History
Undergraduate Program Information
An undergraduate degree in history prepares students for careers in: teaching; law; public service; management; journalism; education; communications; travel counseling; and library, museum and archival staff work. Students master skills including the ability to read critically, to formulate arguments, to conduct historical research, and to synthesize arguments and create novel interpretations.
Graduate Program Information
The Department of History offers graduate work leading to the Master of Arts degree. In addition to fulfilling the basic requirements for admission to the Graduate School, applicants must present undergraduate passage of at least 12 credits in history with grades of B or higher, including 6 upper division history credits. Those lacking this preparation must normally make up deficiencies before beginning graduate course work. Candidates who choose a course of study requiring a foreign language will be responsible for their own language preparation.
Students applying for admission to the graduate program in history are required to submit an application form and a transcript to the Graduate School and a strong writing sample, three letters of recommendation ideally from History faculty members at NMSU or other institutions, and a two-to-three page statement of purpose to the Department of History, approximately four months in advance of the desired enrollment date. Applicants for graduate assistantships and fellowships must submit a letter of application, a transcript, and three letters of recommendation to the department by February 15 for the fall semester, and by October 15 for the spring semester. Students who are not applying for graduate assistantships and fellowships may apply at any time for acceptance into the graduate program.
Elizabeth Horodowich, Department Head
Professors Bronstein, Brooks, Cioc-Ortega, Garcia-Bryce, Hammond, Horodowich; Associate Professors Orzoff; Assistant Professors J. Wallace; College Professors E. Masson
J. L. Bronstein, Ph.D. (Stanford)– U.S., Britain; N. M. Brooks, Ph.D. (Columbia)– Russia/Soviet Union, modern Europe, modern science; M. Cioc-Ortega, Ph.D. (California-Berkeley)- Europe, US, public history; I. Garcia-Bryce, Ph.D. (Stanford)– Latin America, Peru; K. J. Hammond, Ph.D. (Harvard)– China, East Asia; E. Horodowich, Ph.D. (Michigan-Ann Arbor)– early modern Europe, Mediterranean; A. Orzoff, Ph.D. (Stanford)– twentieth-century Europe, Eastern Europe, intellectual history; J. D. Wallace, Ph.D. (University of New Mexico)– U.S., public history.
History Courses
HIST 1105G. Making History
3 Credits (3)
General introduction to history: how historians carry out research and develop interpretations about the past.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and articulate the differences and similarities between history and memory;
- Analyze and critically interpret primary sources and understand how others might interpret and use the same material in different ways;
- Recognize and appreciate the diversity of historical experiences and the uses of historical memory in various societies;
- Understand how historical experiences that include political, geographical, social, cultural, religious and intellectual experiences have been expressed across historical periods;
- Understand how historical experiences and memories have shaped contemporary societies;
- Identify and understand the degree to which history has been used and misused in the past;
- Demonstrate improvement in their ability to read critically, think logically, and express themselves clearly in writing.
HIST 1110G. United States History I
3 Credits (3)
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the history of the United States from the pre-colonial period to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of the United States within the context of world societies.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for the history of the United States from the pre-colonial period to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Analyze, Remember, Evaluate, Create
- Students will summarize and appraise different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Understand, Evaluate, Apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating credibility, perspective, and relevance. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember, Understand, Evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Create, Apply 8
- Students will APPLY historical knowledge and historical thinking “in order to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.” Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Apply, Analyze 9
HIST 1120G. United States History II
3 Credits (3)
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the history of the United States from reconstruction to the present. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of the United States within the context of world societies.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for the history of the United States from the reconstruction to the present. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distingusih between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Analyze, Remember, Evaluate, Create
- Students will summarize and appriase different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Understand, Evaluate, Apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating credibility, perspective, and relevance. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember, Understand, Evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Create, Apply
- Students will apply historical knowledge and historical thinking “inorder to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.” Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Apply, Analyze 10 11
HIST 1130G. World History I
3 Credits (3)
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to global history from ancient times to the 16th century. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of world societies. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for global history from ancient times to the 16th century. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Analyze, Remember, Evaluate, Create
- Students will summarize and appraise different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Understand, Evaluate, Apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating credibility, perspective, and relevance. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember, Understand, Evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Create, Apply
- Students will apply historical knowledge and historical thinking “in order to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.” Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Apply, Analyze
HIST 1140G. World History II
3 Credits (3)
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to global history from the 16th century to the present. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of world societies. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for the history of global history from the 16th century to the present. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Analyze, Remember, Evaluate, Create
- Students will summarize and appraise different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Understand, Evaluate, Apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating credibility, perspective, and relevance. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember, Understand, Evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Create, Apply
- Students will Apply historical knowledge and historical thinking “in order to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.” Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Apply, Analyze
