Course Descriptions (Per Subject)

HIST 101.  Medieval Lives in Love and War.  4.
This course examines the many changes in medieval Europe, centered around the idea of a Christian Empire in Europe from the time of Charlemagne in the 9th century to the mid-15th century. Through a close reading of sources in law, literature, religion, and biography, students explore a variety of topics: intercultural exchange, religious diversity, the papacy, crusades, feudalism, romance, and medieval art. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019). HP Prerequisite: ENGL 102

HIST 102.  The Web of Europe since 1400.  4. 
This course investigates the genesis and movements of the modern period, from the Renaissance to the fall of the Iron Curtain. On the basis of contemporary documents, students will discuss such issues as nationalism, the Reformation, absolutism, religion in the Age of Reason, egalitarianism and totalitarianism. Fulfills humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (2019).

HIST 103.  U.S. Origins: From Pre-Colonial Times to 1877.  4. 
This course begins by studying Native American cultures before European contact as well as emerging tensions as European populations migrated westward. Students analyze why the colonists revolted against Britain, how new democratic political institutions evolved, the complex place of African enslavement and how Reconstruction-era politics and reform traditions fostered a new industrialized nation state. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 104.  Modern Times: The U.S. from 1877 to the Present.  4. 
This course analyzes how the United States became a mature, industrialized consumer society, a haven for peoples from around the world, a welfare state and a global superpower. Studying both the benefits and costs of 20th century U.S. political and economic success enables students to understand some of the reasons why diverse social groups challenged the economic and political order. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 150.  Special Topics.  1-8. 
Topics may include: The French Revolution, Vietnam Wars, American Rivers, Latin American History in Film. These courses fulfill requirements for the history major and minor. May also be offered at 250, 350 and 450 levels.

HIST 164.  Asia Pacific in Modern Times.  4. 
This course provides a historical perspective on contemporary Asia Pacific by examining important themes in the history of this region since about 1800. It begins with an examination of the different ways in which China and Japan encountered and responded to Western challenges in the mid-nineteenth century, and proceeds to investigate why the two countries embarked on different paths to modernity: by the 1930s, China witnessed the rise of Communism, whereas Japan dived into a period of militarism and jingoism. Next, we will examine colonialism and the struggle for independence in Korea and Vietnam. In the second half of the course, we will revisit the above cases and explore how these various countries dealt with issues of economic reconstruction and political reconciliation under the post-1945 Cold War context. The course ends with a brief examination of some of the most controversial issues in contemporary Asia Pacific: war memories and the possibility of the revival of militarism, Cold War legacies and ethnic cleansing in some regions, individual rights and political authoritarianism, globalization and its problems, and so forth. The course fulfills the following requirements: Intercultural (1998 curriculum). Sociocultural Engagement (2009 curriculum). When HP precedes title, also fulfills Historical Perspectives (HP).

HIST 180: Introduction to Health Humanities     4 .
“Health” or “Medical Humanities” has become a field of growing importance. This course, through embodied practice and reading, allows us to consider these terms in a new way, also in relation to one another. More importantly, studying the history of health humanities and practicing them provide us the opportunity to experience the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Fulfills Embodied and Creative Engagement (ECE) requirement. Crosslists with HSCI 180.

HIST 188.  History of East Asia to 1800.  4. 
This course introduces students to major trends in East Asian (Chinese, Japanese and Korean) history prior to 1800. Major themes in the course include traditional philosophies and religions such as Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, formation of aristocratic empires, rise of new elites, interaction between sedentary and nomadic civilizations, cultural identities, technologies of rule and trading networks, and East Asia from a global perspective. Fulfills humanities and intercultural requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 205.  American Imperialism, American Progressive.  4. 
The years 1890-1925 witnessed tremendous upheavals as America became a world power abroad while at home, reform movements flourished alongside anti-immigrant campaigns, the lynching and disfranchisement of African-Americans, a widening gap between rich and poor, and a Red Scare. Students engage in a semester-long project to define this crucial era through the public writings of those who shaped it. Fulfills humanities requirements; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirements; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (2019).

