History Course Descriptions

HIS 104: Survey of European History, Culture and Customs, 4 credits

This course explores the history, culture, and customs of Europe. It is taught during Term-in-Europe when student’s travel through Europe visiting historical sites.

Goals and Objectives
By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

1. Possess a broad overview of European history so they can place the various monuments and sites they visit in a meaningful framework.
2. Be able to place even new and unfamiliar information in a meaningful historical context.
3. Be able to see the differences between the cultures, customs and political outlooks of modern European nations not as idiosyncratic quirks, but in a meaningful historical context.
4. Possess a command of European history that is both accurate and personal.
5. Have developed an in-depth interest in all aspects of a limited historical period.
6. Be able to relate historical events to their own problems and experiences.

HIS 201: Development of Western Civilization, 4 credits

A study of the development of the Western Tradition with integration of literature, art, philosophy, religion, politics, and economics. Emphasis on imparting to students an appreciation of culture and society for both its historical development and current trends.

HIS 210: Foundations of the Modern World I, 4 credits

This course introduces students to the historical development of the Western civilization and tradition. Major themes include the evolution of social, economic, and political systems to fit the changing conditions of each age. The course will also emphasize the relationships between religion and culture, and the reflection of cultural and religious values in the arts. The course starts with ancient civilization and ends with the beginning of the modern era.

Goals and Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Gain an understanding of the heritage of the Western Civilization and how its culture, values, economy, and political outlooks have emerged.
2. Understand the shifting relations among religion, society, and the nation-state in western civilization.
3. Learn to read primary and secondary historical sources critically, with an understanding of their validity, bias, audience, and context.
4. Identify major personalities of western civilization and their impact on society.  
5. Appreciate major intellectual and artistic trends that have emerged out of western civilization.
6. Critically discuss the historical context (e.g., religion, economics, politics, technology, nature, intellectual and aesthetic thought etc.) behind major movements and trends within western civilization.
7. Understand how the West has interacted with other cultures, both influencing and being influenced by them.

HIS 215: Foundations of the Modern World II, 4 credits

This course completes the sequential survey of themes covered in Foundations of the Modern World I with emphasis on the historical development of political, economic, intellectual and artistic movements from the modern era to the contemporary period.
Prerequisite: HIS 210

Goals and Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Gain an understanding of the heritage of the Western Civilization and how its culture, values, economy, and political outlooks have emerged.
2. Understand the shifting relations among religion, society, and the nation-state in western civilization.
3. Learn to read primary and secondary historical sources critically, with an understanding of their validity, bias, audience, and context.
4. Identify major personalities of western civilization and their impact on society.  
5. Appreciate major intellectual and artistic trends that have emerged out of western civilization.
6. Critically discuss the historical context (e.g., religion, economics, politics, technology, nature, intellectual and aesthetic thought etc.) behind major movements and trends within western civilization.
7. Understand how the West has interacted with other cultures, both influencing and being influenced by them.

HIS 301: The Founding of the American Republic, 4 credits

A study of the development of the American Tradition during the colonial and founding eras. Emphasis on historical development of the republican tradition and the American understanding of liberty and order. Study will focus on historical documents, events and persons and their significance in shaping what is distinct about the American understanding of society, politics, and economics.

HIS 316: History of Freedom of Expression, 4 credits

This course traces the conflicts in American history over the limits of freedom of expression. The Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of expression, but what does that mean? These "rights" have been the subject of constant controversy. Through lecture, discussion, readings, videos and other approaches, this course traces the history of that controversy and places it in the context of 21st century America.   

Goals and Objectives
By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

1. Be familiar with the history and evolution of the concept of freedom of expression.
2. Be appreciative of the significance of freedom of expression as it relates to individual freedoms.
3. Be positioned to evaluate current and future freedom of expression issues in a more informed, enlightened, and critical way.

HIS 402: Contemporary World Issues, 4 credits

An examination of pertinent history and projected future events that will shape our world. Particular emphasis is placed on current global economic, political, and social issues.
Prerequisite: ECN 221, ECN 222

Goals and Objectives
By the end of this course, Northwood wants students to:

1. Understand the background of several key problem areas of the world through an examination of the recent history of these regions and the various forces at work there producing the conflict.
2. Be able to see current political and social event in their historical settings.
3. Understand the impact of events in the problem areas in the context of the global struggle between the West and the East.
4. Be able to think cogently about policy alternatives for this country.