Courses
The department of History does not accept transfer credit for online courses.
HI 103. WORLD HISTORY I
3—0—3
A study of the world’s major civilizations prior to 1500, concentrating on their primary values and institutions, and their cultural contacts. Particular attention devoted to the Middle East, China, India, the Mediterranean world, and Western Europe.
HI 104. WORLD HISTORY II
3—0—3
A study of the world’s major civilizations since 1500, the rise and expanding influence of the West, and the interaction between the West and non-West.
HI 200. INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL METHODOLOGY
3—0—3
This course develops essential skills for historians such as: critical reading and thinking, basic research methods and the fundamentals of organizing, writing and documenting history papers in accordance with the standards of the discipline. Subject matter varies. Required for majors; restricted to majors. Normally taken in the third year. Note Well: A grade of “C” or better is required as a pre-requisite to one of the 300-level methodologically intensive courses.
HI 205. HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES I
3—0—3
A general survey of American history beginning with the Colonial Period and ending with 1877. The approach is broad with attention being given to political, diplomatic, constitutional, intellectual, social, and economic trends. Required of history majors and minors. May be taken as a writing-intensive course when offered (205W).
HI 206. HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES II
3—0—3
A general survey of American history covering the period 1877 to the present. The approach is broad with attention being given to political, diplomatic, constitutional, intellectual, social, and economic trends. Required of history majors and minors.
HI 210-299. SPECIAL COURSES
3—0—3
Occasional courses on special topics in history may be offered by visiting faculty members or by departmental faculty. These courses fulfill regional distribution requirements if their regional category is included in the course announcement before registration.
HI 225. HISTORICAL METHODS. IRAN: PAST AND PRESENT
3—0—3
This is a laboratory course that introduces history majors to the basic sources, methods and skills necessary for writing history. The class is designed to guide mainly third classmen through the process of conducting historical research, including finding and analyzing sources and engaging with them critically, and presenting their results clearly and effectively. Topics from Iranian history of different periods are used as historical material for students to work on and experiment with. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 301. ANCIENT EGYPT
3—0—3
An upper-level survey course covering the history of Egypt from the predynastic period through the Roman occupation. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 302. ANCIENT GREECE
3—0—3
An upper-level survey course which covers the Greek world from the Trojan War to the death of Cleopatra. Region: Europe or Africa/Asia/Latin America, but not both.
HI 303. ANCIENT ROME
3—0—3
An upper-level survey course which covers the Roman world from the early Iron Age settlements in Italy to Rome’s conquest of the Mediterranean and the fall of the empire. Region: Europe or Africa/Asia/Latin America, but not both.
HI 304. THE MEDIEVAL WORLD
3—0—3
An upper-level survey of eastern and western Europe from the fall of Rome to the eve of the Renaissance, and Islam as it impacts on these areas. Region: Europe or Africa/Asia/Latin America. May be writing intensive when offered as HI 454W.
HI 307. ENGLISH HISTORY I
3—0—3
A study of English history from Stonehenge to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The focus is on social, cultural, and constitutional history, as they illuminate political trends. Region: Europe.
HI 308. ENGLISH HISTORY II
3—0—3
A study of English history from 1688 to the present. The focus is on England’s transition to an industrial democracy without a revolution, Victorianism, and the rise to global influence and subsequent decline. Region: Europe.
HI 309. HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST
3—0—3
A study of the causes, events, and results of the Nazi attempt to destroy the Jews of Europe. Topics to be considered are: the history of the Jewish people; the causes and history of anti-Semitism; the Nazi rise to power and persecution of the Jews; the actions and motives of Holocaust perpetrators, victims, and bystanders; and the impact of the Holocaust on contemporary history. May be offered as a writing intensive course (309W) at the Instructor’s discretion. Region: Europe.
HI 310X. WAR AND SOCIETY IN MODERN CHINA
3—0—3
This course introduces cadets to the 30-year cycle of civil war and international conflict that China experienced from the 1920s until the Communist victory of 1949. Major topics include warlords, imperialism, the Sino-Japanese wars of the 1930s, World War II in China and the Communist victory in China’s civil war. We will study not only the experience of the war for combatants and citizens, but also the domestic and international causes and ramifications of conflict. Prerequisite: HI 104. Region: Asia/Africa/Latin America. Civilizations and Cultures (X).
