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Home > Current Students > Academic Information > Course Catalogs > History
History
Irwin Halfond, Ph.D., Professor of History;
Chair, Division of Humanities;
ihalfond@mckendree.edu; Carnegie Hall 103, (618) 537-6891
Patrick A. Folk, Ph.D., Professor of History;
Deneen Professor of Early American History;
pfolk@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6988; Carnegie Hall 102
History is clearly the broadest and most inclusive of all the academic disciplines, since
it properly includes the development of all other areas of study. The study of history is
a solid preparation for life in an increasingly unpredictable modern world. Its study
sharpens abilities to analyze and evaluate information critically, to interpret relationships,
to translate ideas into different forms, to apply concepts to varying situations, to
synthesize new concepts from given information, and to evaluate alternate courses of
action or interpretations of historical data. A history major will also develop strong
writing and research capabilities, leading in the senior year to a major original research
paper based on primary source materials. History has proven to be an outstanding
preparation for successful careers in law, teaching, business, writing, and other fields.
Social Science secondary education students who are interested in procuring a history
concentration may pursue a B.S. in History Education. The requirements for this
degree include 27 history hours that are prescribed plus an additional 6 upper level
hours in history, 3 of which must be in American history and 3 of which must be in
either European or world history. This degree, while not as comprehensive as the traditional
History B.A., will nevertheless enable the holder to compete for teaching positions
outside of the state of Illinois, seek a variety of business and non-profit
professional careers in which the traditional liberal arts are valued, and pursue graduate
studies in history.
Students seeking the traditional B.A. in history must complete at least 40 hours,
with a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and all grades better than D
in the major. At least 18 credit hours must be completed at the 300 level or above. All
history majors must take six hours of European history at the upper division level and
six hours of American history at the upper division level. History majors must also
complete six semester hours of a single foreign language or equivalent (calculated at
two semesters of high school language equal to one semester of college language).
Students seeking a minor in history must complete at least 20 credit hours in history, at
least 12 hours of which must be at the 300 level or above. Required courses include either
HIS 161 and 162, or HIS 261 and 262. Students must complete the minor with a minimum
of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and all grades better than D in the minor.
The History Education major may be selected by students interested in teaching at
secondary or middle schools as well as by those students who may wish to pursue
advanced degrees in History. At least 18 of the 55 required hours in Social Science must
be at the 300 level or above. For a course to be accepted towards the major a grade of
C- or better is required.
B.S. HISTORY EDUCATION MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 55 crs.
HIS 161 WORLD CIVILIZATION TO 1450 (3)
HIS 162 WORLD CIVILIZATION SINCE 1450 (3)
HIS 163 TWENTIETH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY (3)
HIS 261 UNITED STATES HISTORY TO 1865 (3)
HIS 262 UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865 (3)
HIS 309 HISTORICAL METHODS AND REGIONAL INQUIRY (W) (3)
HIS 372 AMERICAN ECONOMIC HISTORY (3)
HIS 373 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY (3)
HIS 376 MINORITIES IN THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE (3)
or
HIS 371 U.S.WOMEN’S HISTORY
Additional History electives (6)
SOCIAL SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS 22crs.
ANT 149 INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
SOC 150 PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY (3)
ECO 212 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS (3)
PSI 101 AMERICAN POLITICS (3)
PSI 102 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3)
PSI 210 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
PSY 153 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (4)
B.A. HISTORY MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 38 crs.
HIS 161 WORLD CIVILIZATION TO 1450 (3)
HIS 162 WORLD CIVILIZATION SINCE 1450 (3)
HIS 163 TWENTIETH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY (3)
HIS 261 UNITED STATES HISTORY TO 1865 (3)
HIS 262 UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865 (3)
HIS 309 HISTORICAL METHODS AND REGIONAL INQUIRY (W) (3)
HIS 310 SEMINAR IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH (1)
HIS 410 SENIOR THESIS IN HISTORY (W) (3)
Additional History electives (18)
Recommended elective courses. The history faculty recommends that
students majoring in history consider the following elective courses.
