History
Department Chair: John F. Quinn, Ph.D.
The Department of History strives to increase students' understanding of the past in order to give them a better perspective on the contemporary world. The Department also seeks to acquaint students with the methods employed by historians in interpreting sources and utilizing primary and secondary materials.
The department emphasizes American and European History but requires its majors to take non-Western History courses as well in order to prepare them for life in our present multicultural society. Students pursuing a double major in Secondary Education and History take a mixture of classes in American, European and non-Western History.
Through its emphasis on research, writing and analysis, History prepares students for a variety of careers. In addition to positions in education, History majors pursue graduate studies and law school and find employment in fields such as government, museum studies and business.
The department recognizes the value of foreign study and encourages its majors to study abroad for a semester or for a short term if possible. In addition, History majors are encouraged to complete credit-bearing internships at local museums, libraries or historical societies.
Students may apply three history courses in transfer to a History major and two to a History minor. History majors and minors are required to maintain a 2.5 average in their History courses.
History Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate their grasp of the historical content and context associated with their research topics.
- Devise a clear and convincing argument that includes a coherent thesis statement supported by relevant evidence.
- Conduct research independently using appropriate primary and secondary sources.
- Express their ideas in clear and concise writing, using correct grammar and appropriate style.
- Document their sources according to Chicago style.
- Explain their research findings clearly and persuasively and field questions competently.
HIS-080: Introduction to Geography (1 Credits)
This workshop provides an introduction to geographic principles and their application in understanding the settings in which different people live. Political, economic, cultural and physical environments will be examined with an emphasis on spatial analysis.
HIS-098: Careers in the Museum Field (1 Credits)
From interpretation and development to collections management and marketing, this interactive workshop will introduce students to the wide range of careers in the museum field. Through facilitated discussions, guest speakers and off-site field trips to local museums, students will explore the origins of the museum profession, current issues facing the field and opportunities for engagement within the New England Museum community.
HIS-103: Western Civilization I: 500 B.C.-1500 A.D. (3 Credits)
This course covers political, religious and intellectual developments in Ancient Greece, Rome and Medieval Europe.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-104: Western Civilization II: 1500-Present (3 Credits)
This course covers political, intellectual and religious developments in Western Europe from the Reformation through the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-113: History of the United States to 1877 (3 Credits)
This survey course covers political, social, religious, economic and cultural trends in America from the Jamestown settlement in 1607 through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Topics include the development of slavery, concepts of religious freedom, industrialization and westward expansion. Special attention is paid to the role Newport played in the Colonial and Revolutionary period.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-114: History of the United States since 1877 (3 Credits)
This survey course covers political, social, religious, economic and cultural trends in America from the end of Reconstruction through the end of the Cold War. Topics include America's rise as a world power, Progressivism, the women's movement and the civil rights movement. Special attention is paid to the role that Newport played during the Gilded Age.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-201: Europe 1789-1914 (3 Credits)
This course analyzes political, intellectual, and cultural developments in Western Europe from the start of the French Revolution until the outbreak of World War I.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-202: Europe 1914-1990's (3 Credits)
This course analyzes the major political, military, and intellectual developments in Europe since World War I. Special emphasis is placed on the totalitarian movements that threatened Europe for most of the 20th century.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-203: Hitler and the Holocaust (3 Credits)
This course examines the mindset of Hitler and his associates and the role that the Final Solution played in Nazi ideology. The Nazis' systematic efforts to liquidate Jews and gypsies and their persecution of their religious and political opponents are studied in detail. Attention is also be given to the resistance and rescue efforts undertaken by the opponents of Nazism both inside and outside of Germany.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-225: Introduction to Public History (3 Credits)
Public History is the interpretation of the past for popular audiences in the non-academic settings. This course introduces students to the field of public history, including the subfields of museum studies, archival studies, oral history, historic site interpretation and historic preservation. Expert guest speakers, field trips and case studies expose students to a variety of professional career options.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
Cross-listed with: CHP-225.
Course Fee: $35.00
HIS-251: Sport in America (3 Credits)
This course examines the history of sport in the United States in order to better understand American identity. Issues explored include immigration, race relations, religion, class, gender, business, politics and nationalism. Students will have the opportunity to think about how sport mirrors-and at the same time shapes- critical ideas and values in American society.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-265: Modern Global History (3 Credits)
This course examines episodes since antiquity where the movement of people, the exchange of ideas and goods, as well as the advancement of technology has influenced politics, culture, science, and identities. From the Babylonian Captivity to Marco Polo and the Internet, inter-cultural exchanges have shaped the modern world. Through the reading of primary and secondary sources, the student will gain a greater understanding of globalization, its historic roots, and its modern impact.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Building Global Awareness.
HIS-270: The Historian's Craft (3 Credits)
The course examines the scholarly approaches that leading historians have taken to the discipline. It considers how historians analyze and interpret source materials and explores the ethical challenges that they sometimes face. Over the course of the semester, students will visit area archives and conduct research using both primary and secondary sources. Open to History majors/minors with sophomore academic standing and permission from department chair is required.
