Department of History

HIST 800 – New Perspectives in History     3 credit hours

Recent trends in the field of the instructor's specialty, to assist teachers and to improve teaching. May be repeated with each new offering.
Total Credits Allowed: 15.00

HIST 801 – America Interpreted     3 credit hours

An introductory (required) graduate readings course in American historiography. The class examines the leading schools of historical opinion from the founding of American society through the modern era.

HIST 802P – Age of Alexander the Great     3 credit hours

This course will focus on the change between the Classical age and the Hellenistic age. The course will cover the period from the end of the Peloponnesian war to the Jewish independence of the Maccabees. This time period is crucial to Western Civilization since we witness the collapse of the independent Greek city states and the rise of the great national monarchies.

HIST 803 – Historical Methods     3 credit hours

This required course will introduce graduate students to the history profession and to the tools and methods used by historians.
Prerequisite: HIST 801 and HIST 848 and HIST 849 or Department Consent.

HIST 805P – The Plains Indians     3 credit hours

A history of those Indians who call the Great Plains their home.

HIST 806P – History and Film     3 credit hours

This course will look at history through the lens of feature films produced in the United states and abroad. Particular emphasis will be placed on how historical representation and interpretation has changed with each generation of film makers. The topics of this course will vary depending on the instructor and needs of the students.

HIST 807P – History of Sea Power     3 credit hours

This course seeks to introduce students to different themes in the history of the evolution of sea power.

HIST 808P – War and Society     3 credit hours

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of military history. Students will tackle the debate on 'old' vs 'new' military history. In particular, students will examine the impact of social studies on the evolution of military history. A considerable portion of the course will also be spent examining military history in a non-western setting.

HIST 809P – The High Middle Ages, 1050-1350     3 credit hours

This course examines the cultural, political, economic, and social developments of the High Middle Ages, a period of dramatic and important change in the western world, focusing on the religious reformation of the eleventh century, the twelfth-century renaissance, and the rise of towns and urban commerce, and the growth of centralized governments.

HIST 810P – Methods and Historiography     3 credit hours

Writers of history, their works and philosophies; theories of historical development and research.

HIST 811P – Saints and Sinners     3 credit hours

This course examines the social organization and cultural institutions that shaped the western world between late antiquity and the Renaissance, focusing on the interaction between major institutions, such as family and religion, and the lives of medieval women and men.

HIST 812P – Society and Gender in the Middle Ages     3 credit hours

This course is designed to introduce students to the ways that gender and sexuality were defined, understood, and enacted in medieval society. The course examines both accepted and deviant sexual behaviors as well as notions of masculinity and femininity. Attitudes toward these ideas and behaviors are considered within the social, political, and religious contexts of the Middle Ages.

HIST 813 – Critical Moments in History     1-3 credit hours

A modular graduate reading course examining critical moments, events, or people in history. This class can be taken as a complete sequence for three credit hours or as three separate five week sections for one credit hour each. Each section is dedicated to one component within a larger history. May be repeated with each new offering.
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00

HIST 816 – Colloquium: Colonial and Revolutionary America     3 credit hours

This course will introduce advanced students to the most important interpretations of colonial and revolutionary America.

HIST 816P – History of Christianity     3 credit hours

A broad overview of Christian history from antiquity to the present, with special emphasis upon the complex social, economic, and political forces which have made Christianity a global religion of incredible diversity. Special attention will be given to Christianity in the non-Western world, as well as the central role of women in Christian tradition.

HIST 817 – Colloquium: Nineteenth Century US     3 credit hours

This course focuses on developing an in-depth knowledge of the US between 1800-1899, including the methodological and historiographical trends in recent American history.

HIST 820P – Women in Europe     3 credit hours

A history of European women will explore the roles and influence of women from earliest times to the present.

HIST 821P – Women in America     3 credit hours

A history of American women from the Colonial Period to the present.

HIST 822 – Colloquium: Twentieth Century US     3 credit hours

This course focuses on developing an in-depth knowledge of the US since 1900, including the methodological and historiographical trends in recent American history.

HIST 823 – Colloquium: English History     3 credit hours

This course will look at the development of English history starting in 1900, including the methodological and historiographical trends.

