The history faculty engages students in an inquiry into the past. By reconstructing earlier civilizations and perceiving various ages within a time frame stretching from prehistory to the present, the history student comes to see an age in relationship to what came before and what follows. A sense of continuity is developed that expands mental horizons, permits fruitful comparisons to be made with the present, and allows a more acute awareness of one's surroundings. The effort to understand the peoples of the past makes use of various skills and techniques including the evaluation of evidence, employment of imagination, research skills in diverse sources of information, and effective oral and written communication skills. A primary concern of the study of history is change. The student who is conscious of the continuous process of change is better prepared for the conditions of change taking place today.

Historical study provides a training that helps prepare students for graduate study and for widely varied careers in teaching, law, the church, government, diplomatic service, museums, libraries, social services, business, journalism, and other fields.

General education requirements in history must be fulfilled by a classroom course in history at Birmingham Southern College.

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Major Requirements

The following courses are required (11 units):

HI 102 and 103 (or 110) or HI 161 and 162
HI 151 and 152
HI 270 (normally to be completed in the sophomore or junior year)
HI 470
Two HI 200 level units and three HI 300 level units. Of these five units, at least one unit must be in United States history, one unit in European history, and one unit in Latin American, Asian, or Middle Eastern history

History majors are encouraged to develop a degree of competence in one or more foreign languages and to use this competence in their historical reading and research. Knowledge of a foreign language is particularly important for students planning graduate work. Students contemplating graduate work are urged to take at least three units in one foreign language.

In addition, the faculty strongly recommends for its majors an off campus experience and HI 498 Teaching Experience in History where feasible.

Minor Requirements

The following courses are required (5 units):

one HI unit (classroom course) at the 100 level
one HI unit (classroom course) at the 200 level
two HI units (classroom courses) at the 300 level
one elective HI unit (classroom course)

Graduation with Disciplinary Honors in History

1. History majors may graduate with honors in history by fulfilling the following requirements: (1) Complete the requirements for a major in history.
2. Attain a 3.50 or better grade point average in all courses taken at Birmingham Southern College.
3. Attain a 3.50 or better grade point average in all history courses taken at Birmingham Southern College.
4. Departmental designation of student's HI 470 Senior Research Symposium paper as "with honors."

Courses in History
(Course numbers in previous catalogs are indicated in brackets.)

(This section has been updated. Click here for details.)

 

HI 102 European Civilization I (1)

The historical development of European social and political attitudes and institutions through the Age of Enlightenment

 

HI 103 European Civilization II (1)

The historical development of European social and political attitudes and institutions from the French Revolution to the late twentieth century.

 

HI 110 Great Leaders in Modern Western History (1)

Examines the leadership of central figures in western history from Renaissance to the twentieth century. Principally through the study of biographies of a diverse group of leaders such as Elizabeth I, Martin Luther, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolph Hitler, Eleanor Roosevelt, and others, students gain an awareness of the historical periods in which these leaders lived and learn about biography as an historical genre. Students are also introduced to modern theories of leadership and challenged to apply these theories to the leaders studied. Additionally, students prepare a substantive group presentation that examines a leader of their choice.

 

HI 151 History of the American People I (1)

The evolution of the American people to 1865, as reflected in their political and economic development, social practices, and philosophy with particular reference to the interaction between ideas and social structure.

 

HI 152 History of the American People II (1)

A continuation of History of the American People I, dealing with the changes in American society since 1865 as reflected in the industrialization of the nation with emphasis on the interaction between traditional concepts and contemporary social structure.

 

HI 181 [161] East Asian Civilization I: China and Japan to the Mongol Invasions (1)

An introduction to the political, social, economic, and intellectual history of China and Japan to 1300. The course presents a comparison of the establishment and development of the Chinese and Japanese imperial systems and the manner in which leading political and intellectual figures coped with the fundamental changes associated with the emergence of the imperial examination system in China and military rule in Japan.

 

HI 182 [162] East Asian Civilization II: China and Japan from Mongol Invasions to the Present (1)

An introduction to the political, social, economic, and intellectual history of China and Japan from 1300 to the present. The course explains the divergent paths taken by the Chinese and Japanese imperial systems as they evolved into the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and their different experiences with reform and revolution before and after World War II.

200 level
Courses dealing with a single cultural or national entity, or a clearly related group of such entities (usually a century or more); textbooks, primary sources, and occasional monograph material; short non-research writing assignments; at least sophomore standing.

HI 205 [305] The Old South (1)

The development and flourishing of the antebellum plantation society, the institution of slavery, and the rise and fall of Southern nationalism. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 206 [306] The New South (1)

The evolution of the American South from the end of the Civil War to the present with emphasis on the political and economic adjustments of Reconstruction, Bourbon Democracy, industrial development and the agrarian revolt, and social change. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 207 [351] Diplomatic History of the United States to 1941 (1)

Development of America's international relations and its emergence as a world power, with emphasis on nineteenth-century expansionism, the Spanish-American War, involvement in the Far East and Latin America, World War I, and the Paris Peace Conference. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 208 [352] Diplomatic History of the United States since 1941 (1)

United States foreign policy since 1941, with emphasis on World War II, and the Cold War in Europe, the Far East, and Latin America (a Leadership Studies designated course). Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 230 Plural America I (1)

An introduction to the plurality of the American culture from within the liberal arts traditions of history and literature. The intent is to recognize the aspects of our cultures appropriated into the Western tradition but often either unacknowledged or glossed over. The end should be an appreciation of the achievements and limitations of our Western heritage, and a heightened sensitivity to the cultural diversity of the world-at-large. Plural America I focuses on Native- American and Chicano history and literature and on the European context of American society. Prerequisite: EH 102 or 208. (Also listed as EH 230.)

