History

History

Studying history exposes students to the legacy of the past through exploration of historical events and social changes. Historical investigation of human and cultural accomplishments enhances understanding of the human experience. History provides an excellent background for a broad range of careers, including teaching, business, journalism, international affairs, foreign service, government, library and archival work, and the ministry. Additionally, a history degree is good preparation for a variety of graduate programs, including law school.

See the History page for program and contact information.

Programs

Transfer

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer

Courses

HST 101 Europe: The Classical Era (pre-history to 600 C.E.) (4 Credits)

Provides a framework for understanding the notion of “Western Civilization”. Surveys political, social, intellectual and cultural developments in Europe from prehistoric times to the early Medieval period. Covers the ancient civilizations, the establishment of early European civilizations, and the world of the Greeks and Romans.

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HST 102 Europe: From the Middle Ages to Enlightenment (700-1700 C.E.) (4 Credits)

Provides a framework for understanding the notion of "Western Civilization." Surveys the development of European civilizations from the fall of the Roman Empire, continuing through the Medieval period into the early 1700s. Focuses on the cultural, religious, political, and intellectual changes brought about by the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution, as well as the tensions in European society, which culminated in the French Revolution. The focus will extend from religion and politics to social class, gender, and stereotypes. Need not be taken in sequence.

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HST 103 Europe: Revolution and War (1789 - Present) (4 Credits)

Provides a framework for understanding the notion of "Western Civilization." Explores European civilizations from the French Revolution in 1789 to the present day. Focuses on the establishment of nations, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, nationalism and racism, colonization, and the two World Wars. Concludes by questioning the differences between civilization and barbarism. Focuses on the cultural, religious, political, and intellectual changes that happened between the late 18th century and the present, extending from religion and politics to social class, gender, and stereotypes based on nationality or ethnicity. Need not be taken in sequence.

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HST 104 Ancient Societies (Pre-history - 500 C.E.) (4 Credits)

Provides a survey of the development of world civilizations and nomadic/pastoral lifestyles. Investigates cultures, politics, belief systems, and lifestyles from prehistoric times through 500 C.E. Covers origins of civilizations in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Africa, China, and the Indian subcontinent. Also covers the establishment of early European civilizations, the world of the Greeks and Romans, and the Fall of Rome. Uses a comparative perspective in order to understand larger changes provoked by climate change, nomadic incursions, and interactions on the Silk Road.

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HST 105 The Expansion of World Religions (500 - 1700) (4 Credits)

covers the world from 500 C.E. through early 1700s, focusing on the expansion of world religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Focuses on the regions of Asia, Africa, and India, and tells the story of Europe's first worldwide expansion. Looks at history from political, cultural, social, and intellectual angles using primary sources. Need not be taken in sequence.

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HST 106 Modern World History: Industrialization, Nations and War (1800-Present (4 Credits)

Traces the impact of industrialization upon the world. Industrialization propelled colonial expansion by European powers; traces the colonizers and the colonized. The twentieth century endured two world wars, several genocides, and several wars of decolonization; focuses on the cultural and intellectual trends that went along with political turmoil, industrialization, and modern warfare. Need not be taken in sequence.

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HST 199 Selected Topics: History (1-4 Credits)

This course is in development.

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HST 201 Early America - History of the United States (pre-history to 1820) (4 Credits)

Provides an overview of the civilizations of North America and the United States from pre-history to the early 19th century, covering the colonial, revolutionary, and early national periods. Topics include Native American societies, the migration of Europeans and Africans and the impact on native populations, regional Protestant cultures, the emergence of racial slavery, the political origins and constitutional consequences of the American Revolution, politics, culture and war in the first few decades of existence for the United States. Need not be taken in sequence.

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HST 202 19th and early 20th Century United States History (1820-1920) (4 Credits)

Provides an overview of United States history from approximately 1820 to 1920, covering the antebellum, civil war, reconstruction, gilded age, and progressive periods. Topics include the Jacksonian era, territorial expansion, slavery and the Old South, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, successes and failures of Reconstruction, 19th-century society and culture , economic transformations, U.S. imperialism, progressivism and the United States entrance into World War I. Need not be taken in sequence.

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HST 203 20th and Early 21st Century United States History (1920-present) (4 Credits)

Provides an overview of United States history from approximately 1920 to the present, covering the modern period. Topics include the end of World War I and its consequences, modernity, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, foreign policy determinants & conflicts since WWII, Civil Rights, 1960s-70s social and cultural changes, shifting economic and social role of government, feminism and changing status of women since WWII, immigration, 20th century society and culture, late 20th century politics, terrorism and other recent developments. Need not be taken in sequence.

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HST 204 History of the Civil War (4 Credits)

Examines problems of the Civil War period, including politics, military leadership, troop life and activity, civilians, Native Americans, African-Americans, technology, and unique geographic challenges.

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HST 206 War and Society in the 20th century, 1914-1945 (4 Credits)

Surveys the cultural, social, political, and military history of the world in the era of the major world wars, 1914 to 1945. Offers a wide-ranging description and analysis of the First World War, interwar period, and Second World War, their global impacts and legacies. Combines military history with political, social, and cultural approaches.

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HST 218 Native American History (4 Credits)

Recommended preparation: or to be taken with WR 121Z.

Examines Native American (or First Peoples) lifestyles before and after contact with European settlers. With increasing demands by whites and new immigrants for land, Native Americans struggled for survival implementing various tactics to retain control of their homelands and retain their unique cultures.

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HST 235 Sexuality in 20th Century Europe (4 Credits)

Surveys sexual cultures, politics, identities, and practices in Europe from the waning of Victorianism to the collapse of communism, including themes of colonization, world wars, the Holocaust, the conservative postwar period, the sexual revolution, the AIDS crisis, and the rise of Islam in Europe. Provides an understanding of how gender and sexuality have changed over the course of the tumultuous twentieth century with a focus on a European context.

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HST 260 History of Islamic Civilizations (4 Credits)

Covers political, social, and religious developments in the Islamic world from 600 C.E. to the 1960s. Traces the formation of Islam and the establishment of the Caliphate; the impact of the Mongol invasions; the Ottoman, Mughal, and Safavid empires; and the impact of European colonization and 20th century movements of decolonization.

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HST 270 20th Century European History (4 Credits)

Covers the intellectual, political and cultural history of 20th century European history. Interprets society, culture, and writings from Europe and the colonies, analyzing the historical setting and significance of major occurrences in Europe, such as imperialism, fascism, world wars, the Holocaust, Soviet communism, and decolonization. Does not need to be taken in sequence.

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HST 280 Co-op Work Experience History (1-4 Credits)

Prerequisites: instructor approval.

Provides experience in which students apply previous classroom learning in an occupational setting. Credits depend on the number of hours worked. Repeatable for credit. P/NP grading.

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HST 298 Independent Study: History (1-6 Credits)

Prerequisites: instructor approval.

Recommended preparation: prior coursework in the discipline.

Individualized, advanced study to focus on outcomes not addressed in existing courses or of special interest to a student. P/NP grading.

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HST 299 Selected Topics: History (1-4 Credits)

This course is in development.

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