HIST 824 – Colloquium: Latin American History     3 credit hours

This is an intensive reading and writing course that will focus on the history, historiography, and historiographical issues of Latin America.

HIST 828 – Colloquium: Soviet Union     3 credit hours

This course will look at the development of Soviet Russia, focusing on the history and historiography of the subject.

HIST 829P – Religion in America     3 credit hours

A historical introduction to the various religious communities of the United States from Pre-Columbian times to the present. The course gives special attention to religious influences upon social and political institutions, changing patterns of church-state relations, and the challenges posed by religious pluralism throughout American history.

HIST 830 – Colloquium: Modern China and Japan     3 credit hours

This course will look at the development of Modern China and Japan, focusing on the history and historiography of the subject.

HIST 831P – Colonial America 1492-1750     3 credit hours

Examines the development of Colonial British America from the First English explorers to the French and Indian War.

HIST 832P – Revolutionary America 1750-1800     3 credit hours

Examines the American Revolution from its origins through its culmination in the adoption and implementation of the Constitution.

HIST 833P – The National Period 1800-1850     3 credit hours

Explores the expansion and development of the American nation from the Louisiana Purchase through the Mexican-American War.

HIST 838 – Issues in Public History     3 credit hours

This graduate course examines contemporary issues and practices in the field of public history. The format of this course will vary depending on the topic, instructor, and the needs of the students. May be repeated with each new offering.
Total Credits Allowed: 27.00

HIST 839P – Pre-Hispanic Colonial Latin America     3 credit hours

Political, social, economic, and cultural dynamics of Amerindian civilizations and colonial Latin America up to independence.

HIST 841 – Seminar: History of the American West     3 credit hours

This course will familiarize students with the major historiographical trends (since the 1890s) and the most important historians and their works on the American West.

HIST 841P – Modern Latin America     3 credit hours

Examination of political, cultural, social, and economic dynamics of Latin American nations and regions from independence to present.

HIST 842 – Seminar: American Revolution and Confederation Period, 1763-1789     3 credit hours

This course is designed to introduce students to recent trends and research methodologies in the history of the revolutionary period and to guide them through the completion of a major research and writing project.

HIST 843 – Seminar: The American Indian     3 credit hours

This seminar examines recent Native American history focusing on the themes and topics in the historiography.

HIST 844 – Seminar: Nineteenth Century US     3 credit hours

A research seminar in nineteenth-century American history. Special attention will be devoted to the development of the characteristics of modern US society.

HIST 845P – The Civil War and Reconstruction     3 credit hours

A study of the causes leading to the Civil War, the War itself, and the attempt to reunify the social, economic, and political framework of America.

HIST 846 – Seminar: Recent American History     3 credit hours

This seminar allows students to pursue research in a topic dealing with the political, cultural, intellectual, or social history of the United States.

HIST 847 – Seminar: Contemporary Europe     3 credit hours

This seminar allows students to pursue research in a topic dealing with the political, cultural, intellectual, or social history of Modern Europe.

HIST 848 – Readings in American History     3 credit hours

A graduate readings course examining major historiographic issues in key periods and topics in American history. Topics will include (but are not limited to) Colonial America, the Early Republic, Civil War and Reconstruction, Gilded Age/Progressive America, Western and Native American history, the Great Depression, World War II, Environmental history, the Cold War, Civil Rights, and Recent America. May be repeated with each new offering.
Total Credits Allowed: 36.00

HIST 849 – Readings in World History     3 credit hours

A graduate readings course examining major historiographic issues in key periods and topics in European and World history. Topics will include (but are not limited to) ancient/medieval history, Renaissance/Reformation, early modern Europe, nineteenth and twentieth century Europe, Latin American history, African and Asian history. May be repeated with each new offering.
Total Credits Allowed: 36.00

HIST 850P – Variable Topics in Latin American History     3 credit hours

In-depth study of a country or region in Latin American or an in-depth analysis of a specific topic of historical or contemporary importance in understanding Latin American History and Culture.

HIST 851P – Comparative Colonialism: Asia and Africa     3 credit hours

This course will analyze the primary social, cultural, and political forces that helped create and sustain the vast colonial empires in Asia and Africa.

