Indian, and Arabic science and technology are included.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 2170 RACE AND ETHNICITY IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE (3) (GP)
Topics in the global history of racial and ethnic groups and theories of race and ethnicity.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3000 HISTORY IN THEORY AND PRACTICE (3)
An introduction to historiography (different approaches to historical study and certain subjects within that study), varied historical sources, document analysis, and writing on a topic determined by the instructor. Required of all history majors and minors. It is recommended that all History and Global Studies majors and minors complete this course before finishing their sophomore year.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: spring
HIS 3010 TOPICS IN MODERN ASIAN HISTORY (3) (GP)
Survey of traditional Asian culture and development since 1600, with an alternating geographic focus at the discretion of the instructor.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3110 ANCIENT HISTORY (3)
Covers ancient near-Eastern civilization and/or the Hellenic, Hellenistic, and Roman worlds, the expanded cultural and economic interchanges brought about by the creation of empires, such as that of Alexander the Great, the rise of Abrahamic religions, and the emergence of distinct societies in Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and Afro-Eurasia.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3120 MEDIEVAL HISTORY (3)
This course covers European and Mediterranean societies from the Germanic migrations (ca. 450) until the beginning of the era of global exploration (ca. 1500). Topics include the formation of Western Europe; changes within Christianity and expressions of faith; Viking invasions; the development of unique medieval political, economic and cultural practices, including feudalism, knighthood and chivalry; the flourishing power of monarchy; the Crusades; the Inquisition; rises and transformations in medieval artistic expression, including architecture and literature.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3130 RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION EUROPE (3)
Examines cultural, intellectual, and religious change in Europe from the Black Death (1348) to the Peace of Westphalia (1648) with a special focus on the ways developments, such as renewed interests in the ancient past, the elevation of the arts, the rise of the nation state, urbanization, expanded trade, and exploration, both influenced and impacted spiritual life.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3160 THE AGE OF CRUSADES (3)
This course examines the crusading movement until the 13th century. The emphasis of the course will be on the experiences and viewpoints of the Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities who took part in or were affected by the Crusades and how this pivotal era transformed European and Middle Eastern history. Topics will include just war in Abrahamic religious traditions, the Church and papacy in the context of crusading, the Crusades’ impact on European and Middle Eastern culture, economy, and politics, and medieval warfare.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3170 THE MIDDLE AGES ON FILM (3)
Most people’s notions of the Western Middle Ages have been drawn from films that have been adapted from medieval literature and legend or which dramatize historical events. This is not a course about film criticism. It is a course about how the present views the past and the cultural meaning of the medieval period in the contemporary world (medievalism). We will consider the different historical viewpoints, political and social forces, and cultural ideals that have molded the modern conception of the Middle Ages.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3220 EARLY MODERN HISTORY (3)
This course explores the emergence of modernity in Europe and the world from the 16th to 18th centuries. Emphasis will be on the accelerating pace of change, political, social, economic, intellectual revolutions, globalization, and struggles for identity in a world in flux.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3250 MODERN HISTORY (3) (GP)
This course examines the consequences and corollaries of modernity in Europe and the world during the 19th and 20th centuries, including war; revolution; genocide; colonization and decolonization; social, political, and cultural instability; and global networks.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3310 TOPICS IN LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY (3) (GP)
This course covers various topics and time periods in Central American, South American, and Caribbean history. Prerequisite: none HIS 3550 AMERICAN SLAVERY 3 credits This course explores how and why slavery developed in the New World with special emphasis on North America. The course examines the changes in and the expansion of slavery in the United States, and it spends considerable time investigating the lives of slaves. The entire course generates questions regarding freedom, slavery, and historical change.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3600 AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION ERA (3)
The course examines the causes of the Civil War, how it was fought, and how it affected American society. The course analyzes emancipation and freedom both during the war and Reconstruction. Prerequisite: none
HIS 3610 THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT (3)
This course briefly reviews the construction of Jim Crow in America and then focuses on the challenges to Jim Crow, particularly after WWII. The course covers the Civil Rights Movement both in the South and in the rest of the nation.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3620 HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA (3)
The history of North Carolina from the Colonial period to the present with emphasis on economic, political, and cultural developments.
Prerequisite: HIS 2010 or 2020, or permission of the instructor.
Offered: spring
HIS 3700 CONTEMPORARY WORLD HISTORY (3) (GP)
A survey of the world since 1945, emphasizing Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The major links between Europe, the United States, Africa, Asia, and Latin America will be explored.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3800 TOPICS IN U.S. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY (3)
Topics in selected U.S. social and cultural traditions, with emphasis on the diverse ways people have made sense of the world and their place within it. Explores practices of thinking and living and the connections between them, from major specialized theories and philosophies to everyday common sense. Previous topics have included the Vietnam War, Sports in American History, and American Popular Culture.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3810 TOPICS IN EUROPEAN SOCIAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY (3)
Topics in selected European social and cultural traditions, with emphasis on the diverse ways people have made sense of the world and their place within it. Explores practices of thinking and living and the connections between them, from major specialized theories and philosophies to everyday common sense. Previous topics have included England under the Tudors and Stuarts, and Italian History.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3820 HISTORY AND GENDER (3)
Investigates the historical meanings and practices of womanhood and manhood in diverse cultures. Topics include family relationships, sexuality, morals, politics, and society.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 3850 SPECIAL TOPICS IN HISTORY (3) (GP)
Reading and research, reports, and discussion of selected topics in history. Topics vary and are announced in advance of each offering.
Prerequisite: none
Offered: as needed
HIS 4210 AMERICAN MILITARY EXPERIENCE (3)
American military history from the Colonial Period to the present with emphasis on the interrelationship of war and society. Open to all students.
Prerequisite: none
Cross-listed: MSL 2100
Offered: fall
HIS 4220 POST-WWII AMERICA (3)
This course starts in 1945 and covers United States history to the present. Topics include the Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, social and economic changes, and popular culture.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 4300 HISTORY MUSEUM INTERNSHIP (3)
Experiential learning acquired through placement with museum staff at the Museum of the Cape Fear or other regional museums. The student is assigned duties and responsibilities approved by the Director of Internships and supervised and evaluated by the University instructor and on-site supervisor. Work may include oral history projects, research and preparation for exhibits, and preparation of educational material related to museum activity. Interns work for 9-12 hours per week for fifteen weeks or an equivalent number of hours during a summer term. Weekly class contact, journal or written reports are required.
Prerequisite: Permission of the division head
HIS 4550 SENIOR SEMINAR: THE CRAFT OF HISTORY (3)
Historical interpretation of major issues and research using original and secondary resources, and a major paper produced on topics determined by the interests of students and the thematic content of the course as defined by the instructor. Required for all history majors by or in their senior year. It is strongly recommended that students successfully complete History 2100 and one or more upper-level history courses before taking History 4550.
Prerequisite: none
HIS 4990 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN HISTORY (TBA)
An opportunity for a well-qualified, upper-division student to engage in special research in his/her major. Prerequisite: approval by the faculty advisor, the supervising professor, the division head, and the college dean before approval by Provost. Credits to be determined.