History (HI)
Bachelor of Arts
Division of Humanities

Randall Law, V. Markham Lester, Matthew Levey, William E. Nicholas,
Samuel N. Stayer

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.

Major Requirements

The following courses are required (11 units):

• HI 102 and (103 or 110) or HI 181 and 182
• HI 151
• HI 152
• HI 270 (normally completed in the sophomore or junior year)
• HI 470
• five elective units, two at the 200 level and three at the 300 level. Of these five units, at least one must be in United States history, one in European history, and one 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

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.)

100 Level

Courses dealing with events and processes that affect human societies over long periods of time and across broad geographical areas not confined to national boundaries; mostly textbook oriented with some primary sources; short non-research writing assignments.

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 )
An examination of the leadership of several important figures in western history from the Reformation to the Second World War. Previous topics have included Martin Luther (1483-1546), Elizabeth I (1533-1603), Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), and Winston Churchill (1874-1965). Also, students will be a part of a group that will research and report on the life of another leader of their choice. Through the study of this diverse group of leaders, students will gain an awareness of the historical periods in which these individuals lived and learn about biography as an historical genre. Students will also be introduced to modern theories of leadership and will be challenged to apply these theories to the leaders studied. This course fulfills the Disciplinary Foundations requirement in history, the Intercultural Foundations requirement, and one of the requirements for a major in history or a joint major in history and political science.

HI 120 The History of Terrorism (1)
An examination of the history of terrorism with the twin goals of explaining its contemporary prevalence and its historical significance. Emphasis will be placed on the political, social, and cultural contexts of terrorism and political violence; critical, literary, and popular responses to terrorism; changing definitions of terrorism; and the interrelationship between terrorism and modernity. Particular attention will be paid to revolutionary terrorism in Europe and Russia in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; ethno-nationalist terrorism in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa in the second-half of the twentieth century; anti-imperialist and left-wing terrorism in the 1960s and 1970s; and the recent upsurge in religiously-inspired terrorism.

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 East Asian Civilization I: Introduction to Chinese Civilization (1)
A comprehensive introduction to the history of Chinese civilization from its beginnings to the 17 th century. Key topics include the formation of ancient Chinese civilization, the growth and development of the three main traditions of learning and religion (Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism), the evolution of China's imperial system of government, patterns of land tenure, the development of commercialized agriculture and urban centers, and the ways in which Chinese historians have written about their national past (an IC designated course). Fall; offered as a First-Year Foundations course in even-numbered years.

HI 182 East Asian Civilization II: Introduction to Japanese Civilization (1)
A comprehensive introduction to the history of Japanese civilization from its beginnings to the 17 th century. Key topics include the formation and evolution of Japan's imperial system, the "way of the warrior" (bushido), the evolution of Buddhism and Confucianism in relation to the native "Shinto" tradition, patterns of land tenure, the transition from rule by civilian aristocrats to the emergence of military rule, and the ways in which Japanese historians have written about their national past (an IC designated course). Spring; offered as a First-Year Foundations course in odd-numbered years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 (an IC designated course). Also listed as HON 230, this course may be counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course requirements. (Also listed as EH 230.) Prerequisite: EH 102 or 208.

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 (an IC designated course). Also listed as HON 231, this course may be counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course requirements. (Also listed as EH 231.) Prerequisite: EH 102 or 208.

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.

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 (an IC designated course).

HI 245 Russian Civilization (1)
An introduction to the history of Russia and its distinctive political, social, and cultural institutions and expressions, from the formation of Russia in the first millennium common era through the breakup of the Soviet Union (an IC designated course).

HI 248 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 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 (an IC designated course). 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 (an IC designated course).

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 282 [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 (an IC designated course). Prerequisite: at least sophomore standing.

HI 283 [383] Modern China (1)
An introduction to Chinese history from the Manchu conquest in the seventeenth 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.

HI 284 [384] Modern Japan (1)
An introduction to Japanese history from the emergence of military rule in the thirteenth 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.

HI 287 [387] Western Images of Asia (1)
A multimedia exploration of Western attitudes about the “orient.” Through scholarly and fictional texts and a careful viewing of visual arts, this course analyzes the development of Western attitudes toward the “east,” beginning with medieval explorers and concluding with our present concerns with the Japanese and Chinese (an IC designated course). Also listed as HON 287, this course may be counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course requirements. 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 is 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 (an IC designated course). Also listed as HON 288, 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 (an IC designated course). Also listed as HON 289, this course may be counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course requirements.

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 (an IC designated course). 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 (an IC designated course). 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 (an IC designated course). (Also listed as RE 330.) Prerequisite: at least sophomore standing.

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 (an IC designated course). 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 Russia in the Twentieth Century (1)
A study of Russia and its transition in the 20 th century from a “backward behemoth,” to the world’s first socialist state, and finally to a struggling post-communist nation. Topics include the crises of late Imperial Russia, the Russian Revolution, Stalinism, official and popular culture in the Soviet Union, the construction of “mature socialism,” and the collapse of the U.S.S.R. 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 349 The Cold War (1)
A study of the Cold War from both the U.S. and Soviet perspectives, from its origins during the closing days of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Emphasis is placed on the Cold War’s political and cultural impact on the home fronts, as well as the interrelationship between foreign and domestic policy. 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 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)
The senior capstone seminar, in which students write a major research paper on a topic of their choice with approval by the history faculty. Students will present their research in a senior conference, fulfilling the Scholarship Foundations graduation requirement. Prerequisite: approval of research topic by history faculty.

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.