School of Arts
& Sciences

Hist 140R Survey Of African History I (3-0) 3

An overview of important historical trends in Africa from ancient times to the 19th century. Themes of technological innovation, social change, state and empire building, the spread of Islam, international commerce, and the slave trade receive emphasis. Fall term.

Hist 141R Survey Of African History II (3-0) 3

A study of 19th and 20th century Africa. Special attention is paid to the growing importance of Africa in world affairs and to links with the peoples of African descent in the Americas. Winter term.

Hist 160R Survey Of Western Civilization I (3-0) 3

Examines the origins of the institutions and beliefs of western civilization from the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt, tracing the development of these beliefs and institutions through Greece and Rome, and their preservation and enhancement in the early medieval period of European history.

Hist 170R Survey Of East Asian Civilization I (3-0) 3

This course surveys the history of East Asia (China, Japan, and Korea) from ancient times to the mid-nineteenth century. It includes an introduction to Asian philosophies, religions, cultures, politics, and societies. Students will gain a general understanding of a region that is the longest surviving human civilization still in existence. Fall term.

Hist 171R Survey Of East Asian Civilization II (3-0) 3

This course studies modern East Asia from the mid-19th century to the present. It examines the interactions between Western power and influence and Asian nationalism. An important theme is to discover why Japan and China took different paths in modern times. Winter term.

Hist 175 Introduction To Latin American History (3-0) 3

A broad survey of key issues essential to an understanding of Latin American history from the 15th century unto the present: the conquest, ethnic relations, African slavery, Creole nationalism, mercantilism, scholasticism, the Church, the Bourbon reforms, political independence, liberalism, caudillaje, the military, economic dependency, revolutionary movements, and inter-American relations. The course is designed as an introduction to Latin America for both those who intend to continue to study the subject and those who want a general knowledge of the history of the region. Fall term.

Hist 181N U.S. Environmental History (3-0) 3

This course explores the environmental history of the U.S. from pre-European contact through today. The course will look at how the land and culture(s) interacted to reorganize and redefine one another, the relationship between environmental and cultural change, and how the present is linked to past. Fall term. This course is the same as SW 181; credit will be given for only one of these courses.

Hist 261S Western Civilization II, 1350 To Present (3-0) 3

A study of the transition of European society from medieval times through the Renaissance to the modern era, noting the profound economic, social, and political changes that are expressed in cultural, political, and intellectual revolutions, dominance of Europe and America in the world, and devastating war on a scale unknown before. Fall and winter terms.

Hist 262S Tolerance and Persecution in the Middle Ages (4-0) 4

Is persecution an ever-present function of organized society, or does it have specific historical catalysts? We will investigate this question using examples from early Europe, looking closely at the development of anti-Semitism as well as changing attitudes in authorities' and "ordinary" people's perceptions of marginal groups-such as gays, heretics, and witches-from the rise of Christianity to the Reformation.

Hist 263 Middle Ages Then and Now: Medieval Life in Modern Film and Literature (4-0) 4

This course covers aspects of the historical European Middle Ages (nobility, knighthood, religion, gender relations, etc.) through modern films and texts, using these resources to pose questions both about the medieval past and our modern need to revisit it in our own media.

Hist 270R Colonial Latin America (3-0) 3

An overview of important historical trends in the Spanish and Portuguese empires in the Americas. The course will focus on the cultural developments that resulted from the contact and integration of the European and American civilizations in the 16th century, and it will give particular emphasis to those sectors of colonial society that have continued to play a vital role unto the present, thus setting the stage for an examination of the events and conditions that led to the movements for independence in the early 19th century and the formation of the modern nations of the region. Recommended as a foundation course in Latin American history. Fall term.

Hist 271S Latin America Since Independence (3-0) 3

An examination of the major cultural and political developments in Latin America from the late 18th century to the present. The course will focus by necessity on the larger and more influential countries of the region in an attempt to identify and understand historical patterns common to all areas. Recommended as a foundation course in 19th and 20th century Latin American history. Winter term.

Recommended preparation: Hist 270.

Hist 280 Survey Of U.S. History, 1600-1877 (3-0) 3

A survey of topics in American history from the founding of the first successful English colony through Reconstruction. The course will explore the European settlement of North America, the Revolution, the creation of the republic, the reforms, and cultural renaissance of the 1840s, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Indian wars of the 1860s and 1870s. Fall and winter terms.

