History

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

HST 111 : The West and the World I

This course is a comparative study of societies and cultures from prehistory through the Renaissance. It emphasizes the interaction between the West and the world in order to understand the current world. Prerequisite: A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or, a C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will: 1. Analyze a variety of primary and secondary historical sources and their varying perspectives. 2. Identify the origins, development, and spread of the world’s major cultural traditions. 3. Evaluate the relationship between the causes and effects of important historical events and trends. 4. Explain how certain diverse human societies evolved. 5. Appraise how the human historical experience of the past affects the present and future.

HST 112 : The West and the World II

This course is a comparative study of societies and cultures from the Renaissance to the present. It emphasizes the interaction between the West and the world in order to understand the current world. Prerequisite: A passing score on the college's writing and reading placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture class hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will: 1. Analyze a variety of primary and secondary historical sources and their varying perspectives. 2. Assess the origins, development and impact of revolution including the resulting political, economic, intellectual, and cultural changes. 3. Assess the origins, interrelationships, development and impact of nationalism, industrialization, imperialism and globalization. 4. Compare and contrast the differences between traditional and modern societies. 5. Explain the evolution and connections of world events on diverse human societies from the Renaissance to the present. 6. Analyze different political systems, including democracies and authoritarian governments around the world.

HST 113 : United States History to 1877

This course is a survey of the American past from the Age of Exploration to the end of Reconstruction. It examines the major forces, personalities, events, and institutions that shaped the American experience through 1877. Topics include the development of colonial society, the American Revolution, the Constitution (Federal and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), the growth of the new nation, westward expansion, the rise of sectionalism, and the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Students develop the ability to think, read, and write critically and analytically and to understand the various forms of human interaction through a study of the creation and growth of the United States through 1877. The course aids students in their efforts to understand the principles of group behavior and social organizations and how power is wielded in society. Prerequisite: A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Analyze the cultural conflicts from the pre-Columbian period through 1877. 2. Analyze the evolution of the American identity. 3. Examine the evolution of governmental institutions, policies and elections from colonial beginnings through the Reconstruction Era. 4. Explain the development and transformation of the American economy. 5. Evaluate the impact of social, religious and intellectual movements in the US to 1877.

HST 114 : United States History from 1877

This course is a survey of the American past from 1877 to the present. It examines the major forces, personalities, events, and institutions that have shaped the American experience to the present. Topics include westward expansion, industrialization, urbanization, mass immigration, race relations, and the global role of the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries. Students develop the ability to think, read, and write critically and analytically and to understand the various forms of human interaction through a study of the growth of the United States since 1877. The course aids students in their efforts to understand the principles of group behavior and how power is wielded in society. Prerequisite: A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Assess the growth of American power from the Reconstruction Era to the present. 2. Analyze the continuing evolution of the American identity at home and abroad. 3. Examine the continuing evolution of American governmental institutions and policies from the Reconstruction Era to the present. 4. Explain the continuing development and transformation of the American economy. 5. Evaluate the impact of social, religious, intellectual, and cultural movements in the United States from the Reconstruction Era to the present.

HST 115 : Twentieth Century Social History-1919 to the Present

This course consists of a critical analysis of the major American domestic values, beliefs, and institutions as they changed over the 20th century and to the present time, with a special emphasis on the post-1945 era. Students develop the ability to use historical information to understand the current state of the U.S. and to explain the social and historical circumstances that led to major initiatives and events of the twentieth century. Students identify the forms of human interaction as they evolved in the increased demands for justice and fairness and the varied responses to the restructuring of the U.S. economy in the postindustrial age. Prerequisite: A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or, CC or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
1. Describe the development of American institutions as they evolved over the 20th century. 2. Explain the social and historical circumstances that led to major initiatives and events of the twentieth century. 3. Assess the forms of human interaction as they evolved in the increased demands for social justice and fairness. 4. Evaluate the varied responses to the restructuring of the U.S. economy in the post-industrial age. 5. Analyze the changing American domestic values and beliefs across the 20th century.

HST 216 : Brilliancies and Blunders: American Foreign Policy-1898 to the Present

This course provides a critical analysis of the major United States foreign policy trends of the 20th century and to the present time, with an emphasis on the historical roots of the nation's foreign policy and its diplomatic, political, economic, and military engagements with foreign nations. The issues are discussed in a global perspective and connections between historical and recent events are emphasized. This course aids students in their efforts to understand the principles of group behavior and how power is wielded among nations and how key groups in the U.S. weigh in on foreign policy decisions. A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092.Three lecture hours per week. Gen Ed Competencies met: Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historical Awareness

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Identify the key elements and events of US foreign policy. 2. Assess the historical roots of the nation's foreign policy. 3. Evaluate US foreign policy relations with developing nations from World War II to the present. 4. Evaluate the types and terms of engagements between the U.S. and foreign nations. 5. Analyze the major United States foreign policy trends of the 20th century to the present time.