HIST 1150G. Western Civilization I
3 Credits (3)
This course is a chronological treatment of the history of the western world from ancient times to the early modern era. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of western civilization within the context of world societies. Selective attention will be given to "non-western" civilizations which impact and influence the development of "western" civilization.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for the history of the western world from ancient times to the early modern era. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Analyze, Remember, Evaluate, Create
- Students will summarize and appraise different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Understand, Evaluate, Apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating credibility, perspective, and relevance. BloomTaxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember, Understand, Evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Create, Apply
- Students will apply historical knowledge and historical thinking “in order to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.” Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Apply, Analyze 14
HIST 1160G. Western Civilization II
3 Credits (3)
This course is a chronological treatment of the history of the western world from the early modern era to the present. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of western civilization within the context of world societies. Selective attention will be given to "non-western" civilizations which impact and influence the development of "western" civilization.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for the history of the western world from the early modern era to the present. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Analyze, Remember, Evaluate, Create
- Students will summarize and appraise different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Understand, Evaluate, Apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating credibility, perspective, and relevance. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember, Understand, Evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Create, Apply
- Students will apply historical knowledge and historical thinking “in order to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.” Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Apply, Analyze
HIST 1180. MODERN LATIN AMERICA
3 Credits (3)
The primary objective of this course is to serve as a survey of the history of Latin America from independence to the present. This course will explore the contributions of Indigenous peoples, Africans, and Europeans to the creation of Latin America’s diverse societies. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential to the understanding of the history of Latin America within the context of world societies.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for the history of Latin America from independence to the present. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: analyze, remember, evaluate, create
- Students will summarize and appraise different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: understand, evaluate, apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating credibility, perspective, and relevance. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: remember, understand, evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: create. apply
- Students will apply historical knowledge and historical thinking “in order to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.”Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: apply, analyze
HIST 2110. Survey of New Mexico History
3 Credits (3)
The primary objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the history of New Mexico from the pre- Columbian times to the present day. The elements of this course are designed to inform students on the major events and trends that are essential in the understanding of the development of New Mexico within the context of the Americas.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain in their work how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments, and how those cultures changed over the course of the centuries for the history of New Mexico from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember and Understand
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Analyze, Remember, Evaluate, Create
- Students will summarize and appraise different historical interpretations and evidence in order to construct past events. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Understand, Evaluate, Apply
- Students will identify historical arguments in a variety of sources and explain how they were constructed, evaluating, credibility, perspective, and relevance. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Remember, Understand, Evaluate
- Students will create well-supported historical arguments and narratives that demonstrate an awareness of audience. Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Create, Apply
- Students will apply historical knowledge and historical thinking “in order to infer what drives and motivates human behavior in both past and present.” Bloom Taxonomy’s Cognitive Process: Apply, Analyze 16
HIST 2245G. Islamic Civilizations to 1800
3 Credits (3)
History of Islamic civilizations to 1800.
Learning Outcomes
- By the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the history of cultural encounters, exchanges, and conflicts between the Islamic world and the West from the seventh to the sixteenth century;
- Be able to evaluate the major themes of cultural contact, conflict, and interchange between the Islamic world and the West;
- Critically read and evaluate historical evidence with the goal of forming an argument about historical evidence
- Communicate a historical argument logically, clearly, and effectively in writing.
HIST 2246G. Islamic Civilizations since 1800
3 Credits (3)
History of Islamic civilizations since 1800.
Learning Outcomes
- By the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the history of cultural encounters, exchanges, and conflicts between the Islamic world and the West from the sixteenth century;
- Be able to evaluate the major themes of cultural contact, conflict, and interchange between the Islamic world and the West;
- Critically read and evaluate historical evidence with the goal of forming an argument about historical evidence
- Communicate a historical argument logically, clearly, and effectively in writing.
HIST 2250G. East Asia to 1600
3 Credits (3)
History of China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan from earliest times through the sixteenth century. Emphasis on cultural and political developments and their social and economic contexts, and the interaction between East Asian societies.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn the analytic skills of interpreting historical changes and continuity.
- They will assess and use historical documents, and learn how to evaluate varying historical interpretations.
- Students will understand the chronological and geographic context of important historical events,and will understand the social, technological, economic, cultural and political components of the society under study in this course.
- Students will understand how people shape their culture and its beliefs, and the way in which prevailing cultures and beliefs shape them.
- They will understand the historical origins of present-day societies, to learn about their own historical roots.
- They will learn about the development of structures of power, the production of and distribution of goods, and the relationship between science and technology and human values and behavior.
