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History Courses

100-level courses

HIS 100 History of Europe to 1713 Survey of Europe including Greco-Roman civilization, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the emergence of the modern era.
HIS 101 History of Europe, 1713 to the Present Survey of Europe from the Ancient Regime to the present; impact of modern political revolution, the industrial revolution, and social and cultural alterations that have shaped contemporary society.
HIS 102 History of the United States through 1877 The nation's development from the beginning through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Designed to meet demands for a general understanding of U.S. history.
HIS 103 History of the United States since 1877 Exploration of the nation’s development since 1877. Designed to meet demands for a general understanding of U.S. history. Fulfills General Education requirement for Culture and Creativity.
HIS 106 History of African Americans to 1877 Major trends of African American history from its 15th century West and Central African heritage to enslavement and ultimate emancipation; conditions and contributions of African American men and women within the American experience.
HIS 107 History of African Americans since 1877 Major trends of African-American history from the end of Reconstruction; responses of African Americans to Jim Crow; African American participation in the two world wars, the Vietnam War, and the civil rights movement.
HIS 108 World History to 1500 Political, social, economic and cultural development of major world societies to the expansion of the western world.
HIS 109 World History since 1500 Political, social, economic and cultural development of major world societies in the modern era.
HIS 111 Global Viewpoints in History This course examines a particular continent, cultural region, or nation, focusing on the historical themes, people, and events that fashioned it today, especially those relating to imperialism and colonialism. This course fulfills the General Education requirement for Global Viewpoints.
HIS 194H Honors History Seminar Research methods and materials of the historian; usefulness of historical analysis to students in many disciplines. An alternative to the 100 level survey courses for students who have demonstrated outstanding potential in history. PREREQ: a composite score of 24 on current ACT or equivalent; or HNR GPA of 3.25 or higher.

200/300-level courses

HIS 291W Advanced Historical Writing A course designed to help students develop the necessary expertise and approaches for researching, organizing, writing, revising and editing the styles of writing used most often to communicate in the discipline of history. PREREQ: ENG 101 and 3 semester hours of history.
HIS 300 The Ancient Near East and Greece to the Macedonian Conquest Birth of civilization in Egypt and Mesopotamia; ancient near East and Greece to the conquest of Greece by Philip of Macedon.
HIS 301 The Hellenistic World and Rome to the Death of Constantine Conquests of Alexander the Great; main features of the Hellenistic world and the Roman Empire.
HIS 303 Europe in the Middle Ages Developments from the 4th through the 15th centuries.
HIS 304 Renaissance Europe Developments from Petrarch to the Treaty of Westphalia; significant cultural and religious trends.
HIS 305 Reformation Europe German, English, Swiss and French reformations; Counter Reformation; religion, politics, and social and intellectual change, 1494-1648.
HIS 308 Modern Europe, 1870-1920 European society, especially as affected by the growth of nationalism, imperialism, and modern science culminating in the origins and results of World War I.
HIS 309 Modern Europe since 1920 Economic and political instability in the inter-war years; World War II; European renaissance since 1945.
HIS 310 Colonial America to 1763 Origins and development of the English colonies.
HIS 311 The War for Independence and the Constitution, 1763-1789 Causes of the break between America and Great Britain; the war for American independence; the confederation period; writing and adopting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
HIS 312 Federalist United States, 1789-1828 Successful consolidation of the U.S. as a modern nation-state.
HIS 313 Expansion and Conflict, 1828-1861 Territorial, sectional, and cultural growth; nature and expansion of slavery and conflicts such as debate over the extension of slavery that culminated in the U.S. Civil War.
HIS 314 Rise of the Industrial United States, 1865-1900 Effects of increased industrialization and urbanization on the U.S. economy, government, and post Civil War society.
HIS 315 Modern United States History, 1900-1939 Major changes that marked the U.S. during the first 40 years of the 20th century.
HIS 316 Modern United States History Since 1939 Major political and social changes since 1939.
HIS 317 History of the New South The southern U.S. since 1865; cultural, political, economic, and literary trends; roles of blacks from Reconstruction to present, including the rise of Jim Crowism, legal segregation in the 20th century, desegregation, and civil rights movements in 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
HIS 318 Current Events in a Historical Perspective Historical background of significant recent events in U.S. history.
