20 minute read
History ......................................................................Bachelor of Arts
SPAN 399: Senior Oral
Required of all Spanish language majors, in the semester immediately prior to graduation. Independent study/research on a topic approved by the department, resulting in a paper written and defended in Spanish during the oral examination. 1 credit
HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
JOHN M. VOHLIDKA, Ph.D., Program Director FACULTY: Professors: Suzanne Richard, Jeffrey H. Bloodworth. Associate Professors: Carolyn Baugh, John M. Vohlidka. Assistant Teaching Professors: Peter Agresti, Alexandra Holbrook. ADJUNCT FACULTY: A. Tiggy McLaughlin, Nora Schillinger
Mission Statement
Historians treat the past as a foreign place that can unlock the mysteries of the present and the future. Thinking like a historian will help you understand how attention to change, context, and contingency is critical to understanding the ethical and political dilemmas of the past, present, and future. These skills provide a foundation for careers in law, medicine, education, business, and public policy. The Gannon University department of history and archaeology seeks to inculcate its students with this “historical thinking” and a global vision that equips students with skills for a diverse and increasingly interconnected world.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to become an integral part of Gannon University’s humanities division that is known regionally for providing excellent classroom instruction, innovative programs, and producing cutting edge historical research. We strive to accomplish our vision by embracing rigorous academic inquiry with a constant awareness that a focus on students is vital to our program’s success.
Aims and Objectives
We must probe the past if we are to understand the problems of the present as well as the identity of humankind. Without history, we have no knowledge of who we are or how we came to be; we are like victims of collective amnesia groping in the dark for our identity. The history major is designed to enable the student to acquire a skilled and sustained sense of historical perspective as well as informed insight into historical method. But beyond this it seeks to develop those skills and attitudes of mind that distinguish the educated person: the habits of skepticism and criticism; of thinking with perspective and objectivity; of judging the good and bad and the in-between. It is hoped, in short, that the history major will lead the student to the attainment of life’s greatest value: wisdom. To this end, the specific aims are to acquaint the student with the basic tools and methods of research and expression—both written and oral; and to develop in him/her the skills of analysis and synthesis for the evaluation of historical evidence with particular stress on sound writing and reading skills. The Department of History offers courses covering the remote and recent periods of history and stressing American, European and non-Western history. Thirty-three hours of credits, twenty- one in the upper-level courses, are required of majors. The History Seminar integrates the student’s previous concentration in either American or European History and is required for all majors. A minor in history may be obtained by completing eighteen credits, including HIST 221, 222 and twelve additional upper division history credits.
Career Opportunities
Because of its breadth, its concern with people and their institutions and its essential connection with language, the study of history prepares a person for a considerable number of occupations and professions to which these qualities are essential. Thus, a concentration in history is an
excellent, generally well-recognized and often ideal way to prepare one for many vocations besides teaching. Moreover, those who wish to prepare for graduate or professional school will find that an undergraduate concentration in history, coupled with a sequence of courses dictated by special interests, is one of the most flexible preparatory programs for future study in many fields. Law schools in particular look upon a major in history as one of the best means to prepare for training in that profession. Specific career opportunities exist in the areas of teaching (at all levels), public historian and archivist, library work, educational and public administration, museum work, social service occupations and urban planning. History is also an excellent preparation for most positions in the federal, state and local governments. Specifically, government intelligence work and the foreign service demand preparation in history. Other areas include politics, public relations, advertising, banking, journalism, editing, fund-raising and related fields.
Alternative History Concentrations and Majors
The Gannon University – Duquesne School of Law, 3+3 Early Admissions Program
This program has been designed for qualified students to earn an undergraduate and a law degree in six years rather than seven. Under the early admissions program students may receive a Bachelors Degree in History after three years of undergraduate work and the successful completion of the first year of full time study at the Duquesne School of Law. The student would then receive their Law Degree after successful completion of the second year at Duquesne School of Law. Qualified students may wish to pursue this option. Students, who qualify for the Pre-Law 3+3 Early Admission Program in collaboration with the Duquesne School of Law, may choose to major in history and complete the B.A. requirements in three years. Refer to the Admissions section for a description of and qualifications for the Pre-Law 3+3 Early Admissions Program. This course of study offers 33 hours of upper division historical studies, an excellent preparation for law school.