Hist 281R Survey Of U.S. History, 1877 To Present (3-0) 3

A survey of American History from the age of enterprise to the present. The topics covered include the modernization of the economy, the development of American foreign policy, the evolution of the liberal state, and the emergence of modern conservatism, and the cultural and social movements that have shaped contemporary America. Fall and winter terms.

Hist 302 Ancient Rome (4-0) 4

Introduction to Ancient Rome from its Etruscan beginnings to the end of Empire. Topics include Republican government, Imperial expansion, daily life, Roman ideas about morality and sexuality, education, and the arts. We will also look at the "lighter" side of Rome, including gladiators, baths and brothels-pastimes that characterized ordinary life in the Eternal City and its provinces.

Hist 305 Mesopotamian Myth/Religion (3-0) 3

A study of ancient Near Eastern myth/religion from the beginning of written history in Sumer (Mesopotamia) around 3000 B.C. into the early post-exilic period of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) in Israel around 500 B.C. Interconnections, influences, and innovations will be explored.This course is the same as RS 305; credit will only be given for one of these courses. Summer term.

Hist 306 Ancient Women's Religions (4-0) 4

A study of ancient women's religious practices and beliefs from Neolithic Europe, Sumer and the ancient Near East, the Greco-Roman world, and early Christianity. Fall term. This course is the same as RS 306; credit will only be given for one of these courses.

Hist 308 Rise Of Christianity (4-0) 4

A study of the historical Jesus of Nazareth, Judaism, and the first century Jewish Palestine under Roman domination. The development of Pauline Christianity and the struggle between orthodox and Gnostic Christians culminating in the final orthodox victory around 400 A.D. will be studied in depth. Winter term. This course is the same as RS 308; credit will only be given for one of these courses.

Hist 311 Colonial And Revolutionary America: 1492-1789 (4-0) 4

The course focuses on colonial America from European exploration to the ratification of the United States Constitution. The course will look at the ways in which Colonial American pattern of conflict and cohesion took shape, how those structures created a distinctly American people, led to an era of Revolution, the consequences of the American Revolutionary era, and the establishment of the United States. Fall term, alternate years.

Hist 314 Inventing America, 1789-1850 (4-0) 4

This course will explore the economic, political, social, religious, cultural, and environmental changes that made this such a period of transformation, and how this foundational era gave shape to the rise of modern America. Winter term, alternate years.

Hist 315 Irish, Catholic, American (4-0) 4

This course will use the Irish experience in America to highlight the general course of United States history, and the complex way in which ethnic and religious identity both shaped the American landscape while being in turn shaped by the American environment. The course will consequently explore immigration, politics, religion, education, women, family and urban history, and grapple with important issues like nativism, acculturation, cultural maintenance, and identity. Summer session.

Hist 316 Civil War America (4-0) 4

The 20 years that changed America, 1848-1868. The causes, campaigns, people, and significance of the Civil War era. Taught once a year.

Hist 318 Emergence Of Modern America, 1893-1939 (4-0) 4

In these colorful and sometimes desperate decades, modern America was forged. The topics covered will include the Populist and Progressive movements, World War I, the cultural tumult of the 1920s, the Great Depression, and the New Deal. Fall term.

Hist 320 Western/Southwest American History (3-0) 3

This course will focus on the 19th century American west. Using the theme of expansionism, the course will look at the interaction between cultures and people in the West, the forces that produced a unique section of the country, the creation of the mythic West and its enduring legacy, and how the present is linked to the past in the trans-Mississippi West. Winter term, alternate years. This course is the same as SW 320; credit will only be awarded for one of these.

Hist 322 Western American Mining (4-0) 4

Starting with the Spanish explorations, the course sketches the history of the industry and its impact on the region and people through the early 20th century. Winter term, alternate years. This course is the same as SW 482; credit will be given for only one of these courses.

Hist 324 Colorado History (3-0) 3

This course traces the story of Colorado and its people from the Anasazi to the present day. This course is the same as SW 481; credit will be given for only one of these courses. Fall and winter terms.