HIST 852P – Colonial India     3 credit hours

This course examines the complex social, cultural, political and economic factors that gave birth to the independent nations of Bangladesh, Pakistan and India after centuries of British colonial rule.

HIST 853P – Modern India     3 credit hours

This course aims to introduce students to the complex cultural, political and economic factors that created the 'nation' of India as it is known today. The course begins in 1947 when India gained independence from Britain. It will examine in detail the major issues that have helped mold the history of contemporary India.

HIST 855P – Comparative Studies in Ethnic Conflict     3 credit hours

This course is designed to engage students in an intense study of theories of ethnic conflict. Students will also be involved in a comparative study of the militarization of ethnic conflict in various regions of the world.

HIST 856P – Regional Field Study     1-4 credit hours

Designed to provide students with travel experiences to contribute to their understanding of the history of a particular area of the world.
Total Credits Allowed: 4.00

HIST 857P – British Empire     3 credit hours

The rise and expansion of the British Empire from its earliest beginnings to the present.

HIST 858P – Great Plains Studies     1-3 credit hours

Great Plains Studies offers the opportunity to reflect on life through the literature and other lore of the Great Plains. Through a different subject focus each offering, the course integrates literary, historical, and paleontological investigations around issues affecting the plains, with a special focus on prairie.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00

HIST 859P – European Expansion and Exploration     3 credit hours

The motivations for European expansion and exploration overseas from 1300 until 1800 and the impact that European contact with the rest of the world had upon the societies of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

HIST 860 – Seminar: English History     3 credit hours

This seminar allows students to pursue research in a topic dealing with the political, cultural, intellectual, or social history of English history.

HIST 861P – Renaissance and Reformation     3 credit hours

The political, economic, religious and social development of Europe from the Crusades through the era of the European Reformation.

HIST 862P – Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century Europe     3 credit hours

History of Europe from the Thirty Years' War to the French Revolution with special emphasis on the Enlightenment.

HIST 863P – French Revolution and Napoleon     3 credit hours

The causes of the French Revolution and the political, social, and intellectual impact of the Revolution upon western Europe.

HIST 864 – Public History Seminar     3 credit hours

This course introduces graduate students to the theory and practice of public history. A growing body of scholarship on public history has emerged over the past few decades, seeking to develop a better understanding of the underlying principles of the field and the challenges of doing history in public. This class will expose students to both foundational as well as new scholarship on public history, explore several key issues facing the practice of public history today, and offer hands-on, practical experience through the preparation of a grant proposal and the completion of a real-world public history project.

HIST 865 – Public History Methods     3 credit hours

This course introduces graduate students to the practice and methodologies of local and community history research. Students will be exposed to key readings and issues in local history scholarship, gain a strong understanding of the characteristics of quality local and community history, and become extensively familiar with the kinds of primary sources used to explore and interpret history at the local level. The course will culminate in a substantial project that results in the production of a real-world product for a community partner.

HIST 866 – Museums & Material Culture     3 credit hours

This course introduces graduate students to the major themes, debates, and issues in museums and material culture studies. Students will be exposed to key readings and issues in museum studies and material culture scholarship, gain a strong understanding of the history of museums and their evolving role among diverse groups of public audiences, and explore the principles and methods behind the use of material culture in a variety of public history settings. The course will culminate in a major artifact analysis assignment and a substantial project that results in the production of a real-world product for a community partner.

HIST 867 – Historic Preservation     3 credit hours

This graduate course introduces students to the major themes, debates, and issues in the dynamic field of historic preservation. Students will read several significant works on the history of historic preservation in the United States, the power of history and historic places to shape communities and a sense of place, relevant historic preservation laws and practices, and the many challenges facing historic preservationists in the twenty-first century. Guided by these readings, students will also conduct original research into a historic property and prepare a National Register nomination.

HIST 868P – Digital History     3 credit hours

This course explores the use of digital tools and sources in historical research and the sharing of historical information with public and scholarly audiences.

HIST 871P – History of the Pacific Rim     3 credit hours

This course will examine the development of Pacific Rim nations from 1500 to present. While the entire region will be studied, the emphasis will be on the cultural, political, and economic relations between the United States, Japan, China, and Russia as well as the colonizing powers of Spain, France, and Great Britain.