HI 313. THE UNITED STATES, 1900-1945
3—0—3
A comprehensive study of the United States during the Progressive Era, World War I, the 1920s, and the Great Depression. Region: United States.
HI 314. THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1945
3—0—3
A comprehensive study of the United States from World War II through recent years. Region: United States.
HI 315. THE HISTORY OF EVERYDAY LIFE
3—0—3
Social history is an approach to the past which deemphasizes the study of “famous men, great ideas, and big events” in favor of description and analysis of the lives of ordinary people of the past and the social and economic structures which shaped their lives. This course introduces students to sources and methods for the study of “history from the bottom up” and focuses on topics such as family life, courtship and marriage, sex and death, patterns of work and leisure, gender relations, childhood and youth, and old age. Region: Europe or United States, but not both. Methodologically intensive.
HI 316. FOOD AND HUNGER IN HISTORY
3—0—3
This course explores themes and issues relating to social and cultural dimensions of food and food shortages in past times. The course ranges widely across time and space and adopts an explicitly comparative approach. Topics examined include the transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture, the historical development of food production and distribution systems, the emergence of staple crops as commodities, and the causes and consequences of food shortages. The course is open to students of all majors who have passed both semesters of World History (HI 103 and HI 104). The course may be offered as a “Civilizations and Cultures” course (HI 316X)
HI 319. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
3—0—3
A general introduction to the African American experience in the United States beginning in Africa in the 15th century and continuing through to the late 20th century. Region: United States. Methodologically intensive.
HI 321. THE OLD SOUTH
3—0—3
The social, intellectual, economic, and political history of the American South before the Civil War. Major topics include the plantation system, slavery, and the evolution of southern sectionalism. Region: United States.
HI 322. THE CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION
3—0—3
The causes and course of the American Civil War and the issues and consequences of Reconstruction. Region: United States.
HI 323 HISTORY OF THE SOUTH FROM 1865
3—0—3
Political, social, economic, cultural, and demographic history of the Southern United States from 1865 to the present, with emphasis on interpretations of Southern history by twentieth-century historians. Topics include Reconstruction, segregation and disfranchisement, the “New South Creed” and industrialization, the Civil Rights Movement, and Southern popular culture. Prerequisite: HI 206 or permission of instructor. Region: United States. Methodologically intensive.
HI 324. AMERICAN FOREIGN RELATIONS TO 1919
3—0—3
An upper level survey of American foreign relations from the founding of the nation through World War I. Emphasis will be placed on the securing of American independence, continental expansion of the mid 19th century and the global expansion of American interests in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Considers the interplay of diplomacy, security issues, economics and culture in American relations with the world. Region: United States.
HI 325. AMERICAN FOREIGN RELATIONS SINCE 1919
3—0—3
An upper level survey of American foreign relations from the end of World War I until recent times. Important topics include America’s emergence as a leading economic power, the background to World War II, the rise and the demise of the Cold War and American attempts to cope with the post-Cold War world. Prior completion of HI 324, “American Foreign Relations to 1919” is recommended, but not required. Region: United States.
HI 327. INDIA FROM THE AGE OF THE HARRAPANS TO THE PRESENT DAY
3—0—3
An upper-level survey of the history of India from the earliest age of complex society on the subcontinent to the present day. Topics include the development of India’s religions, the caste system, art, philosophy, and politics as well as India’s role in European imperialism. In addition, the class will examine the development of India post-1945 to illustrate the rising importance of the country on the modern international stage. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 328. BRITISH IMPERIALISM
3—0—3
An upper-level survey that will examine the growth of the British empire beginning in 16th century England and examine the importance of the institution to British development and the impact that it had on world history. Topics include the ideology underpinning the institution and changes to imperial ideology over time, the political growth of the empire and its role in British diplomacy, the economic impact of it on British life, and the effect of it on indigenous populations. Finally, the course examines the legacy of British imperialism in the modern world. Region: Europe or Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 330. TOPICS IN ANCIENT HISTORY
3—0—3
A problems course covering selected topics in the ancient world, historical controversies, and major turning points. The course presumes a general knowledge of the ancient world from the first semester of Western or World Civilization. The three civilizations discussed will be the Ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome. Region: Europe or Africa/Asia/Latin America, but not both. Methodologically intensive.