HST 226 : Food in History

Everything we eat is the result of the collective human experience: that story is called history. This course begins with the first human groups and continues to the food practices and challenges of the present day. The development of distinctive cuisines in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere (including regional North American cuisine) are embedded in the larger story of human experience. What, when, where, and how we eat reflect the geography, climate, religion, social status, and the interaction of cultures through trade, migration, and conflict. Prerequisite: A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. This course is offered as an elective for students in the Culinary Arts program and for any student who needs to fulfill a humanities distribution requirement. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Global and Historic Awareness, Human Expression and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Identify the essential human activities that define culture and how they apply to the development of the diversity of global foodways. 2. Examine how spiritual and social beliefs and practices shaped the development of foodways in different places over time. 3. Apply knowledge of essential historical events and experiences to the changes in foodways. 4. Identify the patterns of major population shifts and their connection to the creation of distinctive cuisines. 5. Assess the patterns of change and continuity in foodways both within and across cultures.

HST 251 : The History of American Women

A survey of women's lives in America from the beginning of the English settlement to the present. The course considers marriage, family, childrearing, work, religion and politics. Readings, lectures, and discussions emphasize the diversity of women's lives according to age, race, ethnicity, social class, and place of residence. Prerequisite: A passing score on the College's writing and reading placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Global and Historic Awareness, Multicultural and Social Perspectives and Written Communication.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Explain the political, social, and cultural history of a diverse population of American women from the Pre-Columbian period to the present day. 2. Assess the ways that women have altered and shaped the social, cultural, and political face of the United States. 3. Appraise the transformation and evolution of gender relations throughout American history and across various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic groups. 4. Analyze both primary and scholarly sources on women's history including art, literature, and speeches. 5. Analyze issues affecting women in American history in their greater historical context, and how they impact women today. 6. Write analytically about issues affecting women in American history and their greater historical context.

HST 252 : African-American History

This course examines the history, traditions, and culture of African Americans, beginning with African civilizations before slavery, the slave trade, slavery in the United States, and the various stages in the development of African American history. Students use the historical information to understand the current world, to appreciate the richness of beliefs, values, and traditions of people from diverse groups, and to heighten awareness of how power is wielded in society. Prerequisite(s): A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests, or a c or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Global and Historic Awareness and Human Expression.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Evaluate a variety of primary and secondary historical sources. 2. Analyze the impact of religious, intellectual, and cultural movements in Russia and the Soviet Union in the 20th Century. 3. Analyze the influence of complex and diverse cultures within Russia and the Soviet Union. 4. Explain how geography shapes personal and cultural values and the collective identity of the Russian people. 5. Explain the development and transformation of the Soviet economy to a post-Soviet economy, as it relates to contemporary issues and challenges.

HST 253 : History of Modern Africa

The history of African state societies entering into the nineteenth century; their perceptions of and responses to the abolition of the slave trade; their resistance to Western imperialism and colonialism; the function of African societies under colonialism; the development of nationalism and struggle for independence; and the emergence of African political and economic systems since the end of the independence movements. Prerequisite: a passing score on the College’s English placement test or a C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Competencies met: Global and Historical Awareness, Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will: 1) Assess the ideas, institutions, and individuals that have shaped African history during the last two centuries. 2) Identify the changing roles of Africa and Africans in the wider world. 3) Evaluate the political, religious, and economic impact of European colonization on Africa and European societies at home. 4) Assess how the collapse of imperialism in Africa was connected to political struggles elsewhere in the world. 5) Explain how African culture has become increasingly integrated into globalized society in the twenty first century.

HST 254 : Twentieth Century Russian and Soviet History

This course is a survey of Russian, Soviet and post-Soviet political, social, economic and intellectual history from 1890 to the present. Emphasis is placed on the legacy and traditions of the Czarist Empire, on the development of Russian Marxism, on the origins, course and effect of the Bolshevik (communist) Revolution and on the major changes within the former Soviet Union since 1991. Prerequisite(s): A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests, or a C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Global and Historic Awareness and Human Expression.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Evaluate a variety of primary and secondary historical sources. 2. Analyze the impact of religious, intellectual, and cultural movements in Russia and the Soviet Union in the 20th Century. 3. Analyze the influence of complex and diverse cultures within Russia and the Soviet Union. 4. Explain how geography shapes personal and cultural values and the collective identity of the Russian people. 5. Explain the development and transformation of the Soviet economy to a post-Soviet economy, as it relates to contemporary issues and challenges.

HST 256 : History of World War II

A one-semester study of the origins, causes, events, and consequences of World War Two (1939-1945). The course will consider the war from a variety of perspectives and will examine the political, diplomatic, military, economic, technological, and intellectual developments related to the war. Pre-requisite(s): A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or, a CC or better in ENG 091 and concurrent enrollment ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historical Awareness.

Credits

3
Students who successful complete this course will be able to: 1. Evaluate the origins and causes of WWII within the global context of post-WWI conditions. 2. Describe the impact of scientific and technological developments on the course of WWII. 3. Explain the immediate events leading up to the outbreak of war in Europe in Sept. 1939. 4. Explain how Germany conquered most of Europe by 1942 including the Allied reaction to German military expansion. 5. Describe the events in East Asia and the western Pacific. 6. Identify how the Allied powers (U.S., Great Britain and the U.S.S.R.) eventually stopped, and then finally defeated, the Axis powers. 7. Evaluate the impact of the Allied victory on the post-1945 world.