ART 111
or
112 SURVEY OF ART HISTORY (3)
PHI 363 HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY: GREEK AND MEDIEVAL (4)
PHI 364 HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY: RENAISSANCE AND MODERN (4)
PSI 101 AMERICAN POLITICS (3)
PSI 230 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (3)
ANT 149 INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3)
HIS 161 WORLD CIVILIZATION TO 1450 (3)
A comparative survey of early civilizations in Asia, Africa, and Europe from prehistory to the fifteenth
century. Annually, Fall.
HIS 162 WORLD CIVILIZATION SINCE 1450 (3)
A comparative survey of world civilization from the fifteenth century to the outbreak of World War I.
Annually, Spring.
HIS 163 TWENTIETH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY (3)
A comparative history of world civilizations from World War I to the present. Each semester.
HIS 242 AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS (3)
A survey of African history and cultures from prehistory to recent developments in modern Africa. As needed.
HIS 261 UNITED STATES HISTORY TO 1865 (3)
A survey of American history from prehistory through the Civil War. Every semester.
HIS 262 UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1865 (3)
A survey of American history from the Civil War to the present. Every semester.
HIS 271/371 UNITED STATES WOMEN’S HISTORY (3)
The course examines the way in which women have shaped the American past and the ways in which
large historical forces have influenced women’s lives. (Those students taking the course as HIS 371 will
be required to write a major research paper, in addition to other required writings. Students may elect to
take it at one level, but not both.) Annually, Spring.
HIS 276/376 MINORITIES IN THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE (3)
A survey of minorities in American history, this course will compare and contrast the histories of the various
ethnic groups that make up the American population. (Students taking this course as HIS 376 will
be required to write a major research paper in addition to other required writings. Students may elect to
take this course at one level, but not both.) Annually, Fall.
HIS 277/377 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY (3)
An introduction to the study of African American History, including the history and culture of Western
Africa, the Atlantic slave trade, slavery and its effects, as well as the roles, lifestyles, problems and
accomplishments of African Americans from the Colonial period until the present. The course will focus
on the African American community analyzing major political, social, economic, religious, cultural, and
intellectual trends, patterns, and leaders. (Those students taking the course as HIS 377 will be required
to write a major research paper, in addition to other required writings. Students may elect to take this
course at one level, but not both.) Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
HIS 280-284 TOPICS IN AMERICAN HISTORY (1-3)
Studies in specialized areas of American History. This course will cover topics or areas not included in
the regular curriculum. As needed.
HIS 285-289 TOPICS IN WORLD HISTORY (1-3)
This course will be of a topical nature or cover regions or nations not included in the regular curriculum.
As needed.
HIS 309 HISTORICAL METHODS AND REGIONAL INQUIRY (W) (3)
This course is designed to acquaint students with the various research methodologies used to write about the past. It merges these practical skills with the study of local and regional history. Attention will be given to Illinois history and the study of particular localities. Additionally, the course will consider key regions in the United States: New England and the Northeast, the Midwest, the South, and the West. Students will use the methodological skills gained in the course to write a research paper. Annually, Spring.
HIS 310 SEMINAR IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH (1)
Students will define individual topics for their senior research paper after completing a historiographical
survey on the proposed topic and identifying major research sources available. This course will lead to the writing of a research proposal to be carried-out in HIS 410. Required of all history majors. Annually, Spring.
HIS 311 ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS (W) (3)
A study of the ancient civilizations of the Near East, Greece, and Rome from prehistory to the fall of the
Roman Empire. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
HIS 312 MEDIEVAL HISTORY (W) (3)
A study of the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance with a major emphasis on the analysis of primary source materials. Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
HIS 313 EARLY MODERN EUROPE: 1450-1815 (W) (3)
A study of the development of European civilization from the Renaissance through the Napoleonic Era.
Annually, Fall.
HIS 314 MODERN EUROPE: 1815-1945 (W) (3)
A study of European civilization from the Congress of Vienna to 1945. Annually, Spring.