Archaeology and Public History Track
This track is for students who would like to include a concentration or focused area of study as part of their history major. This track enhances career-path and professional opportunities for history majors, including the areas of museum studies, archival and library work and other public history vocations; it also prepares students for graduate work in those fields. A number of cross-listings between history and archaeology make this concentration quite attractive, with such resources as The Archaeology Museum Gallery at Gannon, the Collins Institute for Archaeological Research and the Khirbat Iskandar Excavations, Jordan. The history program offers opportunities for internships and field work within the public and private museums, archives, libraries and government agencies which incorporate an appropriate program of “hands-on” experiences. Ample opportunities are also available in study-abroad programs, on a summer or semester basis, whereby the student can study and experience history through a variety of opportunities and forums.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Liberal Studies/HIST 109: History Without Borders
This course chronicles the West’s interaction with the world from the fifteenth century to the present. Particular attention will be paid to the West’s interaction with the non-Western world. In the course of understanding the process of globalization, students will encounter Asian, Latin American, African, and Western perspectives. 3 credits
HIST 100: First-Year Seminar: Outliers: Hidden Stories of Human Greatness
This course is a First Year Seminar in the Liberal Studies core curriculum, which will provide an introduction to the field of History. This seminar will introduce students to a more sophisticated
understanding of history and humanity. Why do some people transcend their situation and achieve greatness while others plod along and remain mired in their surroundings? Using Malcolm Galdwell’s work Outliers: The Story of Success as a common reading and a model, this Seminar will develop students’ understanding of and appreciation for historical processes, causation, and the ultimate mystery of human greatness. Through integrating the readings, discussion, and experiential learning, Seminar students will research, write, and present their own “Hidden Story of Human Greatness,” at the conclusion of the semester. In addition to information literacy, service learning, writing, and analytical skills, in the seminar students will develop an understanding of the complex relationship between culture and human greatness. The History and Archaeology Department and its faculty believe that it is essential for students to understand how their studies can be applied to ameliorating the world’s ills. The course will also investigate career options so that the student can plan their academic courses accordingly. 2 credits
History 105: Experiential Education
In this course students will “learn by doing.” Through an internship or study abroad students will engage in an intensive experiential education program, reflect upon their experience, and employ their new knowledge in the classroom and beyond. All study abroad and/or internships are subject to their advisors’ approval. 1-3 credits
HIST 110: Foundations of Western Heritage
The most important ideas, issues, problems, and developments that mark the changing fortunes of the West from the Ancient World to the end of the Wars of the Reformation (ca.1648). 3 credits
HIST 210: Ancient History
An analysis of intellectual, social, economic, and political developments of the Ancient World. 3 credits
HIST 220: Medieval History
An examination of the intellectual, social, economic, and political ethos of the Middle Ages with emphasis on the period 1000-1350. 3 credits
HIST 226: The Contemporary Middle East
This is an inter-disciplinary course focusing on the history, culture, and languages of the Contemporary Middle East. As such, course instruction will include rudimentary Hebrew and Arabic language training, the diplomatic and political history of the Middle East, and an examination of Jewish, Arabic, Persian and Kurdish culture. 3 credits
HIST 230: The History of Human Rights
This course is a history of the Western project of conceiving and imposing a system of moral entitlements and obligations that are termed human rights. 3 credits
HIST 241: English History to Elizabeth I
Celtic and Roman Britain, Christianity and the Norman Conquest, the role of medieval institutions, the Wars of the Roses, consolidation of a dynastic state. Nationalism and the Reformation provide the focus in the Tudor period. 3 credits
HIST 242: British History 1600 to Present
The history of the British state and the British people from the Restoration of the Stuart Monarchy to the present. 3 credits
HIST 245: Tudor and Stuart England
A study of sixteenth and seventeenth century England beginning from the reign of Henry VII to the Glorious Revolution. 3 credits
HIST 263: Ancient Greek History: Citizens, Soldiers, and Poets
This course explores the rise and development of ancient Greece from its early origins and wide Mediterranean context, to the conquest of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic period that
followed. Students will read and analyze works of ancient epic, historiography, philosophy, and drama, and will develop and express their understanding of the history and culture of ancient Greece through class discussions and writing assignments. 3 credits
