History Courses
Please note that the frequency of course offerings below is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement), myBerea, revisions to online Catalog & Student Handbook, and/or the Program Coordinator to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a factor.
HIS 101
Western Civilization I
An introduction to the ideas and events that shaped the Western world from its beginnings in the ancient Near East to the 15th century. The course emphasizes the study and interpretation of primary documents, viewed within an historical context. Western History Perspective. NOTES: Strongly recommended for the first or sophomore year. 1 Course Credit
HIS 102
West Civ II:Std in Gendr (WGS)
An examination of the experiences of women and men to determine how gender roles have contributed to and been shaped by the religious, political and social history of 'the West.' This course is arranged topically and chronologically from the Renaissance through the success of the parity movement in France at the beginning of the 21st century. Topics to be considered include: religious reform; scientific understandings of the body; national revolutions; industrialization and the sexual division of labor; widening political opportunities; socialism; feminism; empire-building, and warfare. Western History Perspective and African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 122
History of China (AST)
China has one of the foundational civilizations in human history. It gave rise to social structures, political systems, and philosophies that deeply influenced the development of East Asia. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion, and lecture, students will develop their own understanding of the evolution of China from its Neolithic origins to its present status as a world power. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 123
History of Japan (AST)
Japan has developed from an isolated chain of islands at the edge of East Asia into a modern economic giant. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion, and lecture, we will examine the complexity of the culture that gave rise to Zen Buddhism, the samurai, and Japan's current position as one of the world's most powerful economies. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 130
Albion & Eire: British Isles
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2014)
A survey of the history of the British Isles (with some emphasis upon England) from prehistory to AD 1688. The focus is general, with attention to political, social and economic, religious and cultural developments of the four communities within the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland) and in context of their relationships to other communities. Non-credit for students who have completed
HIS 219. Western History Perspective 1 Course Credit
HIS 131
Britain & the Emp, 1688 to Pre
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2014)
A selective survey of the history of Britain and the British Empire from the Glorious Revolution to the present. Emphasis will be put on how the development of Britain is inseparable from the development of the British Empire. Non-credit for students who have completed HIS 286: From Spice Islands to Spice Girls. World Culture (Western) Component of the International Perspective and Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 140
History of Spain (SPN)
A broad survey from pre-history to present as viewed through Spain's culture, art, literature, and customs. World Culture (Western) Component of the International Perspective and Western History Perspective. NOTE: This course is taught in English. 1 Course Credit
HIS 161
American History to 1865
A survey of American history from its beginnings through the War Between the States, with emphasis on political, social, cultural, economics, and military trends, and on the ways in which unified American civilization is created from diverse elements. Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 162
American History Since 1865
A survey of American history since the War Between the States, with emphasis on political, social, cultural, economic, and military trends, and on the ways in which unified American civilization is created from diverse elements. Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 165
Intro to Afr Amer His(AFR)
This course surveys the formation of African American cultural identity from the early National period to the present. This course will touch upon major formative events in African American history: slavery, the early formation of African American cultural institutions, the reconstruction of African American life after slavery, northern migration during the World Wars, the civil rights and black power movements of the 1950s and 1960s, and urbanization and class structure in the 1980s and 1990s. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 175
His & Pol of Arab-Isr (PSC)
An overview of the Conflict, from the late 19th century to the present. This course covers the Zionist Movement, the Great Powers and the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the British Mandate for Palestine, the War of 1948, the Suez Canal Crisis, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur / 10th of Ramadan War, Camp David Peace Accords, the First Intifada, the Madrid Peace Talks, the Oslo Accords, the Second Intifada. Other subjects include human rights, international law, refugees, water, boarders, international relations, the role of the USA, and Israeli and Arab political ideologies, leaders and parties. World Culture (Non-Western) Component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit.