HIS 319 Conflicting Historical Viewpoints Conflicting interpretations of some major historical events and trends of the contemporary world.
HIS 321 Modernization in the Non-western World The "Third World" nations; problems resulting from conflicting dynamics of independence and modernization.
HIS 322 History of Naval Warfare Development of fighting ships in western culture; interaction between social and technological factors and warfare on
the high seas.
HIS 323 United States Military History U.S. military history from colonial times to the present; operations; interaction between war and society.
HIS 325 Early Latin American History Origin, growth, and development of Latin America from the pre-Colombian period to the independence revolutions of the early19th century, including analysis of Iberian and non-Iberian tradition.
HIS 326 Modern Latin American History Political, economic, social, and cultural development of Latin America from independence through the 19th and 20th centuries; analysis of Iberian and non Iberian tradition.
HIS 327 Anglo-American Legal History Origin and development of the Common Law from Norman beginnings to the present; emphasis on U.S.
HIS 329 History of the Middle East and North Africa Evolution of southwestern Asia and north Africa since the rise of Islam; 19th and 20th century origins of contemporary problems.
HIS 330 Jewish History A survey of the history of the Jewish People from the patriarchs to the present, covering the global development of Jewish intellectual history and cultural identities, including interactions with surrounding cultures and civilizations.
HIS 331 History of Japan Traditional and modern Japan; cultural, political, religious and philosophical survey.
HIS 332 World Civilizations to 1500 Economic, social, political, and cultural aspects of major western and non-western civilizations prior to the era of western world dominance. PREREQ: A 100-level history course or consent of instructor.
HIS 333 Contemporary History The major western and non-western civilizations’ economic, social, political and cultural evolution in the modern era. PREREQ: A 100-level history course or consent of instructor.
HIS 335 History of Ancient Africa Examination of African History from the earliest humans to the transatlantic slave trade. Course stresses the use of interdisciplinary sources to reconstruct African History and counter popular myths about Africa and Africans.
HIS 336 History of Modern Africa Examination of African History from the transatlantic slave trade to the current era. Course stresses the historical roots of current African conditions via an understanding of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and African cultural, economic and political traditions.
HIS 340 History of Imperial China Intro to Chinese history of the Imperial era from 5000 B.C. to the Ming Dynasty in the mid 17th century, emphasizing the driving forces, formative movements and ideas that have shaped the Middle Kingdom until the early-modern era. It assumes no prior knowledge of Chinese history or language. PREREQ: A 100-level history course or consent of instructor.
HIS 341 History of Revolutionary China Introduction to Chinese Revolutionary History from the Qing Empire until the present, emphasizing Chinese imperial expansion, semi-colonialism during the 19th century and the revolutionary and nationalist upheavals of the 20th century. It assumes no prior knowledge of Chinese history or language. PREREQ: A 100-level history course or consent of instructor.
HIS 348 History of France, 1804 - 1918 Survey of major political, social and cultural transformations experienced by France over the 19th and early 20th centuries. PREREQ: 3 hours of history.
HIS 349 History of France, 1918 - Present Survey of major political, social and cultural transformations that France experienced since the end of World War 1. PREREQ: 3 hours history.
HIS 353 British History to 1485 From the Roman invasion to the end of the Middle Ages.
HIS 354 British History from 1485 to 1760 From the founding of the Tudor dynasty to the accession of George III.
HIS 355 British History from 1760 to Present From the accession of George III to the present.
HIS 362 History of Germany to 1870 From the Holy Roman Empire to emergence of modern nationalism and the Industrial Revolution.HIS 363 History of Germany Since 1870 (3,0,3) Cultural, political, and social developments since founding of the German Empire.
HIS 363 History of Germany since 1870 Cultural, political, and social developments since founding of the German Empire.
HIS 365 European Military History: Ancient World to the Renaissance Interaction between warfare and European society from the ancient world to the Renaissance.
HIS 366 European Military History: Renanissance to the Modern World Interaction between warfare and European society from the Renaissance until the end of World War II.
