FSHIST201—Transitional Justice in the Contemporary World
An introduction to writing and speaking in the discipline of history. Students examine the various ways in which newly-emergent democracies have dealt since World War II with the horrors perpetrated by the regimes that they replaced. Should priority be given to punishing those who have committed terrible crimes or to seeking political stability and social reconciliation? While focusing on current debates between proponents of retributive justice and advocates of restorative justice, this course examines how disgraced fallen regimes have been treated in a variety of historical contexts, from the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal to the demise of apartheid in South Africa.
History 109—Europe in the Age of Modernization and Revolution, 1648 – 1914
A survey of three centuries of European history, with focus on the ages of absolutism and enlightenment, the French Revolution and subsequent revolts, the evolution of liberal democracy, the industrial revolution and the development of a modern economy, and the emergence of nationalism and socialism.
History 157—History of Modern France, 1789 – Present
A survey of the major developments in French history beginning with the French Revolution. The course focuses on the economic and social foundations established for modern France in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic era and its political, intellectual, and cultural life since 1789. It considers such topics as the causes and importance of the Revolution, Napoleon’s career, the Revolutions of 1830 and 1848, the empire of Napoleon III, imperialism, socialism, industrialism, the impact of World War I, the Popular Front, Vichy and DeGaulle.
History 253—Citizenship, Democracy, and the French Revolution
An introduction to the study of the French Revolution in which students are assigned and act out positions as leaders of major revolutionary factions. Role playing begins as the newly-emerged National Assembly struggles to create a Constitution amidst internal chaos and threats of foreign invasion. Questions considered include: will the king be permitted to retain a semblance of power; can the Assembly contain the radical demands of “the People;” will Catholic priests obey the new revolutionary government or the dictates of the Pope; can the revolutionaries create a stable democratic regime, or was the violence and bloodshed of the Reign of Terror inevitable? Open to first-year students and sophomores only.
History 306—Enlightenment and Absolutism
An examination of European social, cultural, intellectual, political and economic life from 1648 to the eve of the French Revolution. The rise of absolutist states, overseas expansion and competition for empires, the ideas of the Enlightenment, and Enlighted Despotism will be considered. Prerequisites: History 107 or 109 or 157 or 253 or permission of the instructor.
History 308—The French Revolution and Napoleon
An examination of the origins, nature, and impact of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic period. Among the topics considered are the birth of modern democratic political culture, the causes of revolutionary violence and terror, and the rise of modern nationalism. Prerequisites: History 109 or 157 or 253 or 306 or permission of the instructor.
History 318—Environmental Thought in Modern Europe
An examination of the origins of environmental and ecological consciousness in modern European society. Through a study of the words of leading social and political theorists and philosophers, this course traces the development of skepticism regarding the inherently beneficial nature of technological progress and scientific advances back to the dawn of the Industrial Age in late 18th-century Europe. Prerequisites: At least one course in European history or permission of the instructor.
History 367—History of Political Crime and Political Justice
An examination of how various societies have dealt with political opposition throughout history. Why do some societies tolerate activities that others regard as crimes? Why do some societies treat “political criminals” relatively leniently while others do not? How far can a society extend the limits of tolerance and leniency and still survive? Prerequisites: At least one course in European history or permission of the instructor.
History 556—The French Revolution
An examination of various historical problems raised by the French Revolution. Among the topics considered are the struggle between revolutionary moderates and radicals, the role of public opinion, the question of revolutionary violence and terror, and the impact of international war. Prerequisites: History 109 or 157 or 253 or 306 or 308, and permission of the instructor.
History 585—Great Trials in History
A consideration of selected “show” trials in Western history as a means of investigating the phenomena of law and justice, political crime and political justice, and the relationship between the individual and the state. Through an examination of such diverse material as primary sources, secondary accounts, imaginative literature, and films, the seminar focuses on the institution of the trial as a political and philosophical event. Examples of types of trials to be considered include those of Socrates, Jesus, Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Galileo, Charles I, Louis XVI, Tom Paine, Sacco and Vanzetti, and John Scopes. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
History 600
a.k.a., the “pre-comp,” is designed to prepare you for the successful completion of your senior comprehensive project in the spring semester. Your main objectives in this course will be: 1) to identify and propose a viable topic for your senior project; 2) to identify and gather reliable and sufficient source material for your proposed topic; 3) to read and understand what other historians have written about your topic; and 4) to complete sufficient research on your topic to compose a chapter-by-chapter outline of what will become your senior project.