History - Course Descriptions
HIS 1033 World Civilization I
A basic survey of world civilizations from earliest times to the 16th Century. It will include the political, philosophical, and cultural legacies of ancient American, Asian, African, and European civilizations, emphasizing both their independence and their interaction with one another.
HIS 1043 World Civilization II
The modernization and expansion of world civilizations since 1500 including Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. The emphasis will be on major social, political, and economic contributions of each.
HIS 2013 United States History I
A dynamic survey of American history from European contact through the end of the Civil War. This course pays particular attention to the establishment of the United States, its political and social distinctives, and the contradictions that culminated in civil warfare and a "new birth of freedom."
HIS 2023 United States History II
A dynamic survey of American history from the end of the Civil War to the present. This course focuses on the reunification of north and south, western expansion, and the growth of national power through two world wars, closing with a reexamination of American distinctives in light of the American past.
HIS 2603 History and Historians
This seminar seeks to answer these common questions by introducing prospective majors and minors to the theory and practice of history. The first half of the course deals with historiography, the history of history. In it we will examine the work of past and present historians (Parkman included), schools of historical interpretation, and consider the study of the past in light of Christian belief. The second half concerns methodology, those “patient and scrupulous” techniques of research, interpretation, and writing employed by historians like (and also different from) Parkman. Here students will learn many of the best practices of the profession by applying them to their own research and writing. This combination of theory and practice not only acquaints students with history as a discipline, it also equips them for success in future Bluefield College history classes.
HIS 3073 Ancient History
An in-depth study of the ancient world, beginning with its roots in the pre-historic period and extending to A.D. 600. Particular attention will be given to the Greek civilization and the Roman Republic and Empire. The course will also touch on the Near Eastern empires, and ancient civilizations in Africa and Asia. Prerequisite: HIS 1033 or Instructor’s Permission.
HIS 3083 Medieval History
An in-depth study of the history of the Western World, beginning with Constantine and extending to the beginnings of the Renaissance. Prerequisite: HIS 1033 or Instructor’s Permission.
HIS 3093 The Renaissance and Reformation
The course begins with the decline of feudalism and the rise of the Renaissance. It entails a history of the major social ideas leading to 16th century Religious upheaval, the Protestant Reformation and its aftermath, up to the Treaty of Westphalia. Also included are European explorations of the time, and the origins of capitalism and colonialism. Prerequisite: HIS 1033 or Instructor’s Permission.
HIS 3163 19th Century America
A detailed examination of the century which transformed the United States from a small confederation of agricultural states to a unified nation on the brink of world power. Coverage includes slavery, civil warfare, western expansion, industrialization; requirements include the examination and discussion of substantial books and a major writing assignment. Prerequisite: HIS 2013 or Instructor's Permission.
HIS 3193 History of Virginia
This study traces the history of the Old Dominion from 1607 to the present. Besides emphasizing Virginia's role in the American Revolution and Civil War, it also examines the state's contributions to American political thought and requires detailed reading and discussion of several state histories, biographies, and journal articles. Prerequisite: HIS 2013 and 2023 or Instructor's Permission.
HIS 4023 History of the Middle East
The course will examine the history and culture of the region, as well as explore fundamental challenges and contemporary developments facing the Middle East today.
HIS 4063 20th Century America
This course examines the history of the United States during an era that witnessed two world wars, a global depression, massive social upheaval, and unprecedented prosperity. It requires careful reading and analysis of numerous major topical histories, regular class discussion, and a major writing assignment. Prerequisite: HIS 2023 or Instructor's Permission
HIS 4073 Early Modern Europe, 1648-1815
Beginning with the scientific revolution of the 17th century, this course surveys European civilization and political developments including the English Civil War, the French Revolution and Napoleon. Prerequisite: HIS 1033 or Instructor’s Permission
HIS 4083 Europe, 1815-present
Tracing the effects of the Congress of Vienna and the political developments in Europe, the course includes the Unification of Germany and Italy, causes and effects of World Wars I, II, and Europe since World War II. Prerequisite: HIS 1033.
HIS 4123 Latin American History
A study of Latin American History from a review of the Native American peoples who lived there, the effects of Spanish and Portuguese colonization, to the movements for independence, especially in Mexico.
HIS 4163 Modern Industrial America
This advanced course takes a detailed look at the rise of the United States as a significant industrial power from ca. 1880 to 1940. Essentially a history told through the perspective of the evolution of American manufacturing, it covers industry, business, and the development of mass production through lectures, discussions, and significant reading and writing assignments. Prerequisite: HIS 2023 or Instructor’s Permission.
HIS 4501, 4502, 4503 Special Topics
A specialized course of study for qualified students, offered on demand. Prerequisite: JR/SR Standing.
HIS 4603 Senior Seminar
A capstone course for history majors to be taken during the senior year. Students integrate themes from coursework, explore various historical authors and works, and complete a research project on an historical topic.