HIS 377 Modern Russia Since 1855 Modernization under the last Romanov emperors: bolshevik dictatorship; modern communist state; post-communist developments.
HIS 379 History of Literature Study of selected literature and its interrelationship with history. Topics vary by instructor; may be repeated for credit when topics vary. PREREQ: 3 hours of history.
HIS 380 History and Film Film as a reflection and a shaper of history. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
HIS 381 History and the Arts Study of a selected art form and its interrelationship with an historical era. Topics vary by instructor, may be repeated for credit when topics vary. PREREQ: 3 hours of history.
HIS 382 History of Kentucky History of Kentucky from 1750 to the present; political, economic, and social issues; how developments in the Commonwealth related to trends in U.S. history.
HIS 385 Art and Method of History Survey of major philosophies of history and of the meaning and nature of history; introduction to methods of historical research and writing. Required of all students majoring in history and of all students in the social studies area of concentration; should be taken if possible before other upper division work in history.

400-level courses

HIS 409 The French Revolution The revolution through the Napoleonic era; its international repercussions and influences on revolutionary movements and political philosophies of modern times.
HIS 413 History of Nazi Germany Origins, dimensions, and downfall of Hitler's fascist state.
HIS 414 The Holocaust An exploration of the genocidal European Holocaust during World War II. Includes study of the origin, growth and development of European anti-Semitism and pseudoscientific biological racism as practiced in National Socialist (Nazi) Germany.
HIS 416 Plains Indians A history of the Sioux, Cheyenne, Comanche, Nez Perce and Apache, concentrating on the post Civil War era and especially on the fate of these peoples at the hands of white civilization.
HIS 417 Civil War and Reconstruction, 1860-1877 Causes of the Civil War; the war in the field and on the home front; slavery, emancipation, and the economic, political, and social consequences of reconstruction.
HIS 419 Social and Economic History of the United States to 1865 Economy of the young nation and its relationship to social classes and changes, including gender issues.
HIS 420 Social and Economic History of the United States Since 1865 The Industrial Revolution and its social consequences; immigration and mobility; gender issues; other backgrounds to contemporary society.
HIS 421 Cultural and Intellectual History of the United States to 1875 U.S. life and thought as reflected in Puritanism, in the Enlightenment, in Jacksonian nationalism, and in social and political reform movements in the mid-19th century.
HIS 422 Cultural and Intellectual History of the United States Since 1875 Exploration of the U.S. mind and character in the last 100 years; influences of Darwinian thought, reformism, urbanization, cultural nationalism, and contemporary social tensions.
HIS 423 Diplomacy and Foreign Policy of the United States Principles, historical evolution, and particular nuances of U.S. foreign policy.
HIS 424 History of American Diplomacy to 1900 This is an advanced level survey of the personalities, events, and policies affecting American foreign policies from colonial times to 1900. Students will be exposed to readings and research utilizing methodologies in the subject area of American Diplomacy.
HIS 425 History of American Diplomacy Since 1900 This is an advanced level survey of the personalities, events, and policies affecting American foreign policies from 1900 to the present. Students will be exposed to readings and research utilizing historical methodologies in the subject area of American Diplomacy.
HIS 426 Historical Geography of the United States Spread of settlement, growth of urbanization, and development of economic and culture regions; past and present distribution of religious groups, European ethnic groups, and African-Americans. Same as GEO 309.
HIS 427 Urban History of the United States Origins and growth of cities; impact of cities upon U.S. development; contemporary urban problems.
HIS 431 Historical Themes in African American History Experiences undergone by Africans in the diaspora from Africa and subsequent scattering throughout the U.S.; struggles over race and gender within the context of dominant political, economic, social, and cultural institutions; attempts by Blacks to build an enduring community. PREREQ: HIS 102 and HIS 103 or HIS 106.
HIS 435 History of Race Relations in the Americas, 1492-c.1800 Major influences in the formation of race relations in the Americas (U.S. and Latin America) from the European explorations to the revolutions for independence; role of race in the development of European colonies in the Americas. PREREQ: 3 hours of history or consent of instructor(s).
HIS 436 History of Race Relations in the Americas, c. 1800 to the Present Major influences in the development of race relations in the Americas (U.S. and Latin America) from the revolutions for independence to the present; role of race in the development of modern nation states in the U.S. and Latin America. PREREQ: 3 hours of history or consent of instructor(s).
