Undergraduate Degrees, Majors and Concentrations

History  
List of all courses and their descriptions
List of all courses, their descriptions and offerings in the schedule book

HIST1100 - United States History I

Spring 2024

This course is a survey of the development of the United States from the colonial era, through the establishment of the federal system, the growth of party politics, and the search for a national culture, to the emergence of a two-ocean republic. The course concludes with the study of the Civil War and the reconstruction of the Union. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST1105 - Honors United States History I

Spring 2024

This course is a survey of the development of the United States from the colonial era, through the establishment of the federal system, the growth of party politics, and the search for a national culture, to the emergence of a two-ocean republic. The course concludes with the study of the Civil War and the reconstruction of the Union. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST1200 - United States History II

Spring 2024

This course is an examination of the development of the United States from the end of reconstruction, 1877, to the present day. The course emphasizes the reform tradition, the triumph of industrialization, and the emergence of the United States as a world power. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST1500 - Western Civilizationto 1715

Spring 2024

This course deals with the history of the Western World emphasizing the development of culture from earliest times through the ancient civilizations and the Middle Ages. Students study the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, European expansion, and development of the Age of Royal Absolutism.
3 Credits

HIST1600 - Western Civilization From 1715

Spring 2024

This course is a study of history of the Western World since 1715 with emphasis on the Age of Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. Students examine the development of nationalism, militarism, imperialism, the era of two world wars, and development of the Cold War between Communism and the democratic forces.
3 Credits

HIST1700 - World Civilization I

Spring 2024

This course will survey the political, social, and cultural development of world civilizations from prehistory to the dawn of European exploration and expansion. Topics will include the development of civilizations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Special attention will be given to the unique characteristics of individual regions and cultures, as well as to common characteristics found throughout the world's societies. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST1800 - World Civilization II

Spring 2024

This course will survey the political, social, and cultural development of world civilizations from the age of European exploration and expansion through the end of the twentieth century. Topics will include the rise of science and industry, the global domination of Western Civilization, the legacies of imperialism, and the rise of the post-colonial world. Special attention will be given to the unique characteristics of individual regions and cultures, as well as to common characteristics found throughout the world's societies. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST1999 - History Elective

Spring 2024

Course description unavailable, please contact Academic Services.

0 Credits

HIST2002 - Colonial America

Spring 2024

This course explores the social, cultural, and political history of colonial North American from the first contact between indigenous and colonizing cultures to the eve of the American Revolution. Particular attention will be devoted to the interaction of Indian, European, and African peoples and cultures, along with numerous important forces that shaped the North American colonial world, including freedom gender, race, consumerism, religion, and war. Classroom insturction will consist of lectures, reinforced by the text, videos, maps, discussion, and supplemental readings. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST2200 - Twentieth Century America

Spring 2024

This course deals with the social, intellectual, political, and economic forces which have shaped the American character in the 20th century. Emphasis is given to reform movements and to the assumption and implications of America's "big power" status. American Puritanism, the American Enlightenment, the romantic era, and the intellectual revolution are considered as well as general examination of conservatism, liberalism, and radicalism in modern America. This course is usually offered only in the fall term. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST2600 - Modern European History

Spring 2024

This course deals with the history of Europe since 1914. The course considers the political, economic, and social sequels to Versailles; the challenge to European dominance and changing relations with Russia and the United States; and the rise of totalitarianism to World War II and its consequences. This course is usually offered only in the winter term. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST2700 - Rome: Republic and Empire

Spring 2024

This course will provide a comprehensive exploration and analysis of the society, economy, and culture of Roman Civilization spanning two milennia between 800 BCE to 1453 CE. Special attention will be paid to the Roman impact on religious and political institutions, public law, and European relations with Islamic and African civilizations. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST2705 - Study Tour: Roman Empire

Spring 2024

Course description unavailable, please contact Academic Services. Please try again at a later time 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3100 - American Revolution

Spring 2024

This course examines the era of the American Revolution, including the major issues confronting Americans in the late 17th and 17th centuries prior to the Revolution, the main events and major figures of the Revolution itself, and the formation of the new nation through the Constitution. By exploring the social, cultural, political, economic, and military developments in America's revolutionary period, the course will offer a broad perspective on the formative event in our nation's history.
Prerequisite: HIST1100 or HIST1105 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3105 - Study Tour-Colonial/Revol Amer