HIST 212.  American Frontiers.  4. 
Defining frontiers as contested places where people met and struggled over control of natural resources, the labor necessary to exploit those resources and the right to define the boundaries of society, the course examines various frontier regions across North America from the late 18th century through the early 20th. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and social justice/ environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 214.  The First World War.  4. 
The First World War represents a turning point in world history. The conflict eroded empires, shattered the international order, unleashed the deadly potential of modern economies and technologies, and propelled sweeping social change. This course analyzes the causes, course, and consequence of the Great War. It focuses on military and diplomatic developments and on the social, economic, and technological aspect of the war. We will explore these aspects of the conflict and its legacy through lectures, regular discussions, secondary readings, and through the analysis of primary documents. Fulfills humanities requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirements (2019).

HIST 215.  The Civil Rights Movement.  4. 
Critically examines the reform movement that ended legal racial segregation, secured African American voting rights and renewed the quest for political empowerment, economic reform and social justice in the United States between 1948 and 1972. Includes discussion of related movements: black nationalism, black power, women’s liberation, community control and the war on poverty. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 218.  Legacies of History: The Case of California Indians.  4. 
This course tracks California history from the time before memory to present, and specifically engages the relationships between California Indians, settler colonial society, the power of the state, and the contested terrain of public memory. The course takes a presentist perspective, historicizing a number of critical contemporary issues facing California Indians, such as sovereignty, land use, casino gaming, disenrollment, recognition, political influence, public memory, and the relationships between Indian communities and academics. Fulfills humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (2019).

HIST 219.  The Age of Dictators: Europe, 1920s-30s.  4. 
This course focuses on one of the most turbulent and significant periods of modern European history: the period between the two World Wars from approximately 1919 to 1939. The course will deal primarily with the Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and France, though students may explore other nations through independent research projects. Fulfills arts/humanities requirement (2019).

HIST 210: Monuments, Museums, and Politics.   4 .
This course explores conflicts over monuments, museums, public naming practices, and other evocations of the past in American society. We will begin with the premise that history is a story we tell about the past, not the past itself. History is therefore always produced in the present, under particular social and political conditions. It is always political, since it’s always embedded in power relations. Through public history (history conveyed in public places), social groups assert their place in the public sphere, making claims about who belongs and who doesn’t. Dominant and subordinate groups compete over narratives, space, and meaning. The production of public history has as much to do with the present and future as it does with the past. It raises fundamental questions about society and identity. Who are we? What matters most to us? What is our relationship to this place? Who do we aspire to become? You will study specific commemorative projects, including war monuments and memorials. The assertion and critique of white supremacy will be a major theme.  The course crosslists with SOAN 210

HIST 221.  North Carolina History.  4. 
Explores the history of North Carolina from before the European invasion to the present, grappling with the idea and definition of immigrant, foreigner and outsider, as well as questions of regionalism, race, class, gender, religious difference, and ethnicity. Students will take a hands-on approach to the study of North Carolina history by using local archival and oral history collections. Fulfills humanities and social justice and environmental responsibility requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and social justice and environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements; when HP precedes title, only fulfills historical perspectives and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 223.  Gender and Power in U. S. History.  4. 
Analyzes how men and women with diverse social and ethnic roots participated in transforming gender norms, identities and power relationships in U.S. society from pre-colonial times to the present. Students examine how economic institutions, political debates, legal decisions, changing sexual patterns and social activism have all contributed to redefining social expectations and daily life in contemporary U.S. culture. Fulfills humanities and diversity in the U.S. requirements (1998). Arts/humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 225.  African American History (AFAM 225).  4. 
Examines major themes such as the African heritage, slavery, emancipation, Reconstruction, migrations, labor, criminal justice, black nationalism, the Civil Rights Movement and current issues. Fulfills humanities and diversity in the U.S requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 227.  Urban Environmental History.  4. 
This course uses three urban case studies as lenses to explore urban environmental history. By restricting the focus to three cities, the course explores each deeply. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements. When HP precedes title, fulfills Historical Perspectives requirement (2019).