 

HI 231 Plural America II (1)

A continuation of Plural America I, focusing on African-American and Asian-American history and literature and on the 1960s as a catalyst for multi-culturalism. Prerequisite: EH 102 or 208. (Also listed as EH 231.)

 

HI 241 Monarchs, Rebellion, and Empire: History of England from the Anglo Saxons to George III (1)

A survey of the political, social, economic, and constitutional history of England and the British Empire to 1789. Among the many subjects examined are the Anglo Saxons, the Norman Conquest, the Wars of the Roses, Henry VIII and the English Reformation, Elizabeth I and the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the English Civil War, the Restoration, the establishment of the "first" British Empire, and the responses to the American and French Revolutions. Lectures are supplemented by audio visuals to add further context. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 242 Industry, Imperialism, and World War: History of England from George III to the present (1)

A survey of the political, social, economic, and constitutional history of England and the British Empire from 1789 to the present. Among the many subjects examined are the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, the Irish independence movement, the First and Second World Wars, the Socialist and Thatcher revolutions, and the end of empire. Lectures are supplemented by audio visuals to add further context. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 249 [209] The Social and Cultural History of Germany (1)

A general survey of German history, beginning with the Reformation and emphasizing social and intellectual developments. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 260 [360] Social History of Latin America (1)

A study of the basic cultural influences in the history of Latin America, including consideration of the Indian heritage, internal economic development, the traditional role of the church, and post independence social structure and economic issues. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 261 [361] Modern Latin America and the Revolutionary Tradition (1)

An analysis of the role of revolutionary change in modern Latin American history which emphasizes the major social and political revolutions in Mexico and Cuba and which examines the impact of Peronismo in Argentina, the military "revolution" in Peru in the 1960s and the more recent Sandinista regime in Nicaragua. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 265 [381] The Middle East in the Twentieth Century (1)

A study of the history of the Middle East from the collapse of the Ottoman Empire until the present day. The course offers an introduction to the geography, ethnography, and religions of the region, followed by an investigation of British and French colonialism and the inter-war independence struggles in the area. Emphasis is also placed on the growth of modern Middle Eastern states and societies after 1945, with particular focus on the topics of nationalism, modernization, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iranian revolution, and the Gulf War. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 270 Practice of History Seminar (1)

A study of what history is and what the historian does. Through an examination of some of the classics of historical writing, attention is given to perspectives of the various historians and to the changing nature of the questions they have sought to answer. By preparing their own research paper, students are also exposed to contemporary methods and techniques of historical writing and research. Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing or consent.

 

HI 283 [383] Modern China (1)

An introduction to Chinese history from the Manchu conquest in the 17th century to the People's Republic. Emphasis is on the changing social, economic, and political structure of Chinese society and how the Chinese explained to themselves the changes taking place in their society. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 284 [384] Modern Japan (1)

An introduction to Japanese history from the emergence of military rule in the 13th century to the post World War II democratic experience. Emphasis is on the changing social, economic, and political structure of Japanese society and how the Japanese explained to themselves the changes taking place in their society. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 288 [388] Remembering World War II (A): The War in Asia and the Pacific (1)

How World War II in Asia and the Pacific are remembered in several countries, including China, Japan, Korea, and the United States. Using a variety of literary (novels, poetry, and memoirs), artistic (film and painting), and architectural (monuments, memorials, and museums) evidence, we explore the legacy and memories of World War II in these various countries, consider some of the many issues related to self representation and historical memory, and examine how different cultures with widely divergent pasts and traditions come to shape memory and guilt. Also listed as HON 388, this course may be counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course requirements.

 

HI 289 [389] Remembering World War II (B): The War in Europe and the Holocaust (1)

How World War II in Europe and the Holocaust are remembered in several countries. Using a variety of literary (novels, poetry and memoirs), artistic (film and painting), and architectural (monuments, memorials, and museums) evidence, we explore the legacy and memories of World War II in these various countries, consider some of the many issues related to self representation and historical memory, and examine how different cultures with widely divergent pasts and traditions come to shape memory and guilt. Countries to be studied are chosen from among the following: Germany, France, Poland, Russia/Soviet Union, and the United States. Also listed as HON 389, this course may be counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course requirements. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

300 level
Courses focused temporally or topically; monograph material and primary sources; research paper required; At least sophomore standing.