HIST 286: Introduction to the Middle East
This course explores Middle Eastern History from the rise of Islam to the Arab Spring, with some reference to current events. We will look at some primary sources in translation as well as film and media (both Middle Eastern and Western). In considering the many varied cultures that comprise the Middle East we will attempt to give nuance to monolithic notions of a Middle Eastern Other. We will explore the historical roots of contested issues particular to the region, while gaining knowledge of religious, intellectual, cultural, and linguistic traditions. This knowledge should help shape our understanding of modern developments and help students critically analyze the most common sources of their information. 3 credits
HIST 287: The History of Science and Technology
The development of science and technology from antiquity to the beginning of the 21st century. The methodology, uses and aims of science. The scientific revolution and its greatest figures from Copernicus to Newton. 3 credits
HIST 288: Plague and Panic: Pandemics in World History
Students will study the demographic, social, economic, political, and cultural impact of pandemic diseases throughout history from ancient times to the present. Students will consider the roles of historiography and bio-archaeology in identifying ancient and medieval plagues and will analyze primary sources for contemporary political, cultural, and economic responses. The class will examine how plagues affected the growth of empires and nations, particularly where they coincided with large-scale warfare. Students will become familiar with the historical dynamics of trans-oceanic disease exchange, the plagues of the modern era, and worldwide initiatives to combat them. Prerequisite: LHST 111 3 credits
HIST 290: Comics and Culture
The purpose of this course is to examine a particular form of popular media known generally as ‘comics’ (this pertain to both comic books and comic strips but will not included animation although some animation will be shown) in their intellectual, social, political and cultural context. The course is designed to provide students with a foundation of knowledge as well as to encourage them to develop a capacity for historical analysis. 3 credits
HIST 301: East Asia, From Confucius to Revolution
This course involves a study of East Asian Civilization from its ancient origins through the contemporary period. The course emphasizes the dominant ideas, institutions, and individuals shaping East Asian history. 3 credits
HIST 302: Becoming Human–Becoming the World: World History I
This course intends to study culture continuity and change by concentrating on the most important turning points and developments in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, covering the time span from Human Origins to the edge of the Renaissance. The orientation is global, the themes integrative, the overall goal being to show interconnections in the development of civilization(s), along with divergence across cultural and societal boundaries. The course stresses the archaeological and textual evidence. Some of the over-arching themes that express both culture and cultural diversity in antiquity include: becoming human, first states, nomadic movements, empires, and universal religions. 3 credits
HIST 303: Global Connections: World History II
This course examines world history from the early modern period to the present. Its goal is to develop understanding of global processes by examining changes within and across world regions, by comparing and contrasting political, social, and economic systems and values, and y examining the connections between various regions, including circulations of people, goods, and ideologies. 3 credits
HIST 304: Introduction to Museum Studies
This course intends to survey the field of museum studies and introduce the student to the world of museums/historical societies and to various facets of exhibit research, design, and implementation. There will be a “hands-on” component as well as a theoretical underpinning to museum best practices. The course will cover methods adopted by curators and educators in the care and preservation of artifacts, and issues currently debated in the field. Topics include: collection, acquisition, cataloging, and inventorying. There will be a class project in museum exhibit design, utilizing archaeological resources in the Archaeology Museum Gallery at Gannon. 3 credits
LENG 307/HIST 307: History through Arabic Literature
Literature is a key cultural element throughout Arabic history, from pre-Islamic poetry slams to brilliant court poets to jailed dissidents “then and now.” This course aims to give a general survey of literary works written in Arabic from the 6th century until the present and their links to historical developments vital to understanding Arabic and Middle Eastern/North African history. It adopts a chronological format appropriate to such a historical survey, examining from the outset the important role of the Qur’an in the literary heritage and the poetic milieu into which it emerged. We will explore the earliest prose tradition, popular literature such as the Arabian Nights, and the renaissance (nahda) in the 19th century as well as the emergence of a modern tradition of Arabic literature, with special attention to the novel. The course is literary- historical, investigating the myriad political, religious and social influences upon literature, while analyzing the texts using various forms of criticism ranging from formalism to archetypal to Marxist, feminist, cultural, and reader-response. 3 credits