HIS 321 AMERICAN COLONIAL HISTORY (W) (3)
A study of Colonial America from its origins in North American pre-history and European expansion
through the English Colonies to about 1770. Prerequisite: HIS 261 or consent of instructor. Alternate
years, Fall ‘07.
HIS 322 THE NEW NATION: 1781-1801 (W) (3)
A study of the early development of the United States from the Confederation Period, through the
adoption of the Constitution, to the Presidencies of George Washington and John Adams. Prerequisite:
HIS 261 or consent of instructor. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
HIS 323 DIVISION AND REUNION: 1836-1890 (3)
A study of Manifest Destiny, rising sectional tensions, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction Era.
Alternate years, Spring ‘09.
HIS 324 THE EMERGENCE OF MODERN AMERICA: 1890-1945 (3)
A study of the emergence of modern America as a major industrial and world power from the end of
Reconstruction to the outbreak of World War I. Alternate years, Fall, ‘08.
HIS 326 AMERICA SINCE 1945 (3)
A study of the history of the United States from the end of World War II to the present. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
HIS 327 REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA: 1763-1783 (W) (3)
A study of the revolutionary period from the Treaty of Paris in 1763 through the repeated crises with
Britain, the Revolutionary War, the Treaty of Paris of 1783. Prerequisite: HIS 261 or permission of
instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
HIS 328 THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: 1800-1836 (W) (3)
A study of the development of the United States from the election of Thomas Jefferson through the
Jacksonian period. Prerequisite: HIS 261 or permission of instructor. Alternate years, Spring ‘09.
HIS 329 HISTORY OF THE VIETNAM WAR (3)
This course will examine the long-term causes and consequences of the Vietnam War from a political
and a diplomatic perspective. It will also assess the social and cultural turmoil wrought by the war on the
American homefront. Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
HIS 343 HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA (3)
A survey of Latin American history from precolonial Indian cultures to recent developments in modern
Latin America. As needed.
HIS 357 HISTORY OF RUSSIA (W) (4)
A survey of Russian history from prehistory to the Russian Revolution of 1917. As needed.
HIS 358 HISTORY OF THE SOVIET UNION (W) (3)
A history of Russian from the Bolshevik seizure of power until present times. As needed.
HIS 363 HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST (3)
A study of the Middle East from earliest times to the present, with major attention being given to the
Islamic era. As needed.
HIS 372 AMERICAN ECONOMIC HISTORY (3)
This course surveys the economic history of the United States from the colonial era to the present.
Among the topics to be considered are the mercantile economy of British North America, the economics
of slavery, the Industrial Revolution, the cycles of boom and bust, the rise of the service economy in
the information age, and the globalization of American economic influence. Annually, Spring.
HIS 373 HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY (3)
This interdisciplinary course explores employs the methodologies of Human Geography and History to
study the manner in which place had influenced human development in past societies. The emphasis will be place on North America, but examples from the rest of the world will be studied. Annually, Fall.
HIS 374 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HISTORY (3)
This course introduces students to the diverse field of public history, which includes career option in the
following areas: archives management, museum studies, and oral history. Students will gain both theoretical instruction and hands-on practice with each of these topics. Alternate years, Spring ‘09.
HIS 380-84 TOPICS IN AMERICAN HISTORY (1-4)
Studies in specialized areas of American History. This course will cover topics or areas not included in
the regular curriculum. As needed.
HIS 385-89 TOPICS IN WORLD HISTORY (1-4)
This course will be of a topical nature or cover regions or nations not included in the regular curriculum.
As needed.
HIS 410 SENIOR THESIS IN HISTORY (W) (3)
This course focuses on the writing of a professional quality research paper based on primary source
materials. Students will also be involved in a seminar situation requiring scholarly criticism of each
other’s papers on a chapter by chapter basis. Completed papers will be presented orally before the campus community. Prerequisite HIS 110 & HIS 310. Required of all history majors. Annually. Fall.
HIS 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN HISTORY (1-4)
Individual research in specialized topic areas. Offered only to advanced students on a contractual basis,
with consent of history faculty.
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