HST 257 : History of Modern East Asia (China and Japan)

This course is a survey of Asian history from 1800 to the present with a special emphasis on China and Japan. The course focuses on the political, social, economic, and cultural development of China since the Qing dynasty with an emphasis on the development of modern Chinese nationalism and the theory and practice of Maoism; the background and significance of the Meiji Restoration and Japanese modernization, the fall of the Japanese empire, and the emergence of Japan as an economic superpower. Students develop the ability to think, read, and write critically and analytically and to understand the various forms of human interaction through a study of the unique culture of East Asia during the modern period. The course aids students in their efforts to understand the principles of group behavior and social organizations and how power is wielded in society. Prerequisite: A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests, or a C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Global and Historic Awareness, Human Expression and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1. Analyze the scope of human experience of Modern Asians. 2. Assess the ways that historical events of modern East Asian history has helped shape the world today. 3. Evaluate the growth of modern East Asian society, economics, and government. 4. Synthesize college-level materials on East Asian history. 5. Apply the cultural context of East Asia to an understanding of American cultural diversity.

HST 259 : History of North American Indian Peoples

This course examines the history of the indigenous people of North America from archaic times to the present. Students study the unique culture and civilizations of the Amerindian peoples north of the Rio Grande River before and after contact with other cultures and societies. Students develop the ability to think, read, and write critically and analytically and to understand the various forms of human interaction through a study of the unique cultures of native nations of North America. The course aids students in their efforts to understand the principles of group behavior and social organizations and how power is wielded in society. Prerequisite: A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests or, C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness, Human Expression and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will: 1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the complex and diverse cultures and societies of the indigenous nations of North America. 2. Appraise the multicultural nature of modern life within the context of Native American Indian history. 3. Describe the interplay of economics, politics, culture, diplomacy, and technology in the conduct of the United States government towards its native peoples. 4. Apply the tools gained from the study of the past to an analysis of the present and prediction for the future. 5. Explain how an understanding of the history of North American Indian Peoples makes students better citizens in an increasingly complex world.

HST 260 : Topics in History

A one-semester course on a specified topic or period of history. Topic to be announced each semester. Prerequisite(s): A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests, or C or better or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking, Ethical Dimensions, Global and Historic Awareness and Human Expression.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will: 1. Explain how an understanding of history makes students better citizens in an increasingly complex world. 2. Analyze a variety of primary and secondary historical sources and their varying perspectives. 3. Apply the tools gained from the study of the past to an analysis of the present and predictions for the future.

HST 265 : Immigration and Ethnicity in American History

This course examines the cultural, economic, and political significance of immigration in American history. Students study those forces that have fostered immigration to the United States and how mass immigration has created a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and culturally diverse society. Students develop the ability to think, read, and write critically and analytically and to understand the various forms of human interaction through a study of the creation and growth of the United States. The course aids students in their efforts to understand the principles of group behavior and how power is wielded in society. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Human Expression and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.

Credits

3
  1. Recognize that the United States, from its earliest beginnings, has been a racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse nation.
  2. Explain how and why mass immigration has been, and still is, a potent force in shaping the American nation.
  3. Describe the numerous and varied contributions made to American culture by the peoples who have settled in the United States.
  4. Read and write analytically about immigration to the United States.

HST 280 : Democracy: From Theory to Practice

What is a democracy? How can we identify it? Why should we care about it? Using an interdisciplinary approach, this course explores the challenges of creating and maintaining a healthy democracy. Students will examine components of modern democratic institutions and practices, including elections, civil society, participation, representation, equity and diversity, and human rights within the United States and across the world. 3 credits.

Credits

3
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to: 1) Identify basic political processes. 2) Evaluate the efficacy of democracy in a variety of nations. 3) Examine the ways that diversity enhances democracy. 4) Explain the various threats and challenges to democracy. 5) Analyze the extent to which democratic ideals are realized in the United States and in nations around the world.

HST 290 : Comparative Genocide

This course examines instances of genocide from antiquity through the 21st century. Students critically analyze selected cases of genocide to understand the societal, cultural, economic, and political causes of genocide. Students study the complex challenge of prevention, international justice, and reconciliation in countries that have experienced mass atrocities. Students develop the ability to think, read, and write critically and analytically and to understand the risk factors for mass violence through comparative applications. This course aids students in their efforts to understand the principles of group behavior and the development of mass violence. Pre-requisite(s) A passing score on the college's reading and writing placement tests, or concurrent enrollment in ENG 091 or ENG 092, or permission of the department chair. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Critical Thinking and Global and Historic Awareness. 3 credits.

Credits

3
1.Explain the evolution and the continued practice of genocide and mass atrocity. 2. Analyze the complex causes of genocide. 3. Assess perpetrator behavior in the context of mass violence. 4. Critique international responses to genocide, including that of the United States.