HIS 186
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
HIS 200
Intro to Historical Study
An introduction to history as a scholarly discipline; a way of studying one aspect of human experience. It includes examination of various kinds of sources and how they are handled, principles of research, the collection of data and use of quantitative analysis, historical reasoning, interpretation and synthesis, the history of historical study, and issues raised by contemporary concerns about the uses of history. Should be taken by majors not later than the sophomore year. Social Science Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 201
Amer Political Thought(PSC)
A study of major theoretical traditions related to the design and history of American government and political culture. 1 Course Credit
HIS 202
Chrstns & Pgns in the Late Ant
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered yet to be determined)
An introduction to the political, social, cultural and religious world of late antiquity (c. AD 250-750), with particular attention to the emergence of Christianity and Islam in the context of the religious and philosophical diversity of the period. Western History Perspective and Religion Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 209
Classical Greek Civilization
Offered: Typically alternate Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2014)
History of Greece from its earliest period through the conquests of Alexander the Great, with emphasis on political and cultural forces. Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 210
Classical Roman Civ (LAT)
Offered: Typically alt. Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2013)
History of Rome from its foundations to 476 A.D., with emphasis on political, social, economic, and religious forces. Arts Perspective and Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 215
His Christianity to 1600(REL)
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered 2013-2014)
A general survey of the development of Christianity from apostolic times through the 16th-century Reformations. Emphasis is on Western Christianity, the development of beliefs, practices, and institutions, and Christianity's interaction with society and culture. Religion Perspective and Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 223
Hist of Pre-Modern Middle East
Offered: Typically every other Fall term
An examination of the social organization, cultural expressions, and political institutions that evolved in the Middle East from the emergence of Islam to early modern times. Special attention will be given to the historical origins of religious traditions which are still alive today, namely Sunni, Shiite and Sufi Islam. A comparitive approach will encourage students to appreciate diversity within various Islamic societies historically, as well as vis-a-vis Western societies. Islamic worldviews, including historiography will be studied. Students are encouraged to carefully examine the historical development and religious claims of these Islamic traditions. World Culture (Non-Western) Component of the International Perspective and Religion Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 224
20th Century World History
Offered: Typically alternate years (Offered Fall 2012)
This course is an examination of major world developments from 1900 to 2000. Topics include colonialism; the two World Wars; political experimentation in the interwar years; the Cold War; the demise of political imperialism; nation-building in Africa, Asia, and South America; globalization; the fall of Soviet-based communism; and challenges to nationalism and the nation-state, including the rise of political regionalism, environmental sustainability, human rights, and terrorism. World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 229
Modern Imperialism (AST)
Offered: Typically alternate years (offered Fall 2012)
This course is a selective exploration of imperialism using a comparative historical perspective. Beginning with a reflection on the meanings of 'empire,' the course explores the rise of European empires during the 'high colonialism' of the 19th and 20th centuries. This course then will explore the expansion of European colonialism and regional responses'including local resistance, national revolutions, and the development of the Soviet and Japanese Empires. After examining the dynamics of imperial decline between 1919 and 1945, the course will conclude by considering the status of empires in the post-World War II period. World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.
HIS 231
The Holocaust
Summer Course Only
Course Description: The Holocaust'the Nazi's systematic murder of six million Jews and millions of others who were considered to be racially inferior or enemies of the state'is a defining event of the twentieth century. Drawing upon perspectives from history, religion, sociology, and psychology, we will attempt to deepen our understanding of the causes, course, and consequences of this world-shattering epoch. The course will include a required 4-day (three-night) trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The course will meet 3 hours per day, M-F.
HIS 240
Islam (REL)
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2013)
An examination of the doctrine, ritual, jurisprudence, and historical vision of Islam with an emphasis on historical and contemporary expressions of Islam. Special attention will be given to the historical origins of religious traditions which still are alive today, namely Sunni, Shi'ite, and Sufi Islam, as well as the central features of Islamic theology and practice, including the Qur'an, the Hadith (the Traditions), legal reasoning, and Tafsir (Qur'an interpretation). Students study modern political and social expressions of Islam, including the political Islamic movements, popular piety, and women in Muslim society. The interrelations of Islamic traditions with Christian and Jewish traditions also will be studied. Religion Perspective and a World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course Credit
HIS 253
Appalachian America (APS)
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2014)
A broad survey of the history of the Appalachian region. African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 260
Survey of African His (AFR)
Offered: Typically annually
A survey of African history from the ancient period to the late 20th century. Although the major concentration is upon 'Sub-Saharan Africa' and the effects of the enslavement trade and colonialism, the course does provide a brief discussion of significant continent-wide highlights from the ancient and medieval periods. The history of Africa's independence movements and the post-independence era also are addressed. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 270
Recent History of Middle East
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2013)
A survey of the recent history of the Middle East including political, economic, and religious factors important to the region. World Culture (Non-Western) Component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 286
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
HIS 310
Seminar in U. S. History
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
A course designed to examine a key period or a significant segment of life in the United States that will encourage students to develop a deeper appreciation of this history and a better understanding of sources and methodologies historians use to analyze past human experiences. By reading primary and secondary materials, students will develop an understanding of how a variety of factors interact to shape institutions, time periods, and groups of people. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from previous offerings. Religion Perspective and Western History Perspective. NOTE: Also see Schedule of Classes for specific term offerings to see if the course has been approved to meet additional General Education requirements. 1 Course Credit
HIS 311
Seminar: Medieval History
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2014)