HIST 308: Women in Middle East History
This course explores Middle Eastern History through the prism of women’s experiences. Through primary sources in translation as well as fiction and non-fiction, film, and scholarly articles, we will view how women have participated in the building of a vast and varied civilization. We will explore the historical roots of contested issues particular to Middle Eastern women, and gain general knowledge of Middle East history that we can apply to understanding modern developments. 3 credits
HIST 310: The Renaissance and Reformation
The development of humanism and the great intellectual, artistic and cultural achievements of the Renaissance in Italy and subsequently in northern Europe. The religious, social, political and economic factors underlying the division of Christianity, the great Protestant reformers, their life and work. 3 credits
HIST 311: The Global Sixties
This course will examine the1960s as a global phenomenon. Through thematic sections centered on events in the Soviet Union, China, France, West Germany, Algeria, Japan, Palestine, America, and Mexico, students will learn world history through the prism of a tumultuous era. Our primary goal is in fact to evaluate the topic of the course: “the 60s.” Is there something, or some set of characteristics, that coherently links these events together (other than the fact that they occur in the same decade)? Are there shared problems, or approaches, that link the various political and cultural phenomena? 3 credits
HIST 312: The Baroque and Enlightenment Era: Europe 1648-1780
The major features of European cultural and political history from the Peace of Westphalia to the beginning of the French Revolution. 3 credits
HIST 313: Enlightenment and Revolution
This course will explore relationship between the social and intellectual history of the Enlightenment with the political revolutions of the late eighteenth century. 3 credits
HIST 315: Modern Egypt
This course explores the history of modern Egypt, from the 1919 Revolution against British occupation to the 1952 Revolution against the monarchy through the 2011 and 2013 Revolutions, with special attention to people—with widely varying experiences—as architects
of that country. We will encounter Egyptian history through autobiography, film, political and digital history, literature, and even graffiti. 3 credits
HIST 420: History of the Contemporary World
A review of Western history from the Congress of Vienna to the present. 3 credits
American HIST 221: History of the United States to 1865
The foundation of the English settlements, the American Revolution, the Early National Period, Jacksonian Democracy, Abolitionism, Expansion to the Pacific, the Civil War. Immigration and the role of minorities are emphasized. 3 credits
HIST 222: The United States in the World: 1865 to Present
Reconstruction, the development of the Industrial Revolution, Immigration and the role of Minorities, the Progressive movement, World War I, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Korean War, the Civil Rights Movement and the post Cold War era. 3 credits
HIST 225: Diplomatic History of the United States (Cross-listed with POLI 343)
The growth of American foreign policy from its colonial origins to the breakthrough in the world arena and twentieth century world leadership and problems. Prerequisites: HIST 221, 222 3 credits
HIST 231: American Colonial and Early Republic Era to 1828
An analysis of the main political, social, economic, and cultural developments from the Colonial Era through the Early Republic and Early National eras. Prerequisite: HIST 221 3 credits
HIST 232: Nineteenth Century America: 1828-1896
The United States during the period of nation making through the Gilded Age. Emphasis is placed on Sectionalism, Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Gilded Age. Prerequisites: HIST 221, 222 3 credits
HIST 236: The History of Women in the United States
This course will examine the history of women in the United States from the pre-colonial period to the twentieth century. It will cover the experiences of Native American, European, African American, Latin American and Asian American women, women in the paid work force, race and class relations, war-time experiences, and changes in norms of gender and sexuality. 3 credits
HIST 237: American Social-Intellectual History (Cross-listed with POLI 351)
Social and intellectual developments from the Colonial Era to contemporary times. Special focus on religious history, education, reform movements, literary trends, and progress in science and technology. Prerequisites: HIST 221, 222 3 credits
HIST 239: The Black Experience in America
This course provides an analysis of Black American History from the sixteenth century to the present, with special emphasis on the African background, the slave trade and slavery during the Antebellum Period, Black Americans’ fight for freedom against segregation and discrimination, and Black American contributions to the political, social, economic, educational and cultural growth of the American nation. Prerequisite: HIST 221 3 credits
HIST 273: The American Civil War