HI 331. COLONIAL AMERICA
3—0—3
A study of eastern North America from contact through the American revolution. The early colonial section examines major social, political, religious, and economic trends, plus evolving relationships with Indians. The revolutionary section examines the complex forces which produced the American rebellion and concludes with a campaign history of the Revolutionary War. Region: United States. Methodologically intensive.
HI 332. NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS
3—0—3
A survey of North American Indian history from late pre-contact through the twentieth century. Requires a major research paper on one tribe north of Mexico. Region: United States. Usually offered as Writing Intensive.
HI 333. HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST I
3—0—3
Surveys the history of the Middle East and North Africa from the rise of Islam in the 7th century in Arabia to the beginning of the modern era in the 1800s. Focuses on Islam as both a religion and a civilization and includes the study of the Islamic faith and its institutions, the political history of the region and aspects of the culture, particularly art and architecture. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 334. HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE EAST II
3—0—3
Continues the History of the Middle East in the modern period. The course begins in the eighteenth century with the waning of the power of the Ottoman Empire and follows the region through a period of historic change and transformation to the present. Students will focus on the following issues, among others: the socio-economic transformation of the region in the 19th century, European imperialism and colonialism, the evolution of the modern state system, the conflict over Palestine and the rise of political Islam. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 335. THE VIETNAM WAR
3—0—3
Traces the military, political, and diplomatic history of Vietnam from the earliest times to the present. The course emphasizes the period after the second World War: the Indo-China War, and especially, the Vietnam War. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 336. ISLAM IN NORTH AMERICA AND WESTERN EUROPE
3—0—3
Islam is believed to be growing faster than any religion in the United States today, and is the second largest religion in Europe. This methodologically intensive course examines the past and contemporary history of Muslims in the West, including the emergence and development of Muslim communities and institutions, Islamic devotional life and education, the impact of Muslims’ immigration from the Middle East and Africa, and the process of their integration into Western societies. Looking beyond mutually hostile stereotyping between Islam and the West is one of the objectives of the class. Region: United States or Europe, but not both. Methodologically intensive.
HI 346. MODERN JAPAN
3—0—3
An examination of the rise of modern Japan from the mid-19th century to the present. Topics that will be covered are: the opening of Japan and the Meiji Restoration, economic modernization, nationalism and expansionism, political development, militarism and the Pacific War, American occupation, postwar Japan and the economic miracle. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 348. AFRICA IN MODERN TIMES, 1700 TO PRESENT
3—0—3
Survey of the historical experiences that have shaped contemporary sub-Saharan Africa: the slave trade, European partition and imperial rule, and independence and nationhood. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 350. FRENCH REVOLUTION AND NAPOLEON
3—0—3
A study of the collapse of the Ancient Regime and the causes of the French Revolution, the stages of the Revolution, and Napoleon as a domestic reformer and exporter of the Revolution. The course will emphasize the European context of the age of democratic revolution, 1789-1815. No prerequisite. Region: Europe. Methodologically intensive.
HI 355. GRAND STRATEGY IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY
3—0—3
Examines the coordination of military strategy, mobilization, diplomacy, and other national or coalition instruments to achieve political goals in war during the twentieth century.
HI 356. TWENTIETH-CENTURY CHINA
3—0—3
A study of China’s twentieth-century revolutions since the overthrow of the last emperor in 1911. Examines the tortured efforts of the Nationalists and Communists to recreate the country and the culture, even while foreign “barbarians” were pounding on the gates. Studies a century of civil war, social reform movements, and political purges, concluding with Deng Xiaoping’s recent efforts to build a modern China where “to get rich is glorious.” Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America.
HI 357. LATE IMPERIAL CHINA
3—0—3
Major events and trends in Chinese history during the last two great dynasties, the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911), including historians’ evolving interpretations of the periods. Topics include the role of the emperor, the world of the peasantry, the dynastic cycle, The Opium War, the problem of imperialism, the great Taiping Rebellion, The Boxer Uprising, and the 1911 Revolution. Prerequisite: HI 104. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America. Methodologically intensive.
HI 361. THE AGE OF BLOOD AND IRON. EUROPE, 1871-1918
3—0—3
Survey of Europe in the period. This course begins with a discussion of the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War. It then successively examines social and economic developments, political developments in the separate European states, imperialism, the division of Europe into two hostile alliance systems, the arms race, the fundamental and immediate causes of the First World War, and the war itself. Region: Europe.
