The Minor in History

Course Requirements for the Minor: 18 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required of all candidates for this minor.

European History

2 courses selected from:

Ancient, Medieval, and Global History

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
HIST 301	Ancient History: Greece		3.0	FA
Political and cultural developments in the Greek world from the time of the Trojan War through its transformations under Alexander the Great, and later, the Roman Empire. The "Classical" periods of the city-states Athens and Sparta are our particular focus. Key themes include transitions in economics, literature, art and architecture, society, and the various ways in which Hellenism spread throughout the Mediterranean. 3 hours lecture. (021305)
HIST 302	Ancient History: Rome		3.0	SP
Political and cultural development of Rome from its (legendary) foundation in 753 BCE through the transformation of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. The collapse of Rome's Republic, the rise of military dictators, and the imperial "Golden Age" are the main focus. 3 hours lecture. (021306)
HIST 305	Catastrophes and the Shape of Human History		3.0	SMF	GE  GC
A historical exploration of the ways in which societies around the world have responded to major catastrophes, both natural and man-made, such as plagues, famines, wars, and genocides. What does the response tell us about the social structure, politics, science and technology, and culture of the affected society? What are the long term impacts? How are these catastrophes remembered? 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004518)
HIST 309	Romans of the East: The Byzantine Empire		3.0	INQ
Political, social, and cultural history of the Byzantine Empire from the time of Diocletian and Constantine (ca. 300 C.E.) to the fall of the empire in 1453 C.E. The course focuses on key political institutions, social practices, and cultural attitudes and ideas that shaped the Byzantine world during this time. Major themes and topics include the nature and evolution of the Byzantine state; the empire under Justinian; Byzantium after the Islamic conquests; the Macedonian Renaissance and Imperial Revival; the Komnenian Empire and the Crusades; and society and culture in the late Byzantine period. 3 hours lecture. (021628)
HIST 312	Medieval Europe		3.0	F2
A political, social, economic, and cultural history of the Middle Ages. This course examines the transformation, centralization, fragmentation, and expansion of the West (including Byzantium and the Islamic world, as well as Europe) from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance. 3 hours lecture. (021307)
HIST 361	Muhammad and the Qur'an		3.0	INQ
This course is also offered as MEST 302, RELS 302. This course introduces students to the sacred scripture and prophet of Islam. Students study the biography of Muhammad (570-632) and the text of the Qur'an by situating it within the context of Muhammad's life and career. By the end of the course, students are able to appreicate how devout Muslims view Muhammad and the Qur'an, as well as ask critical questions raised by modern scholars of religion. 3 hours lecture. (020263)
HIST 362	The Middle East to 1800		3.0	FA	GE  GC
This course is also offered as MEST 362. Introduction to some major aspects of culture, society and the state in the Islamic Middle East, including Islamic religion, the Arab Empire, the family, law, roles of men and women, styles of living. Examination of the post-Mongol empires of Ottoman and Safavid, and their interaction with European powers in the early modern period. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004550)
HIST 362W	The Middle East to 1800 (W)		3.0	FA	GE  GC  W
This course is also offered as MEST 362W. Introduction to some major aspects of culture, society and the state in the Islamic Middle East, including Islamic religion, the Arab Empire, the family, law, roles of men and women, styles of living. Examination of the post-Mongol empires of Ottoman and Safavid, and their interaction with European powers in the early modern period. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021461)
HIST 363	The Middle East After 1800		3.0	SP	GE  GC
This course is also offered as MEST 363. Survey of the modern Middle East from Napoleon's Conquest of Egypt (1798) to the second Gulf War (2003). Examination of the decline and collapse of the Ottoman Empire, rise of Middle Eastern nation-states, nationalistic movements, and politics in Turkey, Iran, Israel, and the Arab world. Analyses of cultural and political issues, such as the Palestinian question, Arab-Israeli conflict, modernization, secularization, and Islamic resurgence. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021368)
HIST 371	African History		3.0	INQ	GC
Africa since 1800. Establishment and demise of European colonial regimes, African resistance to foreign domination, African political systems, dilemmas of socio-economic development, and gender differences in modern African life. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004533)
HIST 373	East Asia Before 1800		3.0	FA	GC
Cultural, economic, and political evolution of eastern Asia from antiquity to 1800. Emphasis on common traditional heritage of China and Japan. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004560)
HIST 374	East Asia After 1800		3.0	SP	GC
Cultural, economic, and political evolution of eastern Asia from 1800 to the present. Emphasis on the transformation of the traditional heritage of China and Japan through revolution and modernization. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004561)
HIST 377	Gender in East Asian History		3.0	SP	GC