HIST 2251G. East Asia since 1600
3 Credits (3)
History of China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan from the sixteenth through the twentieth centuries. Emphasis on internal development of each country, as well as the social and political impact of Western Imperialism, and the emergence of each country's unique version of modern society.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn the analytical skills of interpreting historical changes and continuity.
- They will assess and use historical documents, and learn how to evaluate varying historical interpretations.
- Students will understand the chronological and geographic context of important historical events, and will understand the social, technological, economic, cultural and political components of the society under study in this course.
- Students will understand how people shape their culture and its beliefs, and the way in which prevailing cultures and beliefs shape them.
- They will understand the historical origins of present-day societies, to learn about their own historical roots.
- They will learn about the development of structures of power, the production of and distribution of goods, and the relationship between science and technology and human values and behavior.
HIST 2996. Special Topics
1-3 Credits
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Community Colleges only. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Varies
HIST 300. Special Topics
1-9 Credits (1-9)
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits.
HIST 302V. Science in Modern Society
3 Credits (3)
The social impact of scientific activity and thought from Newton to the present. The growth of modern scientific institutions; the political and social context of modern science. ENGL 1110G recommended.
HIST 308V. The History of Food
3 Credits (3)
From the earliest uses of fire for cooking up through our modern age of fast food and organic gardening, human culinary traditions have long shaped and been shaped by the forces of history. This course offers a general overview of the history of food production and consumption in the West from prehistoric times through the 21st century, with a special focus on the various ways in which social and political history have impacted dining, taste, and cooking. Among a great variety of topics, we will focus on the origins of cooked food; ancient Hebrew dietary laws; the “spice revolution” and the great influence of Arabic cuisine on the kitchens of medieval Europe; emerging ideas about etiquette and table manners including the use of the fork; the advent of print and the first printed cookbooks; the Columbian Exchange and the arrival of foods from the New World; the rise of French cuisine; food and immigration; the global dominance of fast food; and sustainable food production and consumption in the modern era. We will pay a special emphasis throughout the course to the myriad ways in which food production and consumption in history have always been gendered, as well as influenced by ideas about social class.
Learning Outcomes
- Master a general master narrative about the history of food in the Western World, including a variety of European countries;
- Analyze the relationship between food and culture in a variety of countries and traditions;
- Critically read and learn to evaluate secondary historical literature, grasping the strengths and weaknesses of historical monographs; and
- Communicate a historical argument logically and effectively in a 20-page original research paper.
HIST 311V. Colonial Latin America
3 Credits (3)
Social, political, and economic development from Columbus to the Wars of Independence. Research paper required.
HIST 312V. Modern Latin America
3 Credits (3)
Post-revolutionary developments in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; the role of Latin America in world affairs and the Inter-American system. Research paper required.
HIST 313. Making the American West
3 Credits (3)
Development of the American West from 1803 to 1900 with emphasis on conquest, federal and corporate roles in western development, environmental change, and the Mythic West. Includes meetings outside regular class time to view feature-length films.
HIST 320. American History Through Film
3 Credits (3)
This course uses feature films as texts to examine the depiction of major themes and events in American history and society. It considers both the accuracy of these depictions, and the way in which the historical viewpoint of feature films is influenced by factors including directorial point of view and popular memory. It also examines the influence of feature films on popular understandings of the American past. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will critically analyze and evaluate the accuracy and truthfulness of cinematic representations of episodes in U.S. history, and convey these analyses and evaluations orally and in writing.
- Students will evaluate contemporary claims made concerning the value of films for historical understanding, and convey these analyses and evaluations orally and in writing.
- Students will assess the ways in which films serve as historical documents that illuminate the cultural, social, and political history of the eras in which they were produced, and convey these analyses and evaluations orally and in writing.
HIST 321V. History of Korea
3 Credits (3)
Social, political, and cultural history of Korea from earliest times through twentieth century. Emphasis on the interaction between Korean traditions and influences from China and the West. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn the analytical skills of interpreting historical changes and continuity.
- They will assess and use historical documents, and learn how to evaluate varying historical interpretations.
- Students will also understand the chronological and geographic context of important historical events, and will understand the social, technological, economic, cultural and political components of the society under study in this course.
- Students will examine how people shape their culture and beliefs, and the way in which prevailing cultures and beliefs shape them.
- They will understand the historical origins of present-day societies, to learn about their own historical roots.
- They will learn about the development of structures of power, the production of and distribution of goods, and the relationships between science and technology and human values and behavior.
HIST 323. Cultural History of Later Imperial China
3 Credits (3)
Covers art and literature of China from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) through the eighteenth century. Developments in cultural theory and practice are traced in the context of the social and economic changes fostering an understanding of Chinese cultural history and its legacy in East Asia today.
