HIS (History)

HIS 101 Foundations of the West (4 hours)
This course explores the foundations and development of Western civilizations from late antiquity to the end of the seventeenth century.  The focus of the course will be on the methods and sources used by historians to uncover the history of this period, with special emphasis on such issues as the development of language, culture, political institutions, and social structures. Offered every fall. HIS 101 cannot be counted towards either the geographic or the period distribution requirement.

HIS 102 Europe and the World, 1715 to the Present (4 hours)
This course introduces students to the modern history of Europe and its interactions with the world. Major developments in society, economy, technology, politics, war, and diplomacy will be analyzed. A central theme will be the relationship of state and society. Students are introduced to history as a subject of study. Offered every spring. HIS 102 cannot be counted towards either the geographic or the period distribution requirement.

HIS 111 The World Since 1945: A History of Decolonization, Ethnic Cleansing, and Global Strife (4 hours)
The 20th century was one of extremes.  This class will traverse principal trends, ideas, events, and people that helped change the world.  This course will discuss the rise of global interconnectedness, the Second World War, decolonization, the Cold War, and the ways in which the end of the Cold War affected the world.  We will also discuss how major events affected ordinary people around the world including ethnic cleansings, increasing number of refugees, and the forging of new identities across the globe. Offered every fall.

HIS 130 United States History to 1865 (4 hours)
A survey from Colonial times to 1865, concerned mainly with the major domestic developments of a growing nation. Offered alternate years. [A,3]

HIS 131 United States History Since 1865 (4 hours)
A survey from 1865 to the present, concerned with the chief events which explain the growth of the United States to a position of world power. Offered alternate years. [A, 3]

HIS 200 Independent Study in History (1-4 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy.  (Sec. 6.15.)

HIS 201 Ancient Greece (4 hours)
This course will examine the Greeks from their Minoan and Mycenaean antecedents through the rise of Macedonia in the mid-fourth century B.C.E. Students will investigate the political, social, economic and cultural aspects of Greek civilization as well as an appreciation of the Hellenic world’s legacy. Specific topics include: the collapse of Mycenaean civilization and the problem of a “Dark Age;” the rise, development and failure of the polis system; Greek contact with eastern cultures; the political significance of hoplite warfare; the roles of women in various Greek poleis; competing models of Greek political organization. Offered spring semester in alternate years. [E, 1]

HIS 202 Roman History (4 hours)
This course will trace the history of Rome from its Italian precursors through the ascension of Constantine. Topics will include political, religious, social, cultural and economic aspects of Rome’s development, focusing on the origins, maturation, decline and transformation of its civilization. Offered spring semester in alternate years. [E, 1]

HIS 211 The Renaissance and Reformation (4 hours)
Students will study the significant changes in European art, thought and institutions during the period from 1300 to 1550. The course will focus on critical readings of primary sources from this era. Offered fall semester in alternate years. [E, 2]

HIS 212 Early Modern Europe (4 hours)
This course will examine the development of European society and politics from the end of the Reformation to the eve of the French Revolution. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of the modern state, the contest between absolutism and constitutionalism and the Enlightenment. Offered spring semester in alternate years. [E, 2]

HIS 213 The Age of Revolution—Europe and the Atlantic World 1776-1849 (4 hours)
The “old regime” (serfdom, rule by monarchs and nobles and a politically powerful church) and an agrarian way of life had prevailed in much of Europe and the New World since the Middle Ages. From 1776 on, however, a series of upheavals, such as the American and French revolutions, the Napoleonic Wars, the Latin American Wars of Independence and the European revolutions of 1820-21, 1830-31 and 1848-49 had challenged the old order. This course studies the events of this dramatic period, including the Industrial Revolution and the rise of romanticism, socialism, nationalism and liberalism. [E, 3]

 HIS 214 The Age of Empire and Nationalism—Europe 1848-1914 (4 hours)
The six decades following the revolutions of 1848 were a period of remarkable power, prosperity and creativity in Europe. New nation-states (Germany and Italy) were formed; old multiethnic empires (Russia and Austria-Hungary) seemed rejuvenated; and Europeans acquired immense colonial empires. Meanwhile, industrialization and modern science and art revolutionized European life and thought. However, this fusion of cultural and economic modernity with social and political conservatism concealed grave weaknesses that would lead, beginning in 1914, to the upheavals of world war, communism and fascism. Offered every three years. [E, 3]

HIS 218 Introduction to Archival Studies (4 hours)
The purpose of this course is to introduce, examine, and understand core components, concepts, and
methods of the archives, records, and manuscripts profession. The course seeks to explore basic theoretical issues and archival principles as well as provide insight into their practical application. Students will gain an overall understanding of the archival profession in the United States and be introduced to the many technologies currently impacting the profession. Offered fall in alternate years. Cross-listed as ART 218.