HI 300 Colonial America (1)

A study of the English colonies in America from their origins to the eve of the Revolution, with special emphasis on the development of social, economic, and political institutions. Problems regarding the nature of colonial society are examined in some detail. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 301 The American Revolution and the Federalist Period, 1763-1801 (1)

A study of the American Revolution, the creation of the new federal government, and the crucial early years of the young nation. Emphasis on three problems: the causes and nature of the Revolution, the struggle over the Constitution, and the emergence of political parties. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 303 Civil War and Reconstruction (1)

The development of the American Republic in the nineteenth century with emphasis on westward expansion, the rise of sectionalism, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction years. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 304 Minorities in America (1)

An analysis of the impact of immigration and minority groups upon the growth of the American character. Emphasis is placed on the African-American experience. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 319 America, 1900 1940 (1)

A study of the United States from 1900 to 1940, with emphasis on political, social, and intellectual aspects of the Progressive movement, World War I, the Twenties, the Depression, and the New Deal. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 320 America since 1940 (1)

The transformation of the United States since 1940, with emphasis upon the political and social aftermath of World War II, the expansion of the American economy in the 1950s and 1960s, social movements of the 1960s, and the era of disillusionment following Vietnam and Watergate in the 1970s. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 325 Constitutional History of the United States I (1)

The origins and development of the Constitution of the United States to Reconstruction. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between constitutional principles and political, economic, and social conditions as seen in the rise of our popular democracy, the control of interstate commerce, the extension of executive authority, and in federal-state relationships. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 326 Constitutional History of the United States II (1)

A study of the development of the Constitution of the United States since Reconstruction. Topics examined include the regulation of interstate commerce, the Constitution and the two world wars, the New Deal, civil rights, the Warren court, the Watergate affair, and the recent transition to conservative constitutionalism. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 330 Religion in America (1)

An analysis of the impact of religious thought upon the development of American society. The course is taught cooperatively by the faculties of religion and history. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing. (Also listed as RE 330.)

 

HI 341 [313] The Renaissance and Reformation (1)

A study of the history of Europe from the end of the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the Reformation and Counter Reformation. Special emphasis is placed on the rise of humanism and the relationship between religious ideas and social, political, and cultural change. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 342 [315] French Revolution and Napoleon (1)

Analysis of the causes and course of the Revolution in France and the spread of revolutionary ideas and institutions in Europe, 1789 1815. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 343 [316] Europe in the Nineteenth Century (1)

Diplomatic and domestic political development in the major European countries from 1815 to 1914. Special emphasis is placed on the problems of nationalism and of political reform and revolution. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 344 [317] Europe, 1914 1945 (1)

The development of the major European countries and of international relations in the era of the world wars. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 345 [318] Europe after 1945 (1)

Divided Europe in the contemporary era: political and social developments within the major states; movement toward Western European unity; the "people's democracies" in Eastern Europe; the Cold War and detente. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 346 [375] Soviet Russia (1)

The political and social development of the Soviet Union and its relations with the world from the revolution of 1917 to the collapse of the Soviet system in 1991. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 347 [311] Britain in the Twentieth Century (1)

Transition from empire to commonwealth, the Irish problem, two world wars and their consequences, reform, life and letters in England from 1901 to the recent past (a Leadership Studies designated course). Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 348 [379] Modern Germany, 1870 to the Present (1)

The political development of Germany since 1870: national unification, Germany's role in the two world wars, the Nazi period, West and East Germany after 1945, unified Germany since 1990. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 382 Disputers of the Tao: Major Texts in the Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist Traditions in East Asia (1)

The historical development of the major philosophical and religious traditions of East Asia Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism taught through the reading of a selection of their fundamental texts. The focus will be the texts, the major doctrines and schools of these traditions, and the patterns of their historical development in China, India, Japan, and Korea. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 385 The People's Republic of China (1)

An assessment of the history of the Chinese Communist Revolutionary movement from its inception to the present. Key topics include the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, the Democracy Movement, and various attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to transform the economic, social, intellectual, and political landscape of "traditional" China according to the competing visions-within the Party-of the nature, means, and goals of Marxist-Leninist Revolution. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 386 Japan in the Twentieth Century (1)

An analysis of the political, social, and economic history of "Showa" (1912 1989) Japan, and an attempt to place Japan's recent economic and political emergence on the world stage in the context of the problem and process of modernization. Also a strong focus on Japan's wars in Asia and the pacific, their consequences on Japan and their meaning for Japanese today. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 387 Western Images of Asia (1)

A multimedia exploration of Western attitudes about the "orient." By reading scholarly and fictional texts and carefully viewing the visual arts, this class analyzes the development of Western attitudes toward the "east," beginning with important medieval explorers and concluding with our present concern with the Japanese and Chinese. Also listed as HON 387, this course may be counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course requirements. Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

 

HI 393 Independent Study (½ or 1)

Directed readings and inquiry into selected historical problems and areas. (Upon demand and at convenience of the instructor.) Prerequisite: At least sophomore standing.

400 level

HI 470 Senior Research Symposium (1)

Selected topics in history and historiography, varying from year to year with participation by members of the department; seminar sessions, reading, and research. Prerequisite: Consent.

 

HI 498 Teaching Experience in History (1)

With the approval of the faculty advisor, qualified students may register for this course for one term only.