Special Topic Courses - FALL 2009
HIST 261.001 – ST: History of Modern East Asia (Gao) (3)This course assesses comparatively the histories of China, Japan, and Korea from the 19th century to the present and explores the transition from traditional to modern East Asia. The course focuses especially on the major social, political, economic, and intellectual developments in these countries. It will examine the processes which led to the decline of the East Asian empires, the rise of the Western presence in the region, the emergence of Asian nationalism, and the reemergence of independent Asian culture and states in recent decades.
HIST 270.001 - ST: Ancient Egypt: Land, Environment and History (Piccione) (3)
This course studies with circumspection the role of environment in the formation of ancient Egyptian history and civilization. It surveys the geography and topography of the Nile Valley--river, flood plain and deserts, how the Egyptians adapted and exploited these and were affected by them. Using ancient inscriptions and modern archaeological, geomorphological and palaeoecological surveys, the course analyzes issues of flood cycle, agriculture, demography, economy, the Nile as means of communication, transportation, and irrigation, and the extent to which flood levels, environmental anomalies, weather, etc., affected the course of Egyptian history.
HIST 270.002 - ST: Medieval Mediterranean World (Garceau) (3)
The Worlds of Pagans, Christians, Jews, and Muslims: The Medieval Mediterranean, contact, conflict, and cohabitation. An overview of the Medieval Mediterranean as a place of social interaction, we explore ancient views of the sea and its centrality to the Greek and Roman worlds, and then move to its role in the spread of Islam and the Christian crusading movement. Other topics include the Franks in the Levant, the expansion of the Crown of Aragon, trade between cultures, Jews, Muslims, and the ‘reconquest’, and pirates. Primary and secondary English sources used.
HIST 320.090 – ST: Charleston Architecture ( Stockton) (3) A study of Charleston's built environment, placed in the context of Western architectural history. The classical origin of the city plan; the evolution of the single house; the development of the piazza; the influence of Palladio; the "Englishness" of Charleston architecture; influences from the West Indies, Africa, Asia; Charleston's place in American architecture; the ultimate uniqueness of the city -- all are explored.
HIST 350.001 – ST: Comparative Nationalism (Gigova) (3) Nationalism today is as strong and viable as when it burst on the European scene in the early 1800s. We see daily symbolic, diplomatic and violent clashes around the world, fueled by religious, economic and social inequalities, but framed in nationalist terms. In this course we will try to understand the ubiquity of nationalism in the modern world. Through theory and case studies, we will examine nationalism’s origins and manifestations across geographical and temporal borders, and the models scholars have developed to explain its appeal and contemplate its future.
HIST 350.002 – ST: Hitler & Stalin (Bodek) (3) The Stalinist and Nazi Regimes mark the nadir of Twentieth Century European Politics and Society. This course will examine their respective rises to power, leaderships, systems of governance, culture, everyday life, institutions of terror, aggression, and treatment of minorities. These structures will help us to explore their similarities and differences.
History 350.003 ST:Gandhi and King: Non-violent Resistance (Diamond) (3) This course will introduce you to Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., two celebrated historical figures and peace activists that have significantly influenced our world through non-violent resistance. We will examine their lives, ideas, and actions, and we will analyze these individuals as part of larger social justice movements -- including the Indian nationalist movement and the US Civil Rights Movement. The assigned readings will provide historical background and further insights, and include speeches, memoirs, film, and literature.
HIST 410.001 – Research Seminar: ( Poole) (3) Religion has played a complex role in American historical experience. In American history, religion has been entwined with the complexities of political life, economic trends, gender identities and sexuality, and the concept of race and racism. Students will explore the theoretical foundation for the study of American religion as well as come to understand some of its basic themes. The course will be centered around the preparation of a significant piece of original research that will explore how the historical relationship between religion and American society.
HIST 441.001 – Research Seminar: Fairies, Fantasy, and Folklore--Popular Beliefs in European History (Delay) (3) In this seminar, which is the capstone experience for History majors, advanced undergraduate students will conduct independent and original research projects focusing on the theme of popular beliefs in European history. Course meetings will be discussion-based and will feature an analysis of readings on the theory and historiography of popular beliefs, including popular religion, magic, fairy belief, and folklore, in European history. Students will research and write seminar papers under the professor’s supervision; in these papers, students will be expected to develop and defend their own arguments and interpretations.
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