This course is also offered as ASST 377. Focus on the role gender plays in shaping and defining East Asian history, from 19th century to the present. Analysis of gender construction, sexuality, the family, and issues of universal human rights in context of China, South Korea, and Japan. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (021173)
HIST 380	Colonial Latin America		3.0	INQ	GC
An historical survey of pre-Columbian and colonial Latin America, with emphasis on Aztec and Inca societies, Iberia's military, economic, and spiritual conquest, and the ways in which diverse colonial subjects resisted, adapted to, and assimilated colonial rule. Concludes by considering popular and elite culture in the late colonial period and tensions leading toward independence. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004568)
HIST 381	Modern Latin America		3.0	SP	GE  GC
A survey of Latin America since independence from Iberia, highlighting the chaotic years of post-independence state building, the region's integration into the global capitalist economy and the age of mass politics and revolutionary ferment after 1930. The final weeks focus on Latin America's experience with military dictatorship and current transitions to democracy. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004495)
HIST 382	Modern Mexico		3.0	FA	GE  GC
This course is also offered as LAST 382. An interdisciplinary approach to the history and politics of Mexico. This course will introduce students to the panorama of Mexican history since 1810 while delineating the roots and development of the current Mexican political system. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004558)
HIST 406	Roman Empire		3.0	S1
Political, social, and cultural history of the Roman Empire of the Caesars from the Julio-Claudian emperors (14-68 C.E.) to the end of the Severan Dynasty (435 C E.). Emphasis on the Julio-Claudian period, the achievements of Pax Romana, and the cultural transitions into Late Antiquity that emerged in the Second Century C.E. 3 hours seminar. (004587)
HIST 409W	The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire: Christians, Romans, and Barbarians (W)		3.0	INQ	W
This course offers a seminar on the later Roman Empire (or "Late Antiquity") from Diocletian (284 C.E.) to Heraclius (641 C.E.). Throughout the course, we focus on the key political institutions, social practices, and cultural attitudes and ideas that shape the late antique world during this time. Major themes and topics include the Christianization of the Roman world; the emperor Constantine; barbarian entry into the Roman world; the emperor Constantine; barbarian entry into the Roman world; the disintegration of the western empire in the fifth century; cultural change in the East under Justinian; economic and urban change (the end of the Roman city); and the intellectual traditions surrounding the "fall" of the Roman Empire. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. (021627)
HIST 463	Islamic Civilization		3.0	INQ
Islamic civilization 600-1800; religion, philosophy, law, education, literature, and political thought and activity. 3 hours seminar. (004649)
HIST 473	Asia and the City		3.0	SP
This course examines the political, social, and cultural development of three Asian megacities (Shanghai, Seoul, and Tokyo) in a comparative perspectives. Just like elsewhere in the world, these cities served as the locus of change in the midst of turbulent years of the twentieth century. We explore various political incidents as well as social and cultural landscapes of the cites as a lens through which to understand how Asia became what it is today. 3 hours lecture. (021779)
HIST 474	Modern Korea		3.0	F2
This course is also offered as ASST 474. This course examines Korean history from the opening of Korea in 1876 to the present. Main topics include the decline of the chosen dynasty, the rise of nationalism, the colonial experience (1910-1945), the liberation and division (1945-1948), the Korean War (1950-1953), and industrialization and democratization in the postwar era. Particular attention is devoted to how these events have shaped the historical trajectory of modern Korea as well as the everyday lives of people. 3 hours seminar. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 9.0 units. (021782)
HIST 475	Modern China		3.0	FA	GC
This course explores tradition and new trends in 18th and 19th century China, the Western impact and the Chinese response, the nationalist and the communist movements, changes in values and the society after 1949, and the ongoing economic reforms. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Global Cultures course. (004661)
HIST 477	Total War: World War II from the Asian Perspective		3.0	INQ
This course examines World War II from the Asian perspective and focuses on Japan, Korea, and China. Often called the "Total War", World War II engulfed many nations and led to the atomic bombing of a primarily civilian population. Students explore the relationship among historical events, memory, and historical interpretation from multiple perspectives. By examining different historical treatments of the war in literature, documents, film, autobiographies, memorials, and historiographies, students situate World War II in a broader Asian context. 3 hours seminar. (021312)
HIST 480	Social Revolution in Latin America		3.0	INQ
This course explores twentieth-century social revolutions in Mexico, Cuba, Chile and Nicaragua. Additional consideration will be given to more recent phenomena in Venezuela and the Mexican state of Chiapas. Evaluates the role played by class, ethnicity, and gender in these movements and considers whether the driving force of social revolution in Latin America is Marxism or nationalist/anti-imperialism. 3 hours seminar. (004647)