Hist 326 Baseball And The American Dream (4-0) 4

Examines the impact of baseball on such varied topics as urbanization, literature, business, and racial relations. Baseball from the inside and outside. Winter term.

Hist 328 Christianity In U.S. History (4-0) 4

This course covers the role of Christianity in United States history from the nation's creation until today. The class will look at how mainline Christian denominations have shaped U.S. history and been in turn shaped by the American experience. Within this broad historical sweep of linking the past to the present important issues like the separation of church and state and how the nation has gone from Protestant establishment to secularism, as well as how law and politics have come to impact religion, will be examined. Fall term, alternate years. This course is the same as RS 328; credit will only be given for one of these courses.

Hist 332 Women In American History (4-0) 4

An analysis of women's experience from the colonial period to the present. Focusing on the way gender has been defined and redefined, the course considers such issues as work, friendship, and marriage, reproduction, the struggles for equality, and women's culture. The influence of class, race, and ethnicity on women's experiences will also be considered. Fall term. This course is the same as WS 332; credit will be given for only one of these courses.

Hist 333 America Since 1945 (4-0) 4

An exploration of the forces that have shaped America since the end of World War II. Topics include the history of the Cold War from the dropping of the atomic bomb and the war in Vietnam to the uncertain interventions of today, the contest between liberals and conservatives over the national identity and the role of government, the Civil Rights movement, the women's movement, and environmentalism. Winter term.

Hist 334 The United States And Vietnam (4-0) 4

No conflict so dramatizes the contradictions of the Cold War or so exposes the dynamics of government policy-making as the United States' involvement in the conflict in Southeast Asia. The course analyzes the history of America's intervention, the struggle of the Vietnamese people for control of their land, and the domestic turmoil that was an essential accompaniment to this war. Winter term, alternating with Hist 337 Cultural and Intellectual History.

Hist 337 Cultural And Intellectual History Of America In The 20th Century (4-0) 4

This course explores the shifting currents of American thought and belief from pragmatism to postmodernism. Topics include the Darwinian revolution, the culture and cult of science, literary and political radicalism, the culture and crisis of capitalism, feminist theory, and postmodernism. Winter term, alternating with Hist 334 The United States and Vietnam.

Hist 338 The Modern Women's Movement (3-0) 3

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the "second wave" of the women's movement from the late 1950s to present. We will study the reasons for the emergence of the "second wave," the lives and ideas of the women who shaped its agenda, the practical work of modern feminists, and the contemporary debate on the future of feminism. Summer session.

Hist 339 Women And The "West" (3-0) 3

Women experienced the American 'West" as a place of beauty and personal possibilities as well as a place of hardship. Through art, autobiography, fiction, and historical narrative, the course explores the ways Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo women lived, worked, and perceived the land beyond the 100th Meridian. Summer session.

Hist 340 Contemporary Africa (4-0) 4

Trends and issues in African society, politics, and economy since decolonization (around 1960). Offered on demand.

Hist 342 West Africa (4-0) 4

Basic trends and selected issues in the history of the region bounded by the Sahara and the Atlantic seaboard. Themes include commercial networks and urbanization, the influence of Islam, slavery and the slave trade, European colonization, nationalism, the environmental crisis. Fall term, alternate years.

Hist 343 Ancient Nile Valley (4-0) 4

Survey of developments in Ancient Egypt and Nubia from the origins of agriculture through the Pyramid Age, Egyptian imperialism, Nubia's golden era, the impact of Hellenism, and down to the extinction of the last outpost of Pharaohic civilization at Meroe. Winter term, alternate years.

Hist 344 Northeast Africa (4-0) 4

Historical trends and questions affecting the Nile Basin and the Horn, with emphasis on the period since 1800. Topics include the shaping of ideologies (nationalism, socialism, Islamic fundamentalism,) the Ethiopian Revolution, hydropolitics, the roots of famine, social change, the Somali civil war. Fall term, alternate years.

Hist 346 South Africa (4-0) 4

A survey of the present Republic of South Africa from Iron Age culture through European settlement, the 19th-century Mfecane upheaval, the gold rush, and apartheid, to the election of 1994. Winter term, alternate years.