HI 365. FRANCE AND THE FRENCH EMPIRE 1815 TO THE PRESENT
3—0—3
Surveys the political and socioeconomic history of France and its overseas empire from Waterloo to the present. Significant focus on developments in Africa and Indochina. No prerequisite, but HI 350 is recommended. Region: Europe.
HI 368. A BROKEN WORLD: EUROPE, 1919-1945
3—0—3
Survey of Europe in the period. It begins with the peace settlement following the first World War. Through a chronological approach by country, it treats political, diplomatic, and military trends and events of the period, including the rise of fascism and totalitarianism, and the roles played by individual leaders as Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, and Churchill. It then deals with events leading to the Second World War, and the war itself. Region: Europe.
HI 372. READING COURSE FOR HONORS
3—0—3
Reading in depth in a selected field of history under the supervision of a faculty sponsor as preparation for an honors research paper. Preparation of an annotated bibliography and introduction to historical methodology. Prerequisite: Admission to the History Honors Program. Methodologically intensive.
HI 373. COLONIAL LATIN AMERICA
3—0—3
A survey of historical developments from the Iberian Reconquest through the Wars of Independence in Latin America. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America. Methodologically Intensive. May also be offered as Writing Intensive.
HI 374. MODERN LATIN AMERICA
3—0—3
A continuation of HI 373 comprising a survey of historical developments in Latin America in general and certain Latin American Republics from the Wars of Independence to the present. Region: Africa/Asia/Latin America. Methodologically Intensive. May also be offered as Writing Intensive.
HI 375. GERMANY AND EASTERN EUROPE FROM BISMARCK TO BRANDT
3—0—3
Special attention will be given to the nature of the Bismarckian Empire, Germany’s role in the origins of World War I, the Weimar Republic, Nazi totalitarianism, and post-war German society. Region: Europe.
HI 377. INSURGENCY AND TERRORISM
3—0—3
An introduction to the modern history of armed struggle for revolutionary aims and the counterinsurgency campaigns that ensue. In addition to studying the major theorists of insurgency and counterinsurgency, the class will examine specific studies from the late eighteenth century through contemporary conflicts in the Middle East. Methodologically intensive. Region: Europe or Asia/Africa/Latin America, but not both.
HI 378. EUROPEAN WARFARE, 1600-1871
3—0—3
A survey of the development of modern warfare in Europe from the “Military Revolution” of the seventeenth century through the Franco-Prussian War. In addition to studying the armed forces, important battles, campaigns and wars, the class will explore related social, political, diplomatic, and cultural developments. Key themes will include eighteenth-century limited warfare, French Revolutionary and Napoleonic warfare, the Wars of Italian and German Unification, and military thought and strategy. Region: Europe.
HI 379. EUROPEAN WARFARE SINCE 1871
3—0—3
This course introduces students to major aspects of European warfare from the unification of Germany in 1871 through the Cold War. Key themes include the evolution of military thought and the operational, political, socio-cultural, and technological aspects of armed forces and war. Region: Europe.
HI 380. EUROPE IN RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION
3—0—3
A study of European politics and culture (1400-1648) with an emphasis on the literary and artistic legacy of the Renaissance and on the religious struggles of the Reformation era. Region: Europe. Methodologically Intensive.
HI 382. MODERN RUSSIAN HISTORY
3—0—3
A survey of the history of Russia, stressing economic, political, social, and intellectual development during the Empire and the Soviet Union. Region: Europe.
HI 383. VIRGINIA HISTORY I
3—0—3
A survey of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Virginia from 1607 to 1865. Region: United States.
HI 384. VIRGINIA HISTORY II
3—0—3
A survey of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Virginia from 1865 to the present. Region: United States.
HI 385. U.S. MILITARY HISTORY TO 1919
3—0—3
A survey of American military history through World War I with emphasis on strategy, force structure, technology, and the record of the American armed forces in both war and peace. Region: United States.
HI 386. U.S. MILITARY HISTORY SINCE 1919
3—0—3
A survey of American military history since World War I with emphasis on strategy, force structure, technology, and the record of the American armed forces in both war and peace. Region: United States.
HI 387. HISTORY OF AIR POWER
3—0—3
An investigation into the development and employment of military aviation in both peace and war. Common threads to be followed include leadership, strategy, tactics, technology, joint operations, and ethical issues. Region: Europe or the United States (but not both).
