Department of History

Dwight Brautigam, Paul Michelson, Jeffrey Webb

The American Historical Society describes the study of history as “an encompassing discipline. Its essence is in the connectedness of historical events and human experiences . . . [in] understanding the nature of continuity and change in human experiences. Contemporary issues, ideas and relation-ships take on new meanings when they are explored from historical perspectives. History therefore plays an integrative role in the quest for liberal learning. . . .”

Study in the History Department aims at enabling students to come to grips with the world around them through an under-standing of the past and the perspectives that this provides on societies and cultures in different times and places. Students are encouraged to read, think, discuss and write critically and effectively as they learn to ‘do history’ through historical inquiry, explanation and argument. Because of the integrative nature of history, interdisciplinary approaches are used in many courses in the department. Students are also encouraged to explore basic values and worldviews of their own and other cultural traditions, and in turn, to articulate their personal values, faith and worldview.

Program in History

Students who choose history as a major for the bachelor of arts degree will complete HS 125, 126, 211, 212, 222, 477, 487, PS 181 or 111, and 18 additional hours in history, eight of which must be in courses numbered 300 or above. Up to six hours of approved substitutes may be included in the major. PS 181 or PS 111 may be counted as one of the social science requirements in the core curriculum. Students must complete 12 hours in the same language to fulfill the University’s foreign language requirement.

Students who choose history - political studies as a major for the bachelor of arts degree will complete HS 125, 126, 211, 212, 222, 477, 487; PS 377, 466, 495; CO 241 and 370; PL 260; and six hours from PS 321, 444; EB 211, 381; SO 223, 333, 351, and 444. Students must complete 12 hours in the same language to fulfill the University’s foreign language requirement.

Students who choose history - education as a major for the bachelor of science degree can be licensed in Indiana to teach history, government and geography in a middle or high school setting. The major requires HS 125, 126, 211, 212, 222, 477, and 487; EB 211; ED 264; PS 111 or 181; nine additional hours in political science chosen from PS 377, 444, 466, and approved January Term courses (which must include either PS 377 or 466); PY 111 and SO 111. To add a content concentration in economics, students also complete EB 212 and one additional 300 or 400-level EB course. To add a content concentration in psychology, students also complete PY 211 and six additional hours in psychology. To add a content concentration in sociology, students also complete SO 292, 321, and three additional hours in sociology. Refer to the Department of Education for education courses required for teacher licensing.

Students who choose American history as a minor will complete HS 211, 212, 222, 487 and ten hours from HS 361, 377, 381, 444, 466, 490, or appropriate January Term in American history.

Students who choose European history as a minor will complete HS 125, 126, 222, 477 and ten hours from HS 311, 322, 332, 353, 411, 488VEN, or appropriate January Term in European history.

Students who choose political science as a minor will complete PS 181, 377, 466; MA151; and nine hours from PS 321, 444, BA 351, or appropriate January Terms.

Courses in History

HS 115 Historical Perspectives on Culture and Civilization I                     (3)

A general survey of the history of civilization from the ancient Near East to the sixteenth century. This course provides historical and cultural literacy for students in majors other than history or programs in political studies, pre-law or social studies education. Emphasis is given to historical information, concepts and perspectives essential for the educated nonspecialist.

Fall

HS 116 Historical Perspectives on Culture and Civilization II                   (3)

A general survey of the history of civilization from the sixteenth century to the twentieth century in continuation of HS 115. Not open to those in history, political studies, pre-law or social studies education. Prerequisite: HS 115

Spring

HS 125 The Mainstream of Civilization I                    (3)

An in-depth study of the main currents of historical development from Sumer to the Reformations coupled with an introduction to the essentials of doing history. The course is designed for students majoring in history, political studies, pre-law and social studies education or those whose substantive background and interest enables them to qualify. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall

HS 126 The Mainstream of Civilization II                   (3)

A continuation of HS 125 through an intensive study of the main currents of historical development from the Reformation to modern times. The course is designed for students majoring in history, political studies, pre-law and social studies education or those whose substantive background and interest enables them to qualify. Prerequisite: HS 125 or consent

Spring

HS 211 History of the United States I               (3)

A survey of the origins, development and meaning of American history and heritage from the earliest European discovery and the birth of the United States to the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Fall

HS 212 History of the United States II                        (3)

A continuation of the survey of American history from the Reconstruction era to the present. Emphasis is given to the role of social, economic and political factors in understanding American development as well as to the role played by the United States in international life.

Spring

HS 222 Historical Method                                (3)

An introduction to the nature, scope and practice of historical research methods, tasks and writing, concentrating on the principles and problems relevant to organized scholarly study and the presentation of the results. The logic of historical inquiry, explanation and argument is also thoroughly examined.

Spring

HS 311 History of Christianity                          (3)

A survey of the history of Christianity from the close of the New Testament to the present. Course will include developments related to theology, institutional concerns and movements within the church. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

Spring Odd Years

HS 322 Early Modern Europe 1500 to 1815                        (3)

Examines European history from the Reformation period to the end of the French Revolution/Napoleonic period. Focuses on the history of ideas within the context of the sweeping religious, political, economic and social changes of the period. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

Spring Even Years

HS 324 Geography of the Contemporary World         (3)

A study and analysis of the political, economic, and cultural aspects of the geography of the contemporary world from a developmental perspective. Attention will be given to theoretical and practical issues such as the relationship of people to the environment and the political and economic constraints on development and power in the context of the modern nation state system since 1945. Identical with EB/PS 324.

