History Department Courses for Spring 2010

HIST/GEOG 211 Introduction to Geography:  Zbiek TT 12:30
The course will provide an understanding of the physical and cultural landscapes of the earth and the relationships between them.  Topics include geographic tools and techniques; physiogeography and climate; human interaction with the environment; cultural, political and economic systems and structures and the impact of the land on lives.  This course is required for a Geography Minor and for a Secondary Education Citizenship Education certificate.   (Counts for Non-western/World Elective).

HIST 230 The Atlantic World (3): Mares, MWF 12
This course examines the history of the exploration of the Atlantic Ocean starting in the fifteenth century and the subsequent colonial systems that European states developed in both South and North America.  We will examine the impetus for the initial Atlantic voyages as well as the incentives for continued Atlantic exploration. We'll explore the impact of the various colonial systems that were established in the "New World,"  and discuss the legacies of the Atlantic colonial systems for both the “New World” and Europe.  Our goals are to deepen our understanding of early colonial systems, to complicate our conceptualization of the Atlantic World, and to carefully consider the impact of Atlantic exploration and European competition on indigenous populations in the Western Hemisphere. (Counts for American, European or Non-western/World Elective). Link to tentative syllabus.

HIST 258 Pennsylvania Survey (3):  Zbiek, W 6pm
An overview of the geography, history, politics, economics, and culture of Pennsylvania.  In addition, contemporary issues within the Commonwealth will be examined.  The course is required for all Citizenship Education Secondary Education students.   (Counts for American Elective).

HIST 261 Research & Methods (3):  Pavlac, MWF 11
An overview of the basic skills and methods needed for the study of history. Topics will include library and archival research, historical writing, historiography and interpretation, use of the computer and quantitative analysis in history, and the professional opportunities for the history major. Students will complete a supervised research paper that will be considered the Sophomore-Junior Project. This course is normally taken in the second semester of the sophomore year and is required of all History majors.  Link to tentative syllabus.

HIST 350 Christianities (3): Pavlac, Malesic TT 9:30
The history of Christianity is a rich, complex story, full of tragedy and triumph.  The course focuses most on Christianity as a Western phenomenon, but also examines its becoming world-wide belief systems.  Study focuses on the conflicts that have shaped the ecclesiology, theology, and practice of Christians, placing them in their political, social, and cultural context.  The participant should gain a better awareness of the role of controversy and compromise in Christian history, as well as a deeper understanding of many significant beliefs, people, events, and trends. Cross-Listed as THEO 351 History of Christian Thought. (Counts for European Elective.  Link to tentative syllabus.

HIST 384 East Asian Cultural History (3): Postma, MWF 12
Taking five moments from histories of culture across Japan, China, and Korea, this course depicts the social movements, political resistance to authority, response to external challenge, and the resulting impact upon family and social relations in East Asia. The course begins with the arrival of American ships into Japan of the mid-19th century, to present writings in translation, novels, short stories, woodblock prints, songs, and contemporaneous films that depict first traditional, and then feminist and other critical social thought in up to 1940. Cross-Listed as Women's Studies. (Counts for Non-western/World Elective)

HIST 440 Seminar: Geographies of Europe (3): Scarboro, MWF 1
Outside the conveniences of maps and ideas of tectonic plates, Europe has never been a fixed space; rather it has always resided within flexible and permeable boundaries of convention. Who belongs to Europe, who is excluded, and the consequences of this demarcation have changed dramatically over time. This course investigates the creation, transformation, and enforcement of these boundaries of Europe. Area Studies. Although designed as a stand-alone class, this course may also be used as the first part of the “Geographies of Europe” sequence: the second half will be a three-week King’s College Study Abroad program,“Geographies of Europe: Sofia-Istanbul” during the summer of 2010.  (Counts for European Elective). Listed as an Honors Course.  Cross-listed as SOC 491.

HIST 387 World War II: Stevens, TT 11
A multidimensional survey of the Second World War.  The course will examine the major stratgic choices which confronted the Axis and Allies 1939-1945 and the campaigns that followed;  the unique Anglo-American alliance; relations with Soviet Russia and China; and the major wartime conferences.  Topics of special interest will include American war mobilization, economic warfare; the role of women on the home front, the film and propaganda war, the strategic bombing controversy, and the atomic bomb decision.  (Counts for American, European, or Non-Western Elective).

HIST 499 Internship (3)
A one-semester, supervised experience. Past student placements have included federal, state and local government agencies, political staffs, law offices, historical societies, social service organizations, and other local and international businesses.  Registration requires approval of the Office of Experiential Learning.

Also available, upon consultation with faculty: 

HIST 495 Independent Study (3)
Study of a specific historical topic in cooperation with a History faculty member.

HIST 497 Independent Research (3)
An advanced research project in a specialized area of History under supervision of a History Faculty Member. Registration requires approval of the department chairperson.

Courses taught in the recent past.

URL: http://departments.kings.edu/history/nowcourses.html Site built, maintained & Copyright © MMVIX by Brian A. Pavlac Last Revision: 14 October 2009