HIS 219 German History Since 1800 (4 hours)
This course is a survey of German history in the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on the unification of Germany in the 19th century, the Bismarckian state, the two world wars, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich and the division and subsequent reunification of Germany after World War II. Offered every three years. [E, 3]

HIS 222 History of the Holocaust (4 hours)
This class focuses on understanding how and why the Holocaust happened. The course covers the perspectives of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. We will analyze the motives and actions of each group seeking to find answers to very difficult questions. [E, 3]

 HIS 234  To Tell a Free Story: African American History to 1900  (4 hours)
This course introduces students to African American History from the arrival of African people in the Americas, and the establishment of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, to the abolition of slavery in the United States, and the reconstruction of black life after the American Civil War. [A, 3]

HIS 240 Latin America to Independence (4 hours)
Latin American history from the origins of pre-Columbian civilizations to independence will be examined by exploring the origins and development of indigenous societies in Mesoamerica and the Andes; the conquest and colonization of (what became) Spanish and Portuguese America; the nature of colonial control; the response of indigenous populations to colonial society, administration and religion; the developing tensions between Spaniards and Creole elites. The movement for independence, which arose from a variety of issues, created by contrasting views and concerns of distant European authority and local cultural identity, will be studied. Finally, the major challenges that faced the newly emergent Latin American nations will be considered. Offered in alternate years. [L, 2]

HIS 255 The Land of Milk and Honey: The History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (4 hours)
This course examines the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. We explore how Israel became a state and how Palestinians came together without a state. We will look at this history from a variety of sources and seek to understand the various and complicated motives between each side and within both groups.  [E, 3]

HIS 270 History of Diplomacy (4 hours)
This course examines the evolution of modern diplomacy. Essentially aristocratic from the Renaissance to World War One, world diplomacy then democratized. The rise of Communism introduced a rival approach. Additional factors such as gender, race, religion, economics, finance, and water contribute.

HIS 290 Special Topics in History (1-4 hours)
Courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites.

HIS 301 History of Christianity (4 hours)
This course will examine the origins and development of Christianity through the modern era. Special areas of interest include the structure and organization of the church, the development of liturgy and doctrine and the counterpoint between orthodoxy and heresy. A central question will be the relationship between the “three pillars” of doctrine—revelation, reason and tradition—and social pressures in the history of the church and doctrine. Offered spring semester in alternate years. [E, 1,2]

HIS 306 The Rise of the Roman Empire 270-130 B.C.  (4 hours)
Polybius once remarked that the most remarkable events in history were that in only 53 years the Roman Republic obtained undisputed mastery over the Mediterranean world. This course will examine the rise of the Roman Empire during the late third and second centuries B.C., focusing on patterns of diplomacy, in particular Rome’s dealings with the states of Greece, Egypt and the Near East. Offered every three years. [E, 1]

HIS 309 The Fall of Rome and the Dark Ages (4 hours)
This course will examine the “fall” of the Roman Empire in late antiquity and the subsequent rise of barbarian kingdoms in Europe. The primary issue will be to determine whether the Roman Empire did in fact “fall” during this time or whether the period actually marks a transition, the birth of Europe. The role of Christianity in the transformation of Europe will be a major focus of discussion, as well as other social, political and economic issues. Offered every three years. [E, 1]

HIS 311 The Crusades (4 hours)
During the late 11th, 12th and 13th centuries Western Europe, which had long been the prey of foreign invaders, became the feared hunter in the eastern Byzantine and Muslim worlds. The Crusades represented a tremendous clash between civilizations, with both destructive and beneficial consequences whose effects lasted for centuries. Students will study the Crusades from both the European and Arab viewpoints. [E, 1]

HIS 313 The Origins of European Imperialism, 950-1750   (4 hours)
From the tenth century onwards one can see a progressive expansion of Western Europe, first to the fringes of the European continent, and then to Africa, Asia, and the Americas.  This course charts the course of early European expansion, examining the causes of the European diaspora, the nature of colonial societies and the interactions between Europe and the wider world during the first Global age. [E, 1,2]