HIS 438 African-American Women's History and Culture This discussion-oriented course is a history of African-American women that begins by examining African women and their cultures prior to European contact and ends with a look at women in the civil Rights Movement. This course satisfies Afro-American Studies history option.
HIS 442 History Through Biography Examination of various historical eras through study of lives of influential and outstanding individuals from diverse areas. Topics vary. May be repeated once for credit.
HIS 444 History of Women in the United States to 1900 Women's role in U.S. economic, social, political, and cultural development until 1900; participation of women in historical eras from earliest societies through industrialization as experienced in diverse ways depending on racial, ethnic, class, and regional differences. PREREQ: HIS 102. A general education course (race/gender perspective).
HIS 445 History of Women in the United States since 1900 Women's role in U. S. economic, social, political, and cultural development since 1900; participation of women in recent history as experienced in diverse ways depending on racial, ethnic, class, and regional differences. PREREQ: HIS 103. A general
education course (race/gender perspective).
HIS 454 Early American Frontier Westward movement and its effects on national character to 1840; colonial wars, War for Independence, land policy, Indian relations, exploration, fur trade, War of 1812.
HIS 465 Nature and Development in Latin American History Examination of the historical relationship between the natural environment and humans in Latin America from the pre-Columbian period to the present; historical ecology, environmental history, secological degradation, economic/social development and modernization. PREREQ: 3 hours of history or consent of instructor.
HIS 470 History of Flight The evolution of human flight from its earliest representations in ancient mythologies to its modern achievements; multiple consequences of aviation in an international context. PREREQ: 3 hours of history.
HIS 473 Battles and Behavior I: 1066-1836 Representative battles from Hastings to the Alamo; reveals the interaction between western civilization and its military conflicts.
HIS 474 Battles and Behavior II: 1854-1984 Representative battles from the Crimea to Star Wars; reveals the interaction between western civilization and its military conflicts.
HIS 475 The First World War The military record and the war's impact upon international socioeconomic, political, and cultural change.
HIS 476 The Second World War Origins and prosecution of the war; military and diplomatic aspects from an international perspective.
HIS 485 History of Terrorism A global examination of the historical evolution and significance of terrorism. PREREQ: 3 hours of history.
HIS 486 History of Modern Ireland An introduction to the main themes in Irish history over the last 250 years with particular reference to the growth of Irish nationalism, Anglo-Irish relations and the formation of Northern Ireland. PREREQ: 3 hours of history or consent of instructor.
HIS 492 Directed Research: History Individual research in an area of history under supervision of faculty member. May be repeated once for credit if topic varies. PREREQ: 3 hours of history and consent of instructor.
HIS 494 Special Topics in History Class in topic not included in regular history curriculum. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
HIS 496 Practicum: History Participation in planning, implementation, and administration of civic engagement, public history, or other departmental projects under supervision of faculty. PREREQ: Three hours of history and consent of instructor.
HIS 499 Independent Study: History Individualized study of a special topic under supervision of faculty member. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. PREREQ: a 100-level history course and consent of instructor.

500-level courses

HIS 512 History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Political, social, diplomatic, and military aspects of the history of Palestinian/Israeli conflict in the context of the Cold War. PREREQ: HIS 329 and HIS 330 or consent of instructor.
HIS 513 The French Revolution Political, economic, and cultural background of the French Revolution, emphasizing the changing character of the Revolution as it moved in phases from moderate and middle class to radical and violent.
HIS 515 Introduction to Public History Exploration of different non-academic career fields open to history and humanities majors; coursework includes reading current scholarship by different public history practitioners and active, experiential, service, and problem based learning projects. PREREQ: HIS 102 and HIS 103 or consent of instructor.
HIS 522 Intro to Historic Preservation An examination of the growing field of historic preservation including such topics as philosophy, recognition and assessments, survey techniques, preservation planning, conservation, advocacy, federal compliance, and protection of significant resources. PREREQ: A 100-level HIS course and consent of instructor.