United States History

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
HIST 330	Race, Gender, and Empire		3.0	F1
This course provides historical and theoretical context for the analysis, critique, and substantive understanding of the intersections between race, gender, and empire in Western history since the 16th century. Framed as an investigation of power, domination, and resistance, the course examines the ways that historical actors have leveraged racism, heterosexism, and nationalism to sustain control, and the counteracting forces of those resisting domination. 3 hours lecture. (021934)
HIST 335	Women and Gender in American History		3.0	SP	GE  USD
This course is also offered as WMST 335. Focus on the role gender plays in shaping and defining American history, from colonial times to the present. Analysis of relations between sexes, the family, and the struggle by women to achieve civil rights and social reform. The roles of race and class, and the rise of feminism. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004541)
HIST 341	American Environment		3.0	SMF	GE  USD
History of the attitudes, concepts, and public policy toward the American environment, including the natural, rural, and urban environments. Emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004539)
HIST 350	America's Vietnam Experience		3.0	INQ
Focuses on America's Vietnam experience. Emphasis on the domestic and foreign policy repercussions of U.S. involvement, the mythological and symbolic components of the war, and its legacies. 3 hours lecture. (004546)
HIST 351	Volatile Decade: America in the 1960s		3.0	INQ
A review of the major developments in American society in the 1960s: foreign relations and war, politics and economics, culture and thought. 3 hours lecture. (004549)
HIST 352	Colonial and Revolutionary America		3.0	FA	USD
This course examines themes, events, and figures related to North America, 1491-1815. Particular attention is devoted to the interaction of Indian, European, African, and later 'American' peoples and cultures. While the rise of the Anglo-Europeans to a position of dominance in North American remains central to course themes, considerable attention is also paid to other European and indigenous endeavors. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021310)
HIST 353	US History from 1787 to 1877		3.0	SP	USD
In-depth survey of American history between 1787 and 1877, focusing on major events and related historiographic debates. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021370)
HIST 354	US History from 1877 to 1945		3.0	FA	USD
In-depth survey of American history between 1877 and 1945, focusing on major events and related historiographic debates. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021369)
HIST 355	US History from 1945 to the Present		3.0	SP	USD
In-depth survey of American history between 1945 and the present, focusing on major events and related historiographical debates. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021371)
HIST 430	Colonial America		3.0	S1
Political, economic, and social forces in New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. British colonial system, international rivalry, and the war for the empire. 1607-1763. 3 hours seminar. (004626)
HIST 431	The American Revolution		3.0	S2
The founding events of the American nation; the crisis of colonial society, the War for Independence, the Confederation, the Constitution, partisan strife in the Federal Era, 1763-1788. 3 hours lecture. (004627)
HIST 432	The Early American Republic		3.0	INQ
Social, cultural, and political history of the United States from the federalist period to the U.S. - Mexico War, 1789-1850. 3 hours seminar. (004628)
HIST 433	The Civil War and Reconstruction		3.0	SP	USD
Sectional conflict between rising industrialism and the Old South; abolitionism, secession, economic and social consequences of the war; reconstruction, political change, and continued sectionalism. 1850-1877. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004629)
HIST 435	The US in the Age of the World Wars		3.0	SP
1914-1945. An examination of American society in an era of world wars, economic instability, and great cultural change. 3 hours seminar. (004632)
HIST 442	The Westward Movement		3.0	FA	USD
Effects of the "moving frontier" experience upon American development, with emphasis on the people and the land from the colonial era to the twentieth century. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004646)
HIST 443	Women and Gender in Early America		3.0	INQ
This course investigates the varying and changing roles of women in early America between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, including Native women, enslaved women, free black women, and European women. In addition this course explores the ways in which sexuality, masculinity, and femininity were defined during this period. Through discussion, readings, and research students better understand the intricacies and complications of the period and the direct and indirect ways women and competing visions of femininity and masculinity affected the formation of early American societies. 3 hours lecture. (021864)
HIST 445	History of California		3.0	FS	USD
Social, economic, cultural, and political development from Spanish explorations to the present. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved US Diversity course. (004634)
HIST 446	History of the American South		3.0	INQ	USD
Prerequisites: HIST 130. Topics in the social, cultural, and political history of the American South. Topics may include the simultaneous rise of democracy and slavery, the rise and fall of Jim Crow, and political developments in the 20th century. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved US Diversity course. (015800)
HIST 450	U.S. Foreign Relations to 1914		3.0	FA
Covers the foreign relations of the United States from colonial origins to World War I. Emphasis is on diplomacy of the Founding Fathers, continental expansion, Pacific imperialism, and the emergence of the U.S. as a world power. 3 hours lecture. (015801)
HIST 451	U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1914		3.0	SP
Covers the foreign relations of the United States from World War I to the present. Emphasis is on the world wars, isolationism, Soviet-American relations, conflict in the Middle East, Vietnam, and the complex challenges in a multipolar world. 3 hours lecture. (015802)
HIST 454	Modern American Radicalism		3.0	FA	USD
Modern American radicalism, spanning the left-side of the ideological spectrum, from the immediate post-Civil War era to the present. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021337)
HIST 456	Baseball and American Culture		3.0	FA	USD
The intertwining of baseball and American culture, from the sport's inception during the mid-19th century to the present. The course offers perspectives regarding baseball history; mythmaking; the impact of ethnicity, race, class, and gender; labor issues; steroids; and globalization. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021332)