HIS 314 Modern European Imperialism (4 hours)
European imperial states reached the peak of their power in the nineteenth century. These little states crowded onto a peninsula jutting off the west side of Asia somehow came to control up to three-quarters of the rest of the world. How they did so, why they did so, what the colonized thought of these interlopers, how the colonized and the colonizers affected each other, how the local populations of the colonies threw off their imperial yokes, and what were the long-range consequences for both sides will be topics of our study during this semester. [E, 2]

HIS 315 History of Atlanta (4 hours)
The object of this course is to use Atlanta as a laboratory to study change in the metro area through time.  The course will delineate the forces that have shaped our city and our suburbs helped create today’s metropolitan configuration, the behavior of people who live in the city and suburbs, the changing roles of downtown, the growth of neighborhoods, the shifting alliances of political power, the evolution of race relations, transportation, the outward sprawl of suburban communities, and the prospects for the future development of Atlanta.  The course surveys how social, political, economic, historical and geographic forces transformed a little railroad gulch in the 1840s to the new international city of today. [A, 3]

HIS 319 Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (4 hours)
The course examines the roots of National Socialism in Germany before World War I; the reasons for the failure of the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, which ended in Hitler’s coming to power; and the nature of Hitler’s dictatorship, with its policies of totalitarian rule, world war and genocide. Offered every three years. [E, 3]

HIS 330 Between World Wars: The United States, 1920-1945 (4 hours)
During this period of war, prosperity and depression, the United States underwent dramatic economic, political, social and cultural changes. The interwar years witnessed the emergence of the United States as a world power, an increasingly sophisticated women’s movement, the rise of mass production and mass consumption and a variety of new challenges to social and economic policies. The Great Depression and the New Deal brought further challenges to traditional liberal political and economic assumptions as the federal government intervened in nearly every aspect of American life. World War II again transformed the nation as it ushered in the “age of affluence” and cold wars in the international and domestic realms. Offered alternate years. [A, 3]

HIS 331 The Age of Affluence: The United States Since 1945 (4 hours)
An interdisciplinary study of American life since World War II, this course will emphasize political, economic and social developments. Foreign policy is considered principally with respect to its impact on domestic affairs. Offered alternate years. [A, 3]

HIS 340 Dictatorship and Democracy in Latin America (4 hours)
This course will examine the roots, character and impact of authoritarian rule – and resulting resistance movements – in Latin America. Included will be a look at the caudillos that competed for power after independence, the Liberal dictatorships of the late 19th century, the Depression Dictators of the 1930s, Populist dictators of the 1940s and 1950s and the rise of military-bureaucratic dictatorships in the 1960s and 1970s. An understanding will be sought for why almost all political orientations (Republicanism, Liberalism, nationalism, Populism and Communism) offered up a dictator as their champion at some point in Latin American history and how Latin American nations have been able to make a transition to democracy. Finally, consideration will be given to how dictatorships affect the everyday lives and perceptions of the people living under them and in their aftermath. Offered alternate years. [L, 3]

HIS 400 Advanced Independent Study in History (1-4 hours)
This course provides the opportunity for an advanced, intense study of diverse topics under the direct supervision of the instructor. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. The student and instructor will collaborate to develop the content of the course, which must be approved as outlined by the Independent Study Policy.  (Sec. 6.15.) 

HIS 431 History of United States Foreign Relations (4 hours)
This course is a study of major developments in American diplomacy from the end of the Revolution until 1945. Offered alternate years. [A, 3]

HIS 450 Senior Seminar in Historiography (2 hours)
This course constitutes the capstone for the history major.  The seminar will give students the opportunity to reflect on their previous course work and develop their skills through careful reexamination of major texts and the revision of a major paper.  The course will involve regular presentations and discussion.  Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to declared senior History majors and senior students with IPMs demonstrating a concentration in History.

HIS 490 Advanced Special Topics in History (1-4 hours)
Advanced courses of selected topics will be offered periodically as determined by the needs of the curriculum. These offerings are generally suited for junior or senior students. Prerequisites can vary based on the topic selected. See individual course listings for each semester for the specific topic and any prerequisites.

HIS 495 Internship in History (1-12 hours)
An internship designed to provide a formalized experiential learning opportunity to qualified students. The internship generally requires the student to have an application (which satisfies all internship requirements developed by the academic program that oversees the internship) and to obtain a faculty supervisor in the relevant field of study. All internships are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites are determined by the academic program overseeing the internship course.