Department of History
THE STUDY OF HUMAN INGENUITY AND VARIETY
Though we live in a world far different from anything Cicero could have imagined, we nonetheless share common concerns with him. Like modern Americans, Roman Republicans worried about the integrity of their government, debated the duties of the citizen, dealt with problems of social and economic inequity, and considered what it meant to be an alert and active moral agent in the world. Students of history have the opportunity to study assumptions and solutions other societies have devised to address common human concerns, and to evaluate their outcomes with the benefit of hindsight. In doing so, students learn about options our own current civilization may not present, and learn to question and examine their own assumptions as well.
VALUABLE SKILLS
Students of history also learn that most crucial art of critical thinking. With electronic media, with ever-rising numbers of publications, we have access to more data than any other human beings ever have had. (The daily edition of The New York Times contains more pieces of information than a person in the seventeenth century would have seen in his or her entire life!) Yet this wealth of information serves only to confuse, not enlighten us, if we do not have the skills to examine it critically. Who wrote something? Why? What group was the author addressing? Can we corroborate the information presented in this piece of evidence with other pieces of evidence? These questions apply as well to modern as to historical sources of information, and must be asked if we are to understand the implications of what we read every day.
OBJECTIVES
The Department of History attempts to help students develop that awareness of the qualitative differences between historical eras commonly described as a sense of the past, a degree of familiarity with the political, cultural, and institutional developments that have shaped the contemporary world, and an understanding of history as a field of intellectual inquiry. In its general survey courses the Department strives to orient students to the cultural and social milieu in which they find themselves and to acquaint them with important people, movements, and events in the past. The Department's more specialized courses emphasize less the amassing of factual knowledge than the investigation, from various points of view, of the ideas and institutions-religious, political, social, and economic-through which people have endeavored to order their world. These courses serve also to acquaint the student with some of the problems of historiography and the basic tools of research. With its emphasis on research, writing, and critical analysis, the history program has proved to be an excellent background for students who take up careers in business, law, communications, public service, and education. Internship opportunities add to such preparation.
MINOR IN HISTORY The minor in history requires completion of HIS 101l-1021 and any four history courses numbered HIS 1500 or higher.
REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS Departmental Honors is open to all qualified students of the University whether they are in the Honors Program or not. Departmental Honors consists of an approved year-long research project submitted in the spring of the senior year, followed by an oral examination by a faculty committee. Specific requirements for departmental honors are found in the university catalog or in the brochure published annually by the Director of the Honors Program
SPECIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
History majors are eligible to participate in the following Programs, all of which are described in the university catalog.
American Studies
Asian Studies
European Studies
Medieval, Renaissance, and Reformation Studies
Latin American Studies
INTERNSHIPS
The history department arranges internships for qualified students with various historical, cultural, educational, and governmental organizations. Students learn such skills as archival management, collections, processing, photographic records interpretation, educational curriculum development, historic site interpretation, public relations writing for non-profit organizations, to name several. History majors from Saint Joseph's who engaged in internship programs have moved on to history-related careers, or used their experience in other professions. For further information on internship opportunities for history majors, contact Dr. Randall Miller at 610-660-1748, or Email : miller@sju.edu
TEACHER CERTIFICATION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Students majoring in History may minor in Education to obtain a Level I Teaching Certification. To meet requirements in History and in Education, students are urged to apply for the Education minor during the spring semester of their freshman year. While students will continue meeting with their History advisor, they will also be assigned an Education advisor who will guide them through their education courses.
SURVEY COURSES
These courses are prerequisites for the 2000 level courses in their respective areas. Students who have not completed a prerequisite can only register for an advanced course with the permission of the appropriate professor . Students with advanced placement will consult with their advisors about their modified curriculum.
HIS 1011-1021 Historical Introduction to Western Civilization (six credits)
A survey tracing the broad lines of Western political, cultural, social, and economic development from the ancient Near East to the present, set in a global context. These courses may be taken in reverse order.
HIS 1031-1041 History of the United States (six credits)
A survey dealing with the origin and development of American institutions and traditions, with emphasis on the political, economic, and social history of the period after 1763. These courses may be taken in reverse order.
HIS 1521 Historical Introduction to Latin America
A survey of the development of Latin America, emphasizing the era from the independence movements of the nineteenth century to the present day. The course will focus on the changing social, economic, and political structures in the region. This also counts as an upper-division course.
HIS 1551 Historical Introduction to the Islamic World
The Islamic world from the seventh century to the present; the expansion and consolidation of Islamic states; relations with Western powers; the rise and fall of empires; and social, cultural, and intellectual developments.
HIS 1571 Historical Introduction to East Asian Civilizations
This course will introduce students to the major political, social, and cultural movements of the East Asian Culture Area from the earliest writing to the modern period. It will emphasize major events of Chinese and Japanese history, with attention also to Korea and Vietnam. This also counts as an upper-division course.
Top of Page
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES (1500-2000 level)
Courses above the survey level will ordinarily be offered in a two-year cycle, meaning that ones not taught in the current academic year will be offered the following year. Courses associated with specific professors will be listed below with the professors. These may be new or revised courses not listed in the current catalog. The enrollment limit is 25 students per class.
HIS 2001 Freshmen Seminar in History (three credits ).
This course will emphasize extensive readings and discussions on selected topics in history. Chronological, geographical, and historiographical themes will be chosen each term by the individual instructor. The course is designed primarily for first-year students in the history major and will count as part of a student's regular load in the appropriate area category.
SEMINARS/COLLOQUIA, DIRECTED READING, AND RESEARCH COURSES
One or more seminars/colloquia will scheduled each semester, and the topics and professors will be announced in advance. The enrollment limit is 12. The seminars/colloquia and directed readings topics will vary. A colloquium typically involves readings, discussion, class presentations, and some lectures; while a seminar will have some or all of those elements but will center on a major research project. Seminars and colloquia are offered in the following areas:
American History
Asian History
European History
Latin American History
DIRECTED READINGS COURSES are offered in the above areas. Each course is a study of significant themes and periods in the designated area under the direction of a tutor. Frequent consultations and written reports are required. The topics studied will be listed on the student's transcript. Prior approval from the chair is required. Normally reading courses are restricted to students in the Honors Program.
HIS 2953-2963 Honors Research and Independent Study (six credits)
This course requires both independent research leading to the successful completion of an honors essay and passing a Department comprehensive examination.