HIST 233.  Medieval Civilization: Crusades and Chivalry.  4. 
This course investigates medieval civilization through some of its most intriguing characters crusaders, pilgrims and knights. The course also will explore developments in medieval church and religion, issues of international law or human rights, religious and ethnic diversity, social class and privilege, and the romance and ethics of knighthood and courtly love. Fulfills humanities requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement. When HP precedes title, fulfills Historical Perspectives requirement (2019).

HIST 235.  The Renaissance in Florence (ART 235).  4. 
The course discusses the history of Renaissance Florence, its economy, society, politics and culture, in relation to the other major Italian city-states. A main theme of the course is how politics and religion combine during this time and find their expression in art and culture. Fulfills arts requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/ humanities requirement (2019).

HIST 236.  Reformation: Luther to Fox (REL 236).  4. 
The course is designed to introduce students to a basic understanding of events and ideas during the tumultuous era of religious and social change in Europe, from 1500 to 1660, from Martin Luther to George Fox. A focal point of the readings will be the view of community held by reformers and their followers, in a religious, political, and social sense. Fulfills humanities requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019). Cross-listed as REL 236.

HIST 237.  Europe in Revolution, 1789-1914.  4. 
A study of the main issues in 19th-century Western Europe industrialization, shift from monarchy to constitutional government, growth of nationalism, socialism and imperialism and their impact on Europe by the eve of the war in 1914. Fulfills humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (2019).

HIST 238.  War and Peace: 20th-Century Europe, 1914-1999.  4. 
This course compares different European countries and examines their relations with each other in a very ideologically driven century. While the course emphasizes politics and diplomacy, peace, war and socio- economic developments, it will also consider the history of the arts, science and technology, women, the environment, business, religion, ideas, law, culture and biography. Fulfills humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement; when HP precedes title, fulfills historical perspectives requirement (2019).

HIST 241.  Africa Before 1800.  4. 
An overview of African history before European colonial rule, focusing on the Iron Age and related civilizations. Introduces the history of such ancient kingdoms and empires as Tekrur, Mali and Songhai, Benin, Oyo and Asante, the Swahili coast, the Kongo and Zimbabwe. Also explores the impact of the European and Arab slave trades. Fulfills humanities and intercultural requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 242.  Africa Since 1800.  4. 
A survey of Africa from the European colonial era to the emergence of African nationalism and modern times. Examines the impact of foreign rule on Africa's economic, social, cultural and political history. Focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, exploring change in the southern region from both pan-African and global perspectives. Fulfills humanities and intercultural requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 245.  Europe since World War II.  4. 
This class traces the political, diplomatic, economic, and socio-cultural development of Eastern and Western Europe from the close of World War II in 1945 to European unification and the transition from communism in the late 20th and the early 21st centuries. It also sheds light on the emergence of mass consumerism, immigration and the tensions of multiculturalism, and the nature of everyday life in Western and in Eastern Europe. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and requirement (2019).

HIST 250.  Special Topics.  1-8.  

HIST 255.  The Second World War.  4. 
This course examines the developments of the Second World War, and the wars impact on states, societies and international relations. It especially contrasts contingency in negotiations and on the battlefield on the one hand, with more inflexible causes in culture and economics on the other. Fulfills humanities requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement (2019).

HIST 260.  Independent Study.  1-8. 
May also be offered at 360 and 460 levels. Involves weekly meetings with departmental advisors and an oral or written examination.

HIST 266.  Modern China in Film.  4. 
Examines the dynamic changes that have occurred in Chinese society since the death of Mao Zedong in 1976. Using Chinese feature films produced since the 1980s, the course examines how economic reform has dramatically changed Chinese society and focuses on the relationship between art and politics in the People’s Republic. Fulfills intercultural requirement (1998). Fulfills sociocultural engagement requirement (2019).