Spring 2024

This course offers an opportunity for engaged learning through visitation to Colonial and Revolutionary era historical sites, museums, battlefields, and other organizations. The study tour will allow students to gain first person perspective into early American history by walking the ground where key events occurred, viewing and interpreting historical artifacts, and interacting with public history professionals to comprehend how this time period is presented to the general public. Foundation for the study tour will be laid by brief readings and assessments that will help facilitate studnet learning during the study tour. All readings and assignments will be conducted entirely online in a Blackboard shell, with the exception of a brief orientation meeting the week prior to departure. The tour will be seven days/six nights in length and will take place following final examinations and commencement. 1 Credits
1 Credits

HIST3120 - Civil War

Spring 2024

This course is a study of the events leading up to and involvement in the Civil War. Emphasis is on the period 1860-1865 dealing with the social, political, and military aspects of the War. This course uses the PBS series by Ken Burns on the Civil War as the basis for classroom discussions, exams, and projects. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3125 - Study Tour-Civil War

Spring 2024

This course offers an opportunity for engaged learning through visitation to Civil War era battlefields, historical sites, museums, and other organizations. The study tour will allow students to gain first person perspective into the Civil War by walking the ground where key events occurred, viewing and interpreting historical artifacts, and interacting with public history professionals to comprehend how the Civil War is presented to the general public. Foundation for the study tour will be laid by brief lectures, assigned readings, and assessments that will help facilitate student learning during the study tour. All lectures, readings, and assignments will be conducted entirely online in a Blackboard shell, with the exception of a brief orientation meeting the week prior to departure. The tour will be conducted from Sunday to Friday during the week immediately following final examinations. 1 Credits
1 Credits

HIST3280 - The Vietnam War

Spring 2024

This course is an examination of the Vietnamese conflict during the years of French and American involvement in Southeast Asia. Emphasis is on the period of heavy U.S. participation during the 1960's and 1970's. The course explores United States' policies and the impact of the war on Southeast Asia and the United States and its effects on international relations. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3400 - Pennsylvania History

Spring 2024

This course deals with the development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from its pre-European era until today. The course emphasizes the changes and contributions which occured in Pennsylvania in the areas of politics, economics, science and culture. Throughout the course an effort will be made to link Pennsylvania's experiences to those of the American nation and the world.
Prerequisite: CSCM1030 (COSK2220) or CSHR1030 (COSK2225) and HIST1100 and HIST1200 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3420 - Native American History

Spring 2024

This course surveys the history of North America's native peoples from pre-Columbian contact to the end of the Twentieth century. It provides an overview of major historical developments in Native American history, supplemented by specific episodes that highlight important issues for a variety of native peoples. In a general sense, the course focuses on the competition for native lands and resources generated by the colonization and conquest of North America, with particular emphasis placed on the expansion of the United States and the relationship between native peoples and the United States government. More specifically, the course will examine the historical record from the perspective of native peoples, highlighting their struggles to retain their traditional cultures and political autonomy while adapting to a rapidly changing world. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3440 - History Of Pittsburgh

Spring 2024

Course description unavailable, please contact Academic Services. Please try again at a later time 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3450 - History Of American Law

Spring 2024

This course examines how American law and the American legal system have shaped, and been shaped by, the significant social, economic and political forces of American History. Using both a thematic and chronological approach, the course materials will demonstrate the dynamic interplay of law and policy in the U.S. The role of legislation, common law decisional principles, administrative regulation, and in particular the operation of judicial review will allow students to understand the unique nature of American law and its role in a federal governmental system. The evolution of the role of the law as guarantor of property rights, personal freedoms, economic rights, and civil rights and liberties will be presented.
Prerequisites: HIST1100, HIST1200 OR POLS1020 and Completion of 30 credits 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3500 - History Of Urban America

Spring 2024

This class will explore the evolution of urban America, paying special attention to the roles that geography, immigration, race, the federal government, and suburbanization have played in forming and reshaping American cities from the colonial era to the present day. The scope of the class is national; it will explore a variety of trends that transcend region. Special attention, however, will be paid to Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities.
Prerequisite: HIST1100, HIST1200, or HIST2200 and CSCM1030 (COSK2220) or CSHR1030 (COSK2225) 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3520 - Immigration History

