Theory & Method Courses

Survey courses covering a range of different regions, themes, and topics not covered by the regular 1000-level course offerings will be offered as Special Topics.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

These courses are usually taught on a one-time basis. The subject matter will change from year to year and will cover an important but rarely taught subject in history. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Writing Intensive.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

This course introduces undergraduate history majors to the basic methods and skills that historians use to study and write about the past. Introduction to historiography familiarizes students with concepts explored more deeply in Theories and Methods and Senior Thesis courses. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Writing Intensive.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Seminar discussions and presentations emphasizing research skills and methods in history. Students should take prior to or along with Senior Thesis Seminar, HIST 4990. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Writing Intensive.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Covers the discovery and settlement of the American West, and also documents the displacement of Native Americans during the period of 1800-1910. The course will be presented from two points of view, historical and ethnographical. Historical lectures will include citations from diaries, journals, and primary sources. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Writing Intensive.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

An examination of the discipline of history, including methods and theory. Close reading of representative historians, with exercises in historical writing and research. Prer., Junior or Senior only, or permission of instructor.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Research-intensive seminar focusing on American history 1929-1945. Students will prepare a significant research project in this area. Prer., Juniors and Seniors only or permission of instructor. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirement: Writing Intensive.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

This seminar emphasizes the history of genealogy, its methodology and its relation to history as a field of study. Objectives include preparation for Senior Thesis. Students will learn to familiarize themselves with sources, methods of research, writing, and citation. Requisites: Junior/Senior standing only.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

Research-focused course on the long history (18th century to present) of civil rights in American History, including issues of race and gender equality. Prer., Juniors and Seniors only or permission of instructor. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirements: Inclusiveness (Global/Diversity); Writing Intensive.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)

A required course for the history degree. The focus is on research methods, organization of ideas, analysis of evidence, and writing history. Under the direction of a faculty member, each member of the seminar will prepare an original piece of research: the Senior thesis. Approved for Compass Curriculum requirements: Summit; Writing Intensive. Prer., Junior or Senior status and 9 resident hours of upper division History courses.

3 Credits (Minimum) 3 Credits (Maximum)