HIST 268.  Gender and Sexuality in Chinese History.  4. 
Traces the history of gender relations and sexuality in China from the imperial age, when for a woman to be without ability [was] a virtue, through a revolutionary era (1850-1950), which broadened women’s options, to the socialist period, in which women [were said to] hold up half the sky. For each of these three periods, the course examines the multiple factors that shaped gender relations and sexuality in Chinese society. Fulfills intercultural requirement (1998). Fulfills sociocultural engagement requirement (2019).

HIST 271.  Colonial Latin America.  4. 
Explores Latin American history from the pre-Columbian era to independence in the early 19th century. The civilizations of the Aztec, Inca and Maya, the Spanish conquest, and the formation of the colonial institutions that underlie modern Latin American reality will be examined. Focuses will include racial, ethnic and gender relations, and the development of regional identities. Fulfills intercultural requirement (1998). Fulfills sociocultural engagement requirement (2019).

HIST 272.  Modern Latin America.  4. 
An introduction to the history of Latin America from the wars for independence from Spain through the current era of struggles over democratization and globalization. This course emphasizes the actions and ideologies of Latin Americans hacendados and peasants, masters and slaves, immigrants and indigenous peoples, elites and workers, politicians and the masses, militaries and guerillas, men and women in making their own history. Fulfills intercultural requirement (1998). Sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 276.  Civil War and Reconstruction.  4. 
Examines the Civil War and Reconstruction period broadly by paying particularly close attention to its causes and consequences nationally between 1812 and 1890. Fulfills humanities and social justice/ environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 283.  Silk & Silver: Imperial China.  4. 
Explores Chinese history from the time of Confucius to the mid-19th century. Themes include the struggle for unification, the interplay between Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist values, the Silk Road and its role in world history, the Mongol empire, China’s social organization patterns, gender relations, and artistic and scientific contributions to the world. Fulfills humanities and intercultural requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 284.  China in Revolution.  4. 
Analyzes the causes of five revolutions in 19th and 20th century China. Topics include the impact of Western imperialism on China, peasant uprisings, the nationalist struggle for strength and wealth, the rise of communism and efforts to create a socialist utopia under Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung) (1949-1976), and China’s reforms in the post-Mao era. Fulfills intercultural requirement (1998). Fulfills sociocultural engagement requirement (2019).

HIST 285.  Samurai in Word and Image.  4. 
The course examines medieval Japanese history through one of the most distinct elements of pre-20th century Japanese society the samurai warriors. We will discuss the origin, social composition, ethos, political positions, and popular perceptions of the samurai as reflected in historical texts, woodblock prints, as well as films. We will also analyze the ways in which the image of the samurai has been appropriated in the media and films to reflect the shifting cultural and political currents of modern times. Fulfills humanities and intercultural requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/ humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 286.  Japan: Road to War.  4. 
Examines Japan from the 1850s, when Commodore Perry opened Japan, until the early 1950s, when the Allied Occupation of Japan formally ended. Issues include the impact of the Meiji Restoration on Japanese politics and society, the rise of imperialism and militarism, the Pacific War and the legacy of military defeat and foreign occupation. Fulfills intercultural requirement (1998). Sociocultural engagement requirement (2019).

HIST 289.  The French Revolution and Napoleon.  4. 
Examines the French Revolution and Napoleon’s rule from 1789 to 1814, exploring origins of the revolution, its moderate and radical phases, the rise and fall of Napoleon, and the periods legacy. The course particularly illuminates tensions between tradition and change, democracy and dictatorship, justice and terror, and political ideologies and social realities. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 290.  Internship.  1-8. 
May also be offered at the 390 level.

HIST 308.  The Underground Railroad.  4. 
Examination of abolitionist activity in the U.S. between 1800 and 1865, emphasizing the historical context, scope and impact of efforts by diverse peoples who helped the enslaved escape to freedom in the northern states and Canada. Each student will help develop and participate in a re-enactment to illustrate how the Underground Railroad operated. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 310.  Advanced Seminar in Global History.  1-4. 
A seminar that takes a global, comparative perspective on a series of rotating themes. Sample topics include Citizenship, Revolution, Nationalism, Cities, and Education. Must be taken at Guilford College. Repeatable. Prerequisite: Historical Perspectives.