HIS-297: Special Topics in European History (3 Credits)
These intermediate-level courses are offered when interest is generated and departmental resources are available.
HIS-298: Special Topics in Non-Western History (3 Credits)
These intermediate-level courses are offered when interest is generated and departmental resources are available.
HIS-299: Special Topics in American History (3 Credits)
These intermediate-level courses are offered when interest is generated and departmental resources are available.
HIS-306: Modern Germany (3 Credits)
This course concentrates on 20th century developments after a brief survey of aspects of German history before 1914 that have had an enduring effect. Special emphasis is given to the Hitler and World War II era.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-308: Modern France (3 Credits)
This course considers the major political, intellectual, and cultural currents in France since 1789. The course first briefly studies the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV and then closely examines developments from the French Revolution to the present.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-309: Modern Russia (3 Credits)
This course concentrates on the Soviet Union through its transformation into the Russia of the early 21st century, after a brief survey of those aspects of Russian history from the time of Peter the Great that have had an enduring effect on Russia in the contemporary era.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-310: Modern England (3 Credits)
This course considers the major political, intellectual and cultural developments in England since 1776. The course begins with a brief consideration of the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian periods and then closely examines English life in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-311: Modern Ireland (3 Credits)
This course considers political, religious, cultural and economic developments in Ireland since 1798. Special emphasis is placed on the violence that plagued Northern Ireland from the 1960s-1990s.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-312: Modern Italy (3 Credits)
This course considers the major developments in Italy since the 1790s. The course begins with a brief account of the early modern period and then examines events of the 19th and 20th centuries, especially the struggle for unification and Mussolini's fascist dictatorship. Attention is also paid to the Italian influx into America and the reception that the immigrants received.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: What is Western Heritage?-Ancient and Modern.
HIS-313: American Immigrant Experience (3 Credits)
An examination of the experiences of the major immigrant groups from the Puritans to the Third World peoples of the present day. Special emphasis is placed on the European immigrant waves of the nineteenth century and on the experiences of African Americans before and after Emancipation. The course considers each group's efforts to adapt to America and the ambivalent and sometimes hostile reaction that they received from native-born Americans. Open to students with sophomore academic standing or with permission of instructor is required.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-316: American Economic History (3 Credits)
From Colonial Jamestown's commercial enterprises in the early seventeenth century to the global e-commerce of the early 21st century, economic forces have shaped the American experience. This course surveys the history of economic America from 1600 to the present. It explores the historic origins of economic growth and change, including: Colonial trade and the American Revolution; early manufacturing and westward expansion; slavery and industrialization; labor and unionization; the welfare state; and globalization.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
Cross-listed with: ECN-316.
HIS-320: The American Revolution (3 Credits)
This course will examine the American Revolution from its origins in the mid-18th century through the ratification of the Constitution. The course will explore such topics as the political, economic, and ideological factors leading to the Revolution; the major battles and military figures of the war for independence; the significance of the American Revolution in the global context; the radicalism of the Revolution's impact on America's political and social order; and the legacy of the Revolution within American society and culture as well as Western Civilization. Particular attention will be given to the experience of Rhode Island and Newport during the revolutionary era. Open to students with sophomore academic standing or with permission of instructor is required.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-321: America's Civil War (3 Credits)
The Civil War preserved the Union, ended slavery in America, and modernized the American republic and economy. This course will introduce students to the Civil War era beginning with the economic, social and political origins of the conflict during the antebellum period; continuing with the political, military, diplomatic, and social history of the war years; and ending with an exploration of how Americans remember the Civil War today. Open to students with sophomore standing or with permission of instructor is required.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-322: Urban America (3 Credits)
A survey of urban America from the 17th through the 20th centuries that examines the impact of the city upon American history, culture and quality of life. Special emphasis is given to urban developments in the 20th century.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-324: American Political Thought (3 Credits)
This course is an in-depth study of some of the most important streams of American political thought. We will examine early American Christianity, natural rights, constitutionalism, democracy, and the development of modern liberalism. We will also examine views that dissent from each of these major categories. Most of the readings in this course are considered to be essential to a thorough understanding of the political history of this nation.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
Cross-listed with: POL-324.
HIS-328: America in Depression and War (3 Credits)
This course will examine the history of the United States during the era of the Great Depression and World War II. Topics covered will include the origins of the Depression, the administration of Herbert Hoover, life in America during the Depression, the personal and political background of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the presidential election of 1932, the New Deal, American popular culture in the 1930s and 1940s, American foreign policy during the 1930s, and American involvement in World War II.
Offering Term(s): Occasional
HIS-331: Contemporary Latin America (3 Credits)
This course discusses and evaluates various theories of economics and political development in Latin America, with a focus on the establishment, the frequent breakdown, and the reemergence of democratic political systems during the post-colonial era. The causes and consequences of both military regimes and modern revolutionary movements, as well as the impact of the United States foreign policy, will also be examined. The course provides an overview of politics and government throughout Latin America, but with a special emphasis on the nations of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Cuba.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Building Global Awareness.