Spring 2024

Immigration remains one of America's most vexing issues today and understanding its history is more vital than ever before. This course examines immigration as a force throughout American history. Students will analyze the historic background of several critical issues, such as immigration policy, ethnic and race relations, the changing meaning of "whiteness," "the melting pot," "multiculturalism," and nativism. Special attention will be paid to Western Pennsylvania's unique immigrant history, but this class will examine immigration from a national perspective as well. Additionally, a variety of projects will enable students to examine their own ethnic heritage. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3620 - World War II

Spring 2024

This course examines the Second World War from a global perspective. It will examine the causes and origins of the war, both in European and Pacific theaters, the Holocaust, the Atomic bomb, and the enduring significance of World War II in history. In addition, special attention will be afforded to the effect the war had on the home fronts throughout the world, as well as how it served as an agent of cultural, intellectual, and social change.
Prerequisites: HIST1100 or HIST1200 or HIST1500 or HIST1600 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3680 - Modern Russia and The USSR

Spring 2024

This course begins with the rise of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and follows the course of the revolution, the development of the Soviet government to the present, and the emergence and rise of the Soviet Union as a world power. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3700 - The Developing World

Spring 2024

This course is a selective survey of contemporary Third World countries with emphasis upon their socio-economic development, the unique characteristics of their problems, possible solutions, and the role of western nations in addressing these problems. 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3750 - History Of Latin America

Spring 2024

This course will provide a comprehensive exploration and analysis of the society, economy, and culture of Latin American states spanning two centuries between 1800 and the present. Special attention will be paid to the impact on religious, economic, and political instituions and relations between the region and the northern hemisphere.
Prerequisite: One of HIST1100, HIST1200, HIST1700 or HIST1800 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3800 - Modern East Asia

Spring 2024

This course provides an introduction to the contemporary history of major countries of the Pacific Rim. The course focuses on China and Japan, but content will also address Korea and Vietnam. In addition to history, this course will also include the impact and relevance of religion, geography, economics, and culture on the East Asian people.
Prerequisites: HIST1100, HIST1200, HIST1700, OR HIST1800 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3850 - Introduction To Public History

Spring 2024

This course explores the various ways historians research, preserve and present historical topics to public audiences outside of the traditional classroom. It will examine the theories and practice of providing history for public audiences in museums, archives, historical societies, at historical sites, and through electronic media, emphasizing the unique challenges associated with public history. The course will also explore various career opportunities awaiting students in public history.
Prerequisites: HIST1100 or HIST1200 and 60 credits 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3900 - Historical Methods

Spring 2024

The historical methods course is designed to introduce students to the methods and tools of historical thought, research, and writing, as well as the implications of the digital turn in the researching and writing of history. Particular attention will be given to research skills and related analytical issues associated with the process of writing history, including the language, sources, organization, and style of historical writing. This methodological training will help students gain the necessary research, writing, and presentation skills to pursue graduate studies in history while also offering key skills for a variety of professional settings beyond graduation.
Prerequisites: 30 credits and Department Head Permission 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST3999 - History Elective

Spring 2024

Course description unavailable, please contact Academic Services.

3 Credits

HIST4120 - Sel Top In Gldn Age Of Piracy

Spring 2024

This course will provide in-depth exploration and analysis of selected topics in Early American History to 1877. Topics will focus on a specific theme indicated by course title listed in that semester's schedule of courses.
Prerequisites: HIST1100 or HIST1200 and 60 credits 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST4140 - Special Topics: Contemp Americ

Spring 2024

This course will provide in-depth exploration and analysis of selected topics in Modern American History since 1877. Topics will focus on a specific theme indicated by course title listed in that semester's schedule of courses.
Prerequisites: HIST1200 and 60 credits 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST4160 - Sel Topics: How Civil End

Spring 2024

This course will provide in-depth exploration and analysis of selected topics in World History. Topics will focus on a specific theme indicated by course title listed in that semester's schedule of courses.
Prerequisites: HIST1700 or HIST1800 and 60 credits 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST4800 - Senior Thesis

Spring 2024

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop a research question relevant to history, select appropriate research methods to answer specific questions, analyze the data collected, write a research paper, and present findings to a larger audience. It is the capstone course of the history program.
Prerequisites: 90 credits 3 Credits
3 Credits

HIST4801 - History Practicum

Spring 2024

Course description unavailable, please contact Academic Services.

1 Credits

HIST4802 - History Practicum

Spring 2024

Course description unavailable, please contact Academic Services.

2 Credits

HIST4803 - History Practicum

Spring 2024

Course description unavailable, please contact Academic Services. Please try again at a later time 3 Credits
3 Credits