HIS 533 The Causes of the Civil War Conflicts that developed with the physical growth of the U.S. during the period 1828 to 1861 involving Mexico, slavery, and Indians.
HIS 535 Civil War and Reconstruction Causes of the U.S. Civil War; the war itself; slavery, emancipation, reconstruction; economic, military, and social aspects.
HIS 538 Modern United States History, 1900-1939 Rise of the U.S. to the status of a major world power; the "Progressive Era" and World War I; the 1920s and the 1930s.
HIS 539 Modern United States History Since 1939 Social and political developments from 1939 to contemporary society including the civil rights movement.
HIS 541 History of Kentucky History of Kentucky from 1750 to the present; political, economic, and social issues; how developments in the Commonwealth related to trends in U.S. history.
HIS 543 History of the American Frontier The westward movement and its effect on national character; expansionism; Indian and land policies; cattle and mining frontiers.
HIS 545 Topics in Women's History Exploring women’s history in a global perspective, by looking at the status and contribution of women to world societies and discussing gender identity, class, race, religious and ethnic differences. PREREQ: HIS 108 and HIS 109 or consent of instructor.
HIS 546 History of the American Family This discussion-oriented course is a history of the American family from the colonial era to the present. We will examine how and why courtship, marriage, sexuality, divorce, and parent/child relationships have changed over time while paying particular attention to racial, class, and gender differences.
HIS 548 Diplomacy and Foreign Policy of the United States Historical evolution of U.S. foreign policy from the Revolutionary War to the present; growth of the U.S. from a minor state to a global power.
HIS 550 History of Appalachia to 1877 History of the Appalachian region from prehistory to 1877; political, economic, and social issues; developments in the region related to trends in U.S. History. PREREQ: 3 hours of history of consent of instructor.
HIS 551 History of Appalachia since 1877 History of the Appalachian region from 1877 to the present; political, economic, and social issues; developments in the region related to trends in modern U.S. History. PREREQ: 3 hours of history or consent of instructor.
HIS 552 History of the Old South The southern U.S. to 1865; cultural, political economic, and literary trends; African American experience in the South.
HIS 553 History of the New South The southern U.S. since 1865; cultural, political, economic, and literary trends; roles of blacks from Reconstruction to present, including the rise of Jim Crowism, legal segregation in the 20th century, desegregation, and civil rights movements in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
HIS 555 Researching the Local History of Underground Railroad This course explores the various activities of enslaved African Americans as they attempted to abscond from human bondage by crossing the Ohio River, which legally separated slave states from free states. Special attention will be placed on the abolition movement as well as the development of various African American communities in parts of Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. PREREQ: HIS 102 or HIS 106.
HIS 556 African Americans in U.S. Culture, Education, and Politics African Americans and their interactions within and their contributions to cultural, educational, and political development of the U.S.
HIS 557 History of the Indians of the United States Native cultural and historical experiences from the15th to 20th century.
HIS 561 Modernization in the Non-Western World Rise of self-assertion of Third World nations; political, economic, social, and cultural problems of national development.
HIS 565 The Vietnam War Roots of Indo-Chinese war in traditional Vietnamese culture as affected by colonialism, nationalism, and Marxism; causes of U. S. military intervention, stalemate, and consequent American political crisis; impact of war on Vietnamese and American societies; debate over lessons of the war.
HIS 570 The Cold War International perspective on the causes and evolution of the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union and their allies; effects on world affairs to the fall of the Berlin Wall and demise of the Soviet Union. PREREQ: 3 hours of 100-level history courses.
HIS 571 Internet Research in American History This is a topical survey of American History from a multicultural perspective using the internet.
HIS 589 Anglo-American Legal History Origin and development of the Common Law from Norman beginnings to the present; emphasis on the U.S.
HIS 592 Directed Research in History Individual research in an area of history under supervision of faculty member. May be repeated once for credit. PREREQ: consent of instructor.
HIS 594 Selected Topics: History Lecture class in topic not included in regular history curriculum. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
HIS 596 Internship: Public History Supervised work experience in a community history agency or institution or experiential learning in an aspect of public history under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit. PREREQ: consent of instructor.
HIS 599 Independent Study: History Individualized study of a special topic under supervision of faculty member. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. PREREQ: consent of instructor.