HIST 873P – American Constitutional History I     3 credit hours

Tracing the development of the American Constitution from its European antecedents to the Civil War Period.

HIST 874P – American Constitutional History II     3 credit hours

Continuation of HIST 873P. Period covered is from Civil War Period to present.

HIST 875 – Internship in History     1-9 credit hours

Emphasizes the professional development of the student in the area of the student's professional interest.
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00

HIST 877P – American Thought and Culture, 1620-1865     3 credit hours

Examines the origins and development of American social, political, and religious ideas through the Civil War.

HIST 878P – American Thought and Culture, 1865-1990     3 credit hours

Examines the origins and development of American social, political, and religious ideas after the Civil War.

HIST 879P – Nebraska and the Great Plains History     3 credit hours

History of natural environment and human settlement of Plains and role of Nebraska and Great Plains in United States history.

HIST 881P – North American Frontiers 1500-1850     3 credit hours

European and U.S. frontier expansion and interaction between Whites and Indians and use of natural resources.

HIST 882P – The American West 1850-Present     3 credit hours

Development and transformation of U.S. west in terms of ethnic interaction, resource exploitation, and industrialization from midnineteenth century to present.

HIST 883P – The Gilded Age 1870-1898     3 credit hours

An analysis of the transformation of an agrarian America into an urban-industrial society.

HIST 884P – The United States 1898-1941     3 credit hours

The rise of America as a world power, and the problems of reform and industrial expansion in early twentieth century America.

HIST 885P – The United States Since 1941     3 credit hours

A study of United States history since World War II with special emphasis on the problems arising as a world power.

HIST 886P – Imperial Russia     3 credit hours

A general survey of the political, social, economic, diplomatic and cultural developments of Russian civilization from 800 A.D. to 1917.

HIST 888P – Nineteenth Century Europe     3 credit hours

The period from the French Revolution and Napoleon to World War I.

HIST 889P – Fascism and Communism in Twentieth Century Europe     3 credit hours

An exploration of the commonalities and divergences between fascism, communism, and nationalism and their twentieth century manifestations. After investigating the intellectual roots, social bases and key elements of these ideologies, we will examine their concrete manifestations in Europe, including Hitler's Germany, Soviet communism under Stalin, and postwar Yugoslavia.

HIST 890P – Twentieth Century Europe     3 credit hours

A treatment of the history of Europe since the Treaty of Versailles with special reference to international relations.

HIST 891 – Directed Research     1-3 credit hours

Independent original research of a selected topic in history under the direction of a history graduate faculty member.
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00

HIST 892P – Soviet Russia     3 credit hours

The 1917 revolution and the development of the Soviet state in the twentieth century.

HIST 893P – Modern Eastern Europe     3 credit hours

This course examines the development of Eastern Europe in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It pays particular attention to the collapse of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, the rise of nationalism, the efforts to create and preserve nation states, the rise and collapse of Communism, and the impact of World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.

HIST 894 – Introduction to Thesis     3 credit hours

A required course for graduate students pursuing the thesis option. Prepares students to conduct primary research, construct historical arguments, identify historiographical patterns, and begin the writing process.
Prerequisite: HIST 801 and HIST 803 and admission to the MA History program.

HIST 895P – Topical Studies     3 credit hours

Topics are studied which are not assigned or covered in other courses in the department. The format of this course will vary depending on the topic, instructor and the needs of the students.
Total Credits Allowed: 9.00

HIST 896 – Thesis     1-6 credit hours

Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

HIST 897 – Public History Project     1-6 credit hours

This course serves as an alternative to the traditional thesis requirement and is designed as an opportunity for graduate-level public history students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in public history practice. Students pursuing this option will be required to develop, complete, and defend a substantial, original public history project. Exact details will vary and should be developed in consultation with the student's advisor.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00

HIST 898 – Historical Themes: Special Topics     3 credit hours

A variable themed graduate level course. Topics in American, European, or World history will include both key issues or periods in history as well as historiographic disputes. May be repeated for credit.
Total Credits Allowed: 36.00

HIST 899 – Directed Readings     1-3 credit hours

Independent readings on advanced history topics. Readings to be selected and directed by a history graduate faculty member.
Total Credits Allowed: 6.00