History (HISU)

HISU 101 United States History Survey I

This course traces the economic, social, political, and cultural development of the United States from the Age of Discovery through the end of the Civil War. Students will address colonization, British colonial policies, natural law, revolution, Republicanism, democracy, slavery, sectionalism, Manifest Destiny, and states’ rights versus federal law. Students will have the opportunity to both explore historical events and analyze their influence over time. 3 credits.

HISU 103 United States History Survey II

This course highlights basic issues of American life, culture, society, and economics from the roots of Reconstruction to 9/11, while considering the following questions: Who is an American? How have we evolved as a nation? How has that definition changed over time? And how do we balance the fundamental diversity that is quintessentially American with the need for a common core of beliefs and institutions? 3 credits.

HISU 105 The Rise of World Civilizations I

The course covers world pre-history through the Middle Ages, emphasizing significant discoveries in paleontology, paleoanthropology, and archaeology, the earliest centers of civilization, the beginnings of civic culture in Asia and the Mediterranean world, the origins and impact of the great world religions, and the intellectual and artistic achievements of medieval India, China, and Japan, Europe, and pre-Columbian America. World physical and historical geography forms a major component of this course. 3 credits.

HISU 319 Modern European History

This course surveys the history of Modern Europe from the Age of Enlightenment to date. Students will explore a number of major events, including the French, Industrial and Russian Revolutions, the birth of capitalism and other ideologies, The Age of Imperialism, the World Wars, Decolonization, the Cold War, the end of Communism and the European Union. This course will focus the lives of people during eras of transition while examining demographic change, political and economic revolution and interrelationships of different nations within Europe. 3 credits.

HISU 329 Experimental Topics in History

An examination of selected topics in History relevant to evolving areas in the field. Syllabi must be approved by the Dean and announced to the Curriculum and Academic Committee prior to being offered. May be repeated for credit provided that the course content is different each time. 3 credits.

HISU 330 America and Its Revolution: The Bonfires of Change

Students examine one of the most tumultuous times in American history and analyze and interpret the events that form the foundation, not only of our system of democracy, but much of our identity as Americans. 3 credits.

HISU 337 World War II

This course examines the significant diplomatic, political, social, cultural, and military events of WWII from a global perspective. Students analyze fascism, capitalism, communism, colonialism, and the principal figures who advocated them. 3 credits.

HISU 355 History of the Vietnam Conflict

Plato wrote: "Only the dead have seen the end of war." This course is created to provide a well told story about the causes, main events and the impact of the Vietnam Conflict. Students will trace the events, decisions and results of America's involvement in Southeast Asia. Military, social, economic and political historical analysis of the era will be a key element in the research and assignments the students will produce. 3 credits.

HISU 358 United States History and Democracy

Prerequisite: ENGU 103.

This course provides an overview of United States history from pre- colonization until the Industrial Revolution. It focuses on the importance of democracy and the Constitution as they relate to events and trends in our nation's history. An emphasis is placed on the provisions of the U.S. Constitution and the democratic principles that serve as the foundation of our political system. Students will examine these principles and how they are applied in social, legal and political contexts. 3 credits.

HISU 360 World History and Geography

Prerequisite: ENGU 103.

This course is an overview of world history from antiquity to the early modern era. Students will examine ancient, medieval and early modern civilizations, the factors that influenced the development of these civilizations and the ways in which they have contributed to the development of our modern global world. Geography, as it relates to human settlement, migration, and cultural diaspora, is also explored. 3 credits.

HISU 372 California History

In this in-depth study of California from its discovery in 1542 to the present, students attempt to answer the question: How has the Golden State changed? The roles of mining, Indians, agriculture, high technology, Japanese/American relations, and the missions system are considered. 3 credits.

HISU 380 The American West: Miners, Cowhands, Homesteaders, and Gunslingers

This course presents the Westward Expansion of the United States beginning with 17th Century Colonial America up to the early 20th century. Topics to be covered will include the Trans-Mississippi Movement, cultural conflicts, myths and realities, religious factors, gender roles, economic development, technological advances, and political opportunities. 3 credits.

HISU 390 Modern Latin American History

This course surveys the history of Latin America from 1820 and examines the roots of social, economic, and political change in the region. Students will discuss the contradictions of liberalism, the widening gap between elite and indigenous populations, the attempt to compete globally, and the numerous military dictatorships of the modern era. 3 credits.

HISU 499 Independent Study

Prerequisites: Instructor's approval and approval of petition.

Directed readings and/or research designed to meet specific needs of superior upper division students. 1-3 credits.