Through examination of a key period or topic in the history of Medieval Europe (5th through 14th centuries, A.D.), students will develop both a deeper appreciation of this distinctive civilization and its relations to its neighbors, and better understand the sources and methodologies historians use to analyze the human experience in a past era. By reading key primary documents and secondary materials from important historians, they will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape a period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied. If taken in or after Fall Term 2010, meets Religion Perspective and World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 314
Renaissance and Reformation
Offered: Typically alternate years (offered Fall 2012)
An examination of the European experience from the late 14th to the late 16th century, including the Renaissance in Italy and trans-alpine Europe, the Religious Reformation of the 16th century, and the resultant diversification of Western Christianity, and the impact of European contact and interaction with the Non-Western world. If taken in or after Fall Term 2010, meets Religion Perspective and Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 315
19th Cent Europe:Rev&Indus Nat
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered term yet to be determined)
This course examines the history of Europe from the French Revolution, which signaled the end of the Old Order, to the outbreak of World War I, which led to the end of European primacy in the world. Major themes for the years 1789 through 1848 include the first and second industrial revolutions, the decline of aristocratic hegemony, the emergence of new ideologies (especially nationalism, liberalism, and socialism), and the rise of the bourgeoisie. After 1870, principal themes include domestic politics, culture in Europe's golden age, and increasing national rivalry and competition. 1 Course Credit
HIS 316
20th Cent Europe:Div & Recon
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered term yet to be determined)
This course explores major political, social, economic, and cultural developments in 20th-century Europe. Topics include the First World War and its aftermath, the Russian Revolution, Stalinism, Fascism, and Nazism, the Second World War, the origins of the Cold War; life in a divided Europe in the post-1945 period, the collapse of Soviet-based communism; and the Balkan Wars in the 1990s. The course combines a survey of broad historical movements with focused examination of specific case studies. Western History Perspective and Practical Reasoning (PR). 1 Course Credit
HIS 322
Sem in Chinese History (AST)
Offered: Typically alt. Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2014)
The goal of this course is two-fold. Through examining a key period in Chinese history, students both will develop a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material from important historians, students will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 323
Sem in Japanese History (AST)
Offered: Typically alt. Spring Terms (next offered Spring 2013)
The goal of this course is two-fold. Through examining a key period in Japanese history, students will develop both a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material from important historians, students will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those previously studied. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 335
Topic Sem-Modern European His
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered to be determined)
This course examines a specific topic in the history of Modern Europe in an effort to develop both a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the past and an understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ. By reading primary documents and secondary materials, students will develop an understanding of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape a period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those previously studied. NOTE: Certain sections of this course also will supplement the Women's Studies and Asian Studies programs, as well as being suited to General Education's African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective, International Perspective, and Western History Perspective, depending upon each section's focus. Refer to the Schedule of Classes to see which specific sections meet these perspectives. Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 355
Sem in American Rel Hist (REL)
Prerequisites: HIS 161 or HIS 162 or Permission of Instructor
A selective survey of the history of religion in North America from pre-colonial times to the present. Some of the themes explored include religion's role as a force for both national cohesions and division; the construction of--and relationship between--the sacred and the secular in American culture; the relationship between "outsider" religions and "mainstream" religious practice; and the intersection of religion and American democracy. Noncredit for students who have completed this course as HIS 310. Religion Perspective and Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 356
Sem: African-Amer History(AFR)
Offered: Typically annually (next offered term Spring 2014)
Through examination of a key period in African American history, students will develop a deeper appreciation of this history and a better understanding of sources and methodologies historians use to analyze past human experiences. By reading key primary and secondary materials, students will develop an understanding of the way cultural, social, economic, and political issues interact to shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied. NOTE: African Americans', Appalachians', and Women's Perspective and Western History Perspective. 1 Course Credit
HIS 386
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
HIS 390A
Independent Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
HIS 390B
Independent Study w/o ALE
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
HIS 395
Internship
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
HIS 397A
Team Initiated Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
HIS 397B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
HIS 398
Directed Study
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
HIS 406
Senior Seminar in History
Offered: Typically every fall.
The capstone course for the History major. A study of problems, conflicting interpretations involving specific periods, major writings, or classical writings of history. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that previously studied. 1 Course Credit
HIS 486
Special Topics
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."
HIS 490A
Independent Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
HIS 490B
Independent Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 390/490A; others will be 390/490B.
HIS 495
Internship
Offered: Typically every term
An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to 3 course credits in one regular term; 1.5 course credits in Summer One Term; or 1 to 2 course credits in Summer Two Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. All Internships meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.
HIS 497A
Team Initiated Study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
HIS 497B
Team Initiated Study w/o ALE
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student and the faculty sponsor. Course proposals must meet the guidelines and approval of the Academic Department or Interdisciplinary Program in which the study will be conducted. A detailed information sheet is available in the Student Self-Service room (101 Lincoln), which includes the form to complete if seeking Active Learning Experience (ALE) credit. A course syllabus must be submitted with the Chairperson or Director’s approval before the course can be registered. Those approved as ALE will be registered as 397/497A; others will be 397/497B.
HIS 498
Directed Study
Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow
A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director or Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.
Notice and Disclaimer
This online publication is the official text of the Berea College Catalog & Student Handbook. Berea College reserves the right to amend, revise, or modify content within this publication at any time.