Hist 348 Africans In The Americas (4-0) 4

The dispersion of Africans to the Americas during the slave trade and the subsequent history of people of African descent in the Western Hemisphere, with particular reference to cultural developments and to the pan-African movement. Winter term.

Hist 349 Islam In History (4-0) 4

The emergence of the Islamic religion in 7th century Arabia, the development of Islamic institutions and civilization in Asia and Africa, and the significance of Islamic cultures in the History of sciences, arts, literature, technology, and historiography. Fall term.

Hist 351 U.S.-East Asian Relations (4-0) 4

This course examines the ever-changing relationship between the United States and East Asia. It analyzes American motivations and policies toward East Asia and explains the purposes and actions taken by East Asian nations in their efforts to deal with the United States. Fall term.

Hist 352 Modern China (4-0) 4

This course concentrates on 20th-century China. It explores the social issues that led to the rise of Chinese Nationalism and Communism. It analyzes the current changes that are making China a world economic power. Summer term.

Hist 354 Women, Family & Gender in Chinese History (4-0) 4

In this course we explore the Chinese family structure and gender roles, in theory and practice, over the past millennium. Readings range from memoirs and biographies, to scholarly essays, to fictional writings by men and women. Paintings, crafts and films will also provide important sources as we examine the visual images of women and men throughout this period.

Hist 355 East Asian Popular Religion (4-0) 4

This course examines East Asian popular religious practices in their historical, social and economic contexts. We begin with theoretical works and introductory lectures on ritual, sacred space, pilgrimage, and various East Asian philosophical and religious traditions, including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and Shinto. We will then focus on specific East Asian pilgrimages, sacred sites, rituals and myths, progressing from ancient to modern periods. This course is the same as RS 355; credit will only be given for one of these courses.

Hist 356 History of Japan (4-0) 4

This class examines institutional and cultural developments in Japan from the development of a centralized state to the present. We will particularly focus on the Tokugawa period, Japan's reaction to Western encroachment, its meteoric rise as an imperial power, the post-WWII economic miracle, and Japan's role in the contemporary world. In addition to political changes, we will also examine changing social and gender roles, religious developments, and the importance of arts and crafts.

Hist 359 Medieval Europe (4-0) 4

An examination of culture, society, politics, religion, and gender in the historical development of medieval Europe using both primary and secondary written source material with reference to the art, music, and philosophy of the period as well. Fall term, alternate years.

Hist 360 Renaissance Europe (4-0) 4

Using the history of Europe from 1400-1600 as a framework, students of Renaissance Europe will consider the further development of western society through the examination of primary written source material with reference to the art, music, and philosophy of the period as well. Fall term, alternate years.

Hist 361 Russia In Revolution To 1924 (4-0) 4

A study of the Russian past in order to understand from a historical perspective the events, personalities, ideas, and significance of the Russian revolutions and the Soviet Regime to 1924. Fall term.

Hist 362 Soviet Union: Stalin To Gorbachev (4-0) 4

A study of the Soviet Union seeking an understanding of why and how it arose, and ultimately collapsed, the nature of the state and society of the Soviet Union, and its relationship with the rest of the world. Winter term.

Hist 363 Collapse Of The Soviet Union (3-0) 3

An exploration of the collapse of the Soviet Union and of how the ethnic groups of the old Soviet Union, particularly Russians, are seeking to establish themselves as new states within a federation, the Commonwealth of Independent States. Summer session.

Hist 364 Germany, Roman Times To 1919 (4-0) 4

A study of the German past focusing particularly on the efforts of Germans and others to define Germany: who are Germans, where is Germany, and what is Germany politically and culturally. Fall term.

Hist 365 Germany, 1919 To Present (4-0) 4

Study of German history seeking an appreciation of German achievements and an understanding of the disaster of German politics in the first half of the 20th century.

Hist 366 Hitler And The Holocaust (3-0) 3

A study of the racial ideology of National Socialism and how it became state policy in Germany, 1933-45, and resulted in the Holocaust. Usually offered as a summer course.

Hist 368 Medieval Women (4-0) 4

This course explores the frustrations as well as the power women had in Western Europe between the 6th and 14th centuries. Fall term.