Cross-listed with: POL-331.
HIS-332: Contemporary Middle East (3 Credits)
Civil war in Syria, Saudi oil, Islamist terrorism, the Iranian nuclear program, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict--these and many other aspects of Middle Eastern politics make it essential for Americans to understand this region. This course traces the history of the region from the time of Muhammad to the present, then focuses on key countries and contemporary issues.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Building Global Awareness.
Cross-listed with: POL-332.
HIS-333: Contemporary Africa (3 Credits)
This course is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of independent African states. Attention is directed to the social, geographic, and economic settings; to the colonial experiences; and to the contemporary political situation.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Building Global Awareness.
Cross-listed with: POL-333.
HIS-334: Contemporary Asia (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the modern politics and history of Asia, one of the most important and rapidly changing regions in the world. Special emphasis is given to China, Japan, and India. Topics will include the effects of traditional cultures on modern politics, the rise of nationalism, democracy and authoritarianism, economic change, and international relations in the East Asian region.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Building Global Awareness.
Cross-listed with: POL-334.
HIS-336: Vietnam War (3 Credits)
The Vietnam War is examined from the perspective of both the Americans and the Vietnamese. After a survey of developments in Southeast Asia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the course concentrates on the war of independence from France, the struggle for unification against the United States, and the aftermath of that war into the present.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Building Global Awareness.
HIS-340: History of Warfare (3 Credits)
The course surveys military history of the United States within a global context from America's colonial wars in the 17th century through the American conflicts in the Middle East in the 1990's. Although this course emphasizes warfare on land, it also includes the study of naval and air warfare. Each American war is examined including major battles and military leaders, the impact of war on society, and the global influence of American military power. Open to students with sophomore academic standing or with permission of instructor is required.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-342: The American Civil Rights Movement (3 Credits)
In keeping with the University's mission to work for a world that is "harmonious, just and merciful," this course examines the origins, growth and outcomes of the modern civil rights movement, which engaged the nation in re-examining the principles of mercy and justice in American society. While focusing on the standard time period--from the U.S. Supreme Court's 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision to the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.--it also explores earlier struggles for African American equality and the movement's influence on a wide array of civil rights issues since the 1960s. Readings include historical scholarship, autobiographies and primary source materials.
Offering Term(s): Occasional
HIS-345: China in the Twentieth Century (3 Credits)
This course will offer an overview of China from the late Qing dynasty through the Beijing Summer Olympics (1860s-2008). Focusing primarily on the rise and progression of the People's Republic of China, it will cover political, diplomatic, social, cultural, and military developments.
Offering Term(s): Occasional
HIS-390: Historical Research Methods (3 Credits)
This course helps prepare students for the Senior Seminar (HIS-490). Over the course of the semester, students strengthen their research and writing skills and begin working on their thesis topics. History majors with junior academic standing is required.
HIS-397: Special Topics in European History (3 Credits)
These upper-level courses are offered when interest is generated and departmental resources are available.
HIS-398: Special Topics in Non-Western History (3 Credits)
These upper-level courses are offered when interest is generated and departmental resources are available.
HIS-399: Special Topics in American History (3 Credits)
These upper-level courses are offered when interest is generated and departmental resources are available.
HIS-403: Modern America (3 Credits)
This course considers political, social, and economic aspects of American life from World War II to the present. Emphasis is given to cultural change, and the impact of national and international events on the lifestyle of the average American. Open to students with sophomore academic standing or with permission of instructor is required.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
HIS-415: Modern American Foreign Policy (3 Credits)
An examination of America's leadership role on the international scene from World War II to the present, with an analysis of the interrelationship of domestic and foreign issues. Open to students with sophomore academic standing or with permission of instructor is required.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
Cross-listed with: POL-415.
HIS-422: American Presidency (3 Credits)
This course provides an explanation of the institutional and political evolution of the presidency with an emphasis on the nature of presidential power in domestic and foreign affairs. Attention is also given to institutional conflicts with Congress and the Courts. The nature of presidential leadership and personality is also explored. Open to students with sophomore academic standing or with permission of instructor is required.
Fulfills Core Requirement in History.
Theme: Defining the American Experience.
Cross-listed with: POL-422.
HIS-490: Senior Thesis Capstone (4 Credits)
This is the capstone course of the History Department. In this class students will sharpen their research, writing and public speaking skills as they complete and publicly present a thesis based on their original research. Open to History majors with senior academic standing is required.
HIS-491: Internship (3 Credits)
Students work for a staff member at a local historical society, library, archive or museum on one or more projects and complete a research paper related to the history of Newport or the subject of their internship. The internship is open to junior and senior History majors with the permission of the advisor is required.
HIS-499: Independent Study (3 Credits)
Supervised study of a particular area of history not available in a regularly scheduled course.