The most important ideas, issues, problems, battles, and developments that mark the American Civil War. The focus will be on overarching themes, significant individuals, and the dominant ideas that shaped the course of the War itself, and the United States afterward. American society, culture, politics, and the institution of slavery will be covered. 3 credits
HIST 282: American Military History
The development of the American military experience as it changed from the limited warfare of the 18th century to the total war of the 20th Century, and the global terrorism of the 21st Century. Prerequisite: LHST 111 3 credits
HIST 284: The Great War WW1
The most important ideas, issues, problems, battles, and developments that mark World War 1. There will be a focus on themes, significant individuals, and the overarching ideas that shaped the course of the war. Additionally, this class will expose students to how the entire globe was changed forever as a direct result of the War through class lecture, readings, and in- class exercises. International society, culture, and politics will be analyzed and discussed, with spotlights on the most active nations involved. 3 credits
HIST 299: Leadership Seminar
The Leadership Seminar introduces students to a three-dimensional model of leadership, including a repertoire of leadership skills and means of using those skills responsibly in the various communities to which they belong. In addition, the course helps students explore the relevance of leadership skills in the leadership process. Ethical reasoning and Catholic social justice teaching serve as the basis for students’ leadership development as reflected both in this course and in the corequisite Theology or Philosophy Series III course. This section will focus particularly on leadership development for Humanities majors through building their career and post-graduate life and leadership skills. 3 credits
HIST 325: Contemporary American History
Analysis of the major political, social, economic, and cultural trends in American history from World War II to the present. Special emphasis will be focused on national politics, international relations, and social economic trends from the Harry S. Truman to the George W. Bush administrations. Prerequisite:, HIST 221, HIST 222 3 credits
HIST 351: Global History I
The purpose of this course is to help students develop their understanding of the major political, economic, social, institutional, intellectual, and cultural changes that shaped world civilizations from early human history up to 1500 CE. 3 credits
HIST 352: Global History II
The goal of this course is to examine the movements of World History from a variety of perspectives including artistic, political, religious, social, economic and military from 1500 CE until the present day. The course is designed not only to provide students with a foundation of knowledge but also to develop a capacity for historical analysis. 3 credits
HIST 379: Internship with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
To be served at one of the more than 50 museums and historic sites operated by the Commission. The focus of each internship will be determined on the basis of the interests of the student and the resources of the Museum. Internships are for a minimum of ten weeks or longer. They coincide with the fall, spring or summer semesters. Six to 12 credits depending on the length and type of internship will be awarded. Housing may be available at some of the sites, but ordinarily students will be expected to make their own arrangements. Prerequisites: Open only to Junior, Senior or Graduate students. (Anthropology/SOCI 292; HIST 221, 222,) 6-12 credits
HIST 390-392: Special Topics
Selected topics in History. 1-6 credits HIST 395-399: Independent Study 1-6 credits
HIST 400: Senior History Seminar
Selected research topics in history. Emphasis is placed on historiography, methodology and the utilization of primary sources and archival materials. 3 credits
GEOG 201: World Geography
A presentation of the basic facts and ideas about world regions, focusing on individual countries and areas, including physical and cultural material. 3 credits
GEOG 211: Geography of U.S. and Canada
A presentation of the basic facts and ideas about regions in the United States and Canada, including physical and cultural material. 3 credits
GEOG 221-241: Regional Geography/Special Topics
Specialized geography courses focusing on various nations and regions of the world. 3 credits
History Curriculum
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits) FRESHMAN Fall 3 Foundational English/ENGL 101 3 History of US to 1865 3 Foundational Theology/THEO 101 3 History Course 3 Elective 0 Gannon 101/FRSH 101 15
SOPHOMORE Fall 3 History Course 3 Global Language Course 3 Integrative Communication 3 Integrative Philosophy 3 Elective 15
JUNIOR Fall 3 History Course 3 Elective 3 Global Citizenship 3 Quantitative Reasoning 3 Professional Leadership/Ethics/ PSGA 100
15
SENIOR Fall 3 History Course 3 Elective 3 PSGA 400 (WI) 3 Elective 3 Elective 15 Spring 3 Integrative Theology 3 US in the World 1865–present 3 Foundational Philosophy/PHIL 101 3 History Course 3 Elective
15
Spring 3 History Course 3 Integrative English 3-4 Scientific Reasoning 3 Global Citizenship 3 Elective 15-16
Spring 3 History Course 3 Elective 3 Integrative History 3 Aesthetic Reasoning 3 Elective
15
Spring 3 History Course 3 Professional Communication 3 Global Citizenship 3 Elective 3 Elective 15