HIST 311.  The U.S. since 1945.  4. 
Analyzes recent significant events such as the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and its demise, and their effects on contemporary U.S. society. The course also discusses the recent movements for social justice for African Americans, industrial and service workers, women of all classes and ethnicities, gays and lesbians, and other ethnic groups. Fulfills humanities requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement (2019).

HIST 312.  Indians in American History since 1800.  4. 
Traces first the relationships between American Indians and the European colonial enterprises of the late 18th century and then explores in detail Indian efforts to chart their own path within an expansive and emerging United States over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the themes are dispossession, resistance, civilization, ecology and resource management, and meanings of tribal identity. Fulfills humanities and diversity in the U.S. requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and sociocultural engagement requirements (2019).

HIST 314.  Immigration & a Multicultural Europe, 1800-Present.  4. 
This class analyzes migration and immigration in Europe as both a cause and consequence of wider historical change from the Industrial Revolution in the early 1800s, through the upheaval of the World Wars, to the ethnic clashes of the 21st century. It will examine the engines of migration: the pull of employment, the push of poverty, the demands of terror and of war, the will of governments, and the choices of individuals. Further, it will consider how ethnicity, regionalism, nationalism, class, race and gender shaped the ability of immigrants to integrate into their new homes. Additionally, it will assess how the influx of new peoples reshaped the localities, regions and nations in which they arrived. Fulfills humanities requirement (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities requirement (2019).

HIST 324.  American Rivers.  4. 
The course uses American rivers and their watersheds as focal points to study the various ways in which people have interacted with their environments and each other. It focuses on a few specific rivers, using a case-study approach to explore the issues which all rivers face. Additionally, students select a river of their choice on which they conduct a semester-long research project. Fulfills humanities and social justice/environmental responsibility requirements (1998). Fulfills arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 335.  Ancient Greece from Homer to Socrates (IDS 452).  4. 
This course examines the roots of Western cultural experience by examining the ideals and traditions of classical Greece. The seminar will focus on the evolution of Greek culture, its ethics, aesthetics and world-view, particularly as it was formed in the course of the Persian Wars and in the battle for Peloponnesian hegemony between Athens and Sparta. Fulfills humanities requirement (1998). Art/humanities requirement (2019).

HIST 336.  The Elizabethan Age (ENGL 336).  4. 
This course centers on the political, religious and cultural changes in the British Isles between the reign of Henry VIII and the Glorious Revolution. Main topics of discussion include the Reformation and the Civil War (1642- 45). Prerequisite: ENGL 102 and historical perspectives. Fulfills humanities requirements (1998). Arts/humanities and evaluating systems and environments requirements (2019).

HIST 350.  Special Topics.  1-8.  

HIST 360.  Independent Study.  1-8.  

HIST 390.  Internship.  1-8.  

HIST 401.  History Workshop.  4. 
An Intensive, experiential course required of all majors, but optional for minors. The course focuses on the practice and methods of historical work. Students will gain practical experience by working in teams with a variety of primary sources, and visiting historical sites, archives and museums. Enrollment limited to junior or senior history majors and minors. Prerequisite: Historical Perspectives and history course work at the 200 level. Fulfills the Junior Seminar requirement for the Integrative Seminar.

HIST 402.  History Capstone.  4. 
An advanced research and writing course required of all history majors. Students select their own topics and using primary sources, engage in a semester-long project, which culminates in an oral presentation. Enrollment limited to junior or senior history majors who have successfully completed HIST 401 and two additional history courses at or above the 200 level at Guilford. Fulfills the Senior Seminar requirement for the Integrative Experience.

HIST 450.  Special Topics.  1-8.  

HIST 460.  Independent Study.  1-8.  

HIST 470.  Senior Thesis.  1-8. 
Research and writing of a scholarly monograph.

HIST 490.  Departmental Honors.  1-8. 
Honors and credit with grade of B or above; credit only for grade less than B.