Course Descriptions

Please refer to the current Academic Bulletin for the most updated list of course descriptions for this major

HIST 101 History of World Civilization I
3 Semester Credit Hours

A survey of the important world civilizations from ancient times through the beginnings of European colonization. Offered every Fall.

HIST 102 History of World Civilization II
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course will carry the development of the growing interdependence of the world cultures down to the present day. Offered every Spring.

HIST 111 Survey of American History I
3 Semester Credit Hours

The political, institutional, social and cultural development of the American nation from the Colonial Period through Reconstruction (1877). Offered every Fall. NOTE: Incoming freshman with an ACT Reading of 20 or below or SAT critical reading of 500 or below must also take HIST 114 concurrently with HIST 111.

HIST 112 Survey of American History II
3 Semester Credit Hours

The political, institutional, social and cultural development of the American nation from 1877 to the present. Offered every Spring.

HIST 114 Survey of American History I Laboratory
1 Semester Credit Hour

For incoming freshmen with an ACT Reading of 20 or below or SAT critical reading of 500 or below. Must be taken concurrently with HIST 111.

HIST 200 Historical Methods
3 Semester Credit Hours

The course will comprise an introduction to concepts, methods and issues history. We will examine the differing approaches to the past, the ways historical interpretations have changed (and how those changes are related to contemporary concerns), and the ways that historical training can be put to use in the real world. This course is required for majors and recommended for minors. Offered during Fall of even years.

HIST 310 20th Century Russia
3 Semester Credit Hours

Russian development since the 1905 Revolution, emphasizing initially the Communist struggle for power and stability, foreign policy and economic planning. The latter part of the course examines the collapse of the USSR and the evolving of Eastern Europe. Offered on an irregular basis.

HIST 311 History of the South
3 Semester Credit Hours

The unique nature of the South’s historical experiences with concentration upon contemporary political, economic and social problems. Offered on an irregular basis

HIST 315 Renaissance and Reformation
3 Semester Credit Hours

The transition in Europe from 1300 through 1648 with emphasis upon the outstanding secular and religious movements and institutions. Offered on an irregular basis

HIST 331 Colonial Period of the United States
3 Semester Credit Hours

Development of the American colonies from the perspectives of politics, economics, society and religion and an examination of the causes of the American Revolution. Offered on an irregular basis

HIST 332 International Relations
3 Semester Credit Hours

Students will master the basic theories of the modern state system and national power as they relate to the international community and its organization. Students will incrementally improve their writing skills with two position papers. HIST 332 is cross-listed with POLS 332. This course is offered every three years.

HIST 333 The American Civil War and Reconstruction
3 Semester Credit Hours

The causes of the Civil War and its impact on the nation through the Reconstruction Period; i.e., an analysis of the era as the beginning of modern America. Offered on an irregular basis

HIST 334 History of Europe 1900-1945
3 Semester Credit Hours

A study of the political, economic, social, diplomatic and artistic changes, which occurred from 1900 – 1945. Emphasis on Western Europe. Offered on an irregular basis

HIST 335 History of Europe 1945 to Present
3 Semester Credit Hours

A study of the political, economic, social, diplomatic and artistic changes, which have occurred from 1945 to present with an emphasis on decolonization and European unification. Offered on an irregular basis

HIST 341 American Diplomatic History
3 Semester Credit Hours

History of the foreign policy of the United States with attention to the organizational and constitutional provision for its conduct. Cross-listed with POLS 341. This course is offered every three years.

HIST 352 Constitutional Law I
3 Semester Credit Hours

Major constitutional principles and decisions, and the consequences of rulings within the context of American history, colonial period through Reconstruction. History 111 or companion course as a recommended prerequisite. Cross-listed with POLS 352. Offered every other year.

HIST 353 Constitutional Law II
3 Semester Credit Hours

Major constitutional principles and decisions, and the consequences of rulings within the context of American history, late Reconstruction Period to the present. HIST 112 and/or HIST/POLS 352 as recommended prerequisite courses. Cross-reference with POLS 353. Offered every other year.

HIST 355 History of Kentucky
3 Semester Credit Hours

The development of Kentucky life and achievement, with an investigation of its contribution to national history. Comparisons of Kentucky and other states are given some attention. Offered every other Fall.