HI 388. MODERN SPAIN: CIVIL WAR AND COLONIAL CONFLICT
3—0—3
This course introduces students to modern Spanish history, paying particular attention to military affairs. Major themes include the guerrilla struggles against Napoleon, counterinsurgency in Cuba and Morocco, the Spanish Civil War, the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and ongoing issues of regional nationalism and terrorism. Region: Europe. Methodologically intensive.
HI 390. SEA POWER FROM THE AGE OF SAIL TO THE EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY
3—0—3
A survey that deals with the use of naval power in both war and peace from the sixteenth century to the early twentieth century. Dominant themes will include the evolution of strategy and tactics in war, the impact of technology on tactics and shipboard lives, and the overall importance of sea power to the foreign policies of naval powers. Coverage includes discussions that focus on the Seven Years War, the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the War of 1812, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the Sino-Japanese War, and the Russo-Japanese War. Region: Europe.
HI 391. SEA POWER IN THE 20TH CENTURY
3—0—3
This course investigates the employment of naval power in both peace and war during the twentieth century. Among the common threads to be followed are leadership, strategy, tactics, technology, and joint operations. The navies of Great Britain, Germany, Imperial Japan, the Soviet Union, and the United States will receive the closest scrutiny. Substantial class time will be devoted to both world wars, Korea, and Vietnam. Region: Europe or the United States (but not both).
HI 392 WORLD WAR I
3—0—3
A survey of the events leading to World War I and the course of the conflict itself. The coverage will include detail on the grand strategy and actions of the principal combatants, tactics, operations, armaments, and logistics. The course will focus on the principal combatants, but will offer worldwide coverage to showcase the magnitude of the war and the importance of regional conflicts on the course of the war. It will also include the effect of World War I, as a total war, on civilians and the world as a whole following the conclusion of peace. Through this coverage, the student will gain an understanding not only of war in the early twentieth century, but also an understanding of the legacy of the war on global development. Region: Europe or the United States, but not both.
HI 393. WORLD WAR II
3—0—3
This course aims to give students a broad overview of World War II, with a deeper knowledge of certain key themes. Areas of particular emphasis include military thought, “Blitzkrieg” and “Operational Art,” the Battle of France, the Eastern Front campaigns, and the realities of warfare in the Pacific. The class also covers such topics as Nazi ideology and the Holocaust. Region: Europe or the United States or Africa/Asia/Latin America (can fulfill one category only).
HI 400. HISTORY INTERNSHIP
0—0—1 TO 6
Under appropriate conditions, cadets may earn up to six hours of academic credit in History for research and other academic activities related to an internship sponsored and approved by the History Department. Internships will normally be conducted during the summer and will involve activities away from the Institute. Details of activities and the amount of credit to be awarded must be arranged prior to the commencement of the internship and approved by the head of the History Department.
HI 460W. CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE
3—0—3
Senior level methodologically intensive research seminar leading to the production of a major research paper. Topics vary. Prerequisite: completion of a 300-level methodologically intensive course, and perhaps other prerequisites at the discretion of the instructor. Required of history majors except those who complete the departmental honors sequence. Note Well: HI 460W cannot be used to satisfy a regional distribution requirement. Writing Intensive (W).
HI 480. DIRECTED STUDY
3—0—3
Advanced level one-on-one course emphasizing historical methodology and leading to the production of a major research paper. Pre-requisite: a 300-level methodologically-intensive course and possibly other courses as required by the instructor; permission of the department head, completion of twelve hours of history courses numbered 200 or higher taken in residence at VMI, and at least a 3.0 GPA in history courses taken at VMI. May also be taken as a writing-intensive course (480W) with instructor’s permission.
HI 481-490, AND 493 TO 499. SPECIAL SEMINAR
3—0—3
Seminars on special topics in history as suggested from time to time by members of the faculty or groups of history majors. Course will require completion of a major student research paper.
HI 491W. THESIS COURSE FOR HONORS (I)
3—0—3
Preliminary work on a research paper based on the reading done in HI 372. Prerequisite: HI 372. Course concludes with an oral defense of a draft version of the thesis. Writing intensive (W).
HI 492W. THESIS COURSE FOR HONORS (II)
3—0—3
Embraces the completion of the research paper begun in HI 491. Prerequisite: HI 491. Writing intensive (W).