Spring Even Years

HS 332 British History From the Tudors                    (3)

Survey of British history from 1485 to the present which will focus on English state-building under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I; English Revolution; rise of Parliamentary supremacy and the British Empire; colonial experiences such as American, Irish and Indian; the Industrial Revolution; and British exercise of world power and the decline of that power since World War II. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

Spring Odd Years

HS 353 Modern European History                     (3)

A study of the history of Europe from 1815 to the present, covering Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia. Prerequisite: HS 116 or 126

Fall Even Years

HS 361 American Religious History                 (3)

This course examines the religious history of the American people from the colonial period to the present, with reference to the theology, liturgy and polity of different religious traditions. Special emphasis is given to the history of the Christian churches and to the nature of the evangelical strain of Protestantism.

Fall Odd Years

HS 377 The American Presidency                    (3)

A study of the chief executive of the United States from 1787 to the present. Powers, limits and roles of the presidency will be studied, with emphasis on the tenure of those who most affected the office. Identical with PS 377. Prerequisite: HS 211 or 212

Fall Even Years

HS 381 Civil War and Reconstruction                        (3)

This course examines an important epoch in American history, including the rise of sectionalist tension beginning in the late 1840s; the war with its battles and its profound political, economic and social influence on the nation; and the postwar struggles to rebuild the nation. Prerequisite: HS 211

Fall Odd Years

HS 411 Medieval Europe                                 (3)

Survey of the history of Europe from AD 600 to AD 1500, the post-Roman era through the Renaissance. Prerequisite: HS 125

Fall Odd Years

HS 444 American Diplomatic History               (3)

A study of the foreign relations of the United States from the Revolutionary War to the present. Identical with PS 444. Prerequisites: HS 211, 212

Spring Even Years

HS 466 American Constitutional History                    (3)

Constitutional development in the United States from AD 1606 to the present with emphasis upon political thought and practice. Identical with PS 466. Prerequisites: HS 211, 212

Spring Odd Years

HS 477 Great Issues in European History                  (3)

An intensive study, analysis and discussion of major issues in European history, based on examination of original and interpretive sources. Issue development and synthesis are emphasized. Prerequisites: HS 116 or 126, and HS 222 or consent

Fall Odd Years

HS 487 Great Issues in American History                  (3)

An examination of a number of major problem areas relating to American history. Emphasis will be placed on the study of conflicting interpretations, the historiography of the problems and synthesis. Prerequisites: HS 211 and 212, and HS 222 or consent

Fall Even Years

HS 488 Topics in Historical Studies                    (3)

The study of selected historical eras, problems or topics. May be repeated for credit in different topics. Prerequisites: HS 115 and 116, or HS 125 and 126

HS 488EN The History of Venice

This course is the study and analysis of the history of Venice from its founding to the present, including cultural history (architecture, art, literature, music and theatre), geography and economics. Prerequisites: HS 125, 126, and 222 or consent

Offered on Sufficient Demand

HS 490 Independent Study                            (1-4)

Designed for the advanced student of history. The study of a problem, project or research paper on the subject of mutual interest to the student and instructor. Prerequisite: Consent

Fall, Spring

Courses in Political Science

PS 111 Public Policy                                       (3)

A study of the formation and implementation of public policies in the U.S. Particular emphasis is given to the study of democracy and capitalism as they impact policy. Current issues of national concern are analyzed.

Fall, Spring

PS 181 American National Government                     (3)

The foundations and interrelations of the executive, legislative and judicial departments of the federal government. Attention is given to the nature of public opinion and electoral processes.

Spring

PS 321 Public Finance                                    (3)

A study of the political economy with a focus on public policies related to government spending and taxation. Political ideologies related to funding government and providing public goods are examined. Current issues in social welfare, defense and security, public infrastructure, energy and education are studied. Identical
with EB 321. Prerequisite: EB 211

Spring Odd Years

PS 377 The American Presidency                       (3)

A study of the chief executive of the United States from 1787 to the present. Powers, limits and roles of the presidency will be studied, with emphasis on the tenure of those who most affected the office. Identical with HS 377. Prerequisites: HS 211 or 212

Fall Even Years

PS 444 American Diplomatic History                  (3)

A study of the foreign relations of the United States from the Revolutionary War to the present. Identical with HS 444. Prerequisites: HS 211, 212

Spring Even Years

PS 466 American Constitutional History                       (3)

Constitutional development in the United States from AD 1606 to the present, with emphasis upon political thought and practice. Identical with HS 466. Prerequisites: HS 211, 212

Spring Odd Years

PS 495 Internship                                             (3-4)

A field experience in politics or government, which provides an opportunity for the student to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Students will engage in career development activities as they search for internship opportunities, assisted by the department. Students may satisfy the internship requirement for political studies by completing the CCCU’s American Studies Program in Washington, DC. Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent

Fall, Spring

Honors Colloquia

HN 199 President's Colloquium                        (0)

A weekly leadership seminar with the University president on topics related to the role of student leaders in the Christian university. Prerequisite: Presidential scholars by invitation

Fall

International Cross-Cultural Experiences

IDJ 395 Cross-Cultural Practicum                        (1-2)

Students traveling outside North America (not with a university-sponsored group), who anticipate experiences that will give the student significant exposure to the culture or history of a non-North American society, may propose a self-directed overseas course that has as its objective either cross-cultural historical study or missions service. Proposals will be reviewed by a faculty oversight committee and must include significant study and preparation for the cultures to be encountered, an outline of planned activities that are expected to cover several weeks and substantial documentation of the experience. Further details and a proposal form may be obtained in the Office of the Registrar. Will satisfy a January Term requirement even if taken during summers or semesters, but regular tuition is charged for the term during which the practicum is completed.

Return to the Department of History >>>