HIST 360 History of Greece and Rome
3 Semester Credit Hours

History of the eastern Mediterranean from the Neolithic Period, with special focus on the Greek City-states, through the rise of Rome and its ultimate empire in the western Mediterranean. An in-depth examination of the foundations of Western civilization including the literary, historical, philosophical and artistic monuments of the Greco-Roman tradition. Six hours of introductory-level history required. Offered on an irregular basis.

HIST 361 The American Presidency
3 Semester Credit Hours

A study of the institution of the presidency and presidential roles in American politics: the selection process, popular leadership, development of legislative programs, implementation of public policy and the President’s relations with Congress, the bureaucracy and the courts. Cross-listed with POLS 361. Prerequisite: POLS 101. Offered during the Fall campaign of Presidential election.

HIST 370 The Middle East, Past and Present
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course covers the Middle East from earliest times to the present. The course emphasizes, but is not restricted to, the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Offered on an irregular basis

HIST 375 African-American History
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course will examine the origins and evolution of African-American culture in America. We will study the political, economic and social aspect of African-American life, as well as African-American scientific, philosophical, literary and artistic attainments. Offered on an irregular basis.

HIST 380 History of American Political Theory
3 Semester Credit Hours

An analytical study of American political thought and its impact upon our political institutions. Prerequisite: POLS 101. Cross-listed with POLS 380. Offered every three years.

HIST 381 History of England I
3 Semester Credit Hours

The rise and development of the British nation (with emphasis on institutional, economic, social and religious aspects) from earliest times through 1715. Offered on an irregular basis.

HIST 382 History of England II
3 Semester Credit Hours

The development of the British nation (with emphasis on institutional, economic, social and religious aspects) from 1715 to the present. Offered on an irregular basis.

HIST 388 The Sixties: A Time of Turmoil
3 Semester Credit Hours

This course will focus on the rise and fall of social movements, beginning with the 1950s and ending with the conservative reaction in the second half of the 1970s. Civil Rights, women‘s, gay/lesbian, anti-war and Christian Right movements will all be analyzed. Offered every three years. Cross-listed with POLS 388.

HIST 390 Topics in History
3 Semester Credit Hours

Subject matter will vary, depending on instructor and student interest. The schedule of course offerings will specify the subject of the course. Some topics have been “Women’s History” and ―History of America at War: Five Case Studies.

HIST 395 Modern Environmental History
3 Semester Credit Hours

Environmental History will examine the legacy and impact of how societies have evolved, fallen, and destroyed themselves or—as in our case—have fought back to save themselves and repair the damage is a valuable base of knowledge for the modern undergraduate. Moreover, the class crosses the natural science and history disciplines forcing and encouraging students to see the complexities and cross disciplinary nature of life and our daily actions. We will read and engage with current trends and topics, placing them in to a larger historical perspective and change and evolution. Prerequisite: One natural science course and Junior status. Offered irregularly online.

HIST 400 Senior Seminar
3 Semester Credit Hours

HIST 400 is a capstone experience required for all seniors majoring in history. Students will be expected to attend a major regional or national conference in political science or history, and complete a senior paper or project tied in some way to one of the panels attended. A rubric explaining evaluation expectations will be given to students. Papers and projects will be scholarly in nature and presented at the annual Celebration of Student Achievement in April. Offered every Fall.

HIST 401 The United States, 1900-1945
3 Semester Credit Hours

An in-depth examination of the political, economic, social and diplomatic changes taking place in the United States from the beginnings of the Progressive Era to the end of World War II. Offered on an irregular basis.

HIST 402 The United States Since 1945
3 Semester Credit Hours

A study of the many factors that have shaped the contemporary United States. Offered on an irregular basis.

HIST 454 Independent Study
1-3 Semester Credit Hours

Upper level history majors work on special research or reading problems.

HIST 495 Practicum in History
3 Semester Credit Hours

A career-oriented program which gives the student an opportunity to work in a history-related professional activity for a semester, such as the Kentucky Room of the Owensboro-Daviess County Library, the Owensboro Area Museum or similar location. Students will receive experience in a variety of professional and pre-professional responsibilities.