Hist 371 History Of Central America (4-0) 4

A close examination of important historical trends in the areas known today as Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica since the late 15th century. Some time will be spent on the pre-conquest period, but most of the course will focus on those aspects of colonial society that have remained vital unto the present, the aftermath of political independence from Spain, the prominent role of British and North American interests in the region, the unique economic developments within each country, and the revolutionary turmoil of the late 20th century. Winter term.

Hist 372 United States-Latin American Relations (4-0) 4

An overview and analysis of the historical development of political and economic relationships between the United States and Latin America since the late 18th century. The course focuses on United States policy toward the rest of the western hemisphere and the reactions of various countries and regions of those policies. Particular emphasis is given to the Latin American movements for independence, United States-British rivalry in the Caribbean, the Mexican War, United States economic expansion in the late 19th century, the Spanish-American War, the Panama Canal, United States involvement in the Mexican and Cuban revolutions, and the effects of the Cold War on relationships among the countries of the Americas. Fall term.

Hist 373 History Of Mexico (4-0) 4

An analysis of important trends in the history of Mexico since the late 15th century. Although some time is spent on the pre-conquest era, the bulk of the class focuses on those aspects of colonial society that have remained significant unto the present, the peculiar development of Mexican independence, the disastrous clash between Liberals and Conservatives in the 19th century, the Mexican revolution, and the turbulent years after the Second World War. Winter term.

Hist 382 Reformation Europe And The Wars Of Religion (4-0) 4

An examination of culture, society, politics, religion, and gender in the historical development of 16th and 17th century Europe using primary written source material with reference to the art, music, and philosophy of the period as well. Winter term, alternate years.

Hist 396W Philosophy And Methods (4-0) 4

An introduction to the study of history, this course serves as the Writing Course for the History Department. The course explores the ways historians, past and present, think about and practice the craft of writing history. It introduces students to new fields of historical research and multi-disciplinary approaches to the past. Special emphasis is placed on developing skills necessary for becoming successful writers in the field. This course is required for all majors and should be taken in the second term of the sophomore year or during the junior year. Fall and winter term.

Hist 440 Advanced Studies In African History (3-0) 3

A consideration of fundamental themes in African history through the study of primary and secondary written sources, oral accounts and other types of evidence, and the application of different historiographical approaches. Offered every second or third year depending on student demand.

Hist 446 Ancient Israel And Judah (3-0) 3

This seminar covers ancient Israel from its beginnings around 1250 B.C. to the execution of Jesus of Nazareth around 35 A.D. Major topics include the origins of Israel and Judah, biblical composition and authors, relations with Egypt and Assyria, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Jesus in Jewish historical context. An historiographical approach is emphasized, Winter term.

Hist 450 Advanced Studies In East Asian History (3-0) 3

An examination of selected historical topics and issues pertaining to the East Asian world. A senior-level research paper will be required. Offered every second or third year depending on student demand.

Hist 465 Advanced Studies In European History (3-0) 3

A research seminar that examines topics in European history. The seminar will explore historiographical issues and research strategies. Students will write a research paper. Topics will vary. Students may not take courses under this number more than once. Topics include the Reformation and Modern Europe. Offered every year as needed.

Hist 475 Advanced Studies In Latin American History (3-0) 3

A research seminar that examines selected topics in Latin American history and may include "Spanish Frontier in North America" or "Colonial New Mexico." The seminar will explore historiographical issues and research strategies. Students will write a research paper. Topics will vary. Students may not take courses under this number more than once. Offered every second or third year as needed.

Hist 482 Topics In Colorado History (3-0) 3

A research and reading seminar designed to prepare students for Senior Research Seminar. Discussion, readings, book reports, and a research paper on various topics in Colorado history. Offered every second or third year as needed.

Hist 485 Advanced Studies In United States History (3-0) 3

A research seminar that examines selected topics in United States history. The seminar will explore historiographical issues and research strategies. Students will write a research paper. Students may not take courses under this number more than once. Topics may include America since 1945, Western/Southwestern history, and Colorado history. Offered every year.

Hist 496 Research Senior Seminar (4-0) 4

A capstone course in the preparation of a senior history research paper with a public presentation and defense. Fall and winter terms.

Prerequisites: Hist 396 and senior standing in history, or humanities with primary history concentration.

Hist 499 Independent Study 1-6

Research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Offered on demand.