HIST 329. History of Egypt
3 Credits (3)
History of Egypt from ancient times to the present.
HIST 330V. Introduction to Religious Studies
3 Credits (3)
Provides an overview of old and new methods and theories for the study of religion. Exposure to the ways groups of people in diverse cultural systems construct and change their religious traditions to serve practical and meaningful ends. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
HIST 331. Rebels, Guerrillas, and Terrorists in Modern Latin America
3 Credits (3)
Explores history of rebels in Latin America. Examines guerilla struggles attaining national dimension. Focus on modern events, including Peru's Shining Path, Colombia's FARC, and Mexico's Zapatistas. Same as POLS 468.
HIST 333. Renaissance Europe
3 Credits (3)
This course explores the cultural, social, and political developments of early modern Europe between 1350-1650. This period witnessed a dramatic transformation between the medieval and modern worlds: a transition marked by new historical and artistic visions, the invention of the printing press, the discovery of the New World, the permanent fracturing of Christianity during the Protestant Reformation, the scientific revolution, and the rise of capitalism as a world system. We will consider these and other transformations in this time period both as they were understood by elite society as well as the impact of these innovations upon the daily lives of everyday people and women in particular.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the key historical facts, values, and ideas that shaped the history of Europe between 1400--1650;
- Analyze the causes and effects of the Renaissance, the Age of Encounters, the Reformation, and the Scientific Revolution;
- Identify the major artistic, literary, and technological contributions of individuals during this time period;
- Describe how cultural exchanges reveal the global context of events in early modern Europe; and
- Create well-supported historical arguments based on primary and secondary source evidence.
HIST 338. World War I
3 Credits (3)
Cultural, social, and intellectual background and impact of World War I. Military and diplomatic events of the war. Consequences of the war.
HIST 339. World War II
3 Credits (3)
Social, cultural and political aspects of World War II, in addition to traditional military events. Emphasis on U.S. involvement.
HIST 343. Recent American Military History
3 Credits (3)
Emphasis on American wars since the Civil War, and on factors contributing to the development of modern military systems.
HIST 347. Civil War Era 1840-1877
3 Credits (3)
Mexican-American War, development of secession, American Civil War, Reconstruction.
HIST 361. African American History to 1877
3 Credits (3)
African background, slave trade, slavery; Civil War and Reconstruction; free blacks in a white society to about 1900. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will evaluate and employ primary and secondary sources in order to understand varying historical interpretations and craft their own interpretations of historical evidence in discussions and essays.
- Students will analyze and compare political, economic, social and intellectual institutions, structures and processes over the period from the great African Empires (circa 900CE) to the end of the period of Reconstruction (1877), with particular focus on the experiences of African Americans.
- Students will strengthen their argumentative skills through online class discussions and written assignments.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of academic honesty and the ability to cite, paraphrase, and quote sources.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to think about the interaction between present and past issues presented in the class.
HIST 362. African American History, 1865-present
3 Credits (3)
Black Americans in the United States in the twentieth century; segregation; black leaders, organizations, methods and goals; white reaction; the struggle for equality. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will evaluate and employ primary and secondary sources in order to understand varying historical interpretations and craft their own interpretations of historical evidence in discussions and essays.
- Students will analyze and compare political, economic, social and intellectual institutions, structures and processes over the period of the Civil Rights Movement through readings, interaction with primary source documents, essays, and discussions.
- Students will strengthen their argumentative skills through online class discussions and written assignments.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of academic honesty and the ability to cite, paraphrase, and quote sources.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to think about the interaction between present and past issues presented in the class.
HIST 366V. British Imperialism
3 Credits (3)
Survey of the activities of the British empire from the 16th century through the 20th century, with emphasis on Ireland, North America and India. Assesses the impact of imperial activities on British domestic politics, culture and social history, and the process and impact of decolonization.
HIST 368. Teaching History
3 Credits (3)
Philosophical and practical issues of teaching history are explored. Designed to help prospective teachers at all levels clarify their views about studying history. A variety of pedagogical strategies for teaching history are explored.
HIST 371. Greek Civilization: From Helen of Troy to Alexander the Great
3 Credits (3)
This course provides a survey of Greek history from the Trojan War through the conquests of Alexander the Great. Topics include the formation of the Greek city-states with a focus on Sparta and Athens and the wars between them, the invention of democracy in Athens, the birth of the discipline of history, the development of philosophy, the trial and death of Socrates, and the spread of Greek culture to the borders of India because of the conquests of Alexander the Great. We will explore most aspects of Greek society, using Greek authors and artists to introduce much of the material. Attention is paid to the everyday life of ancient Greeks not just power politics. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will define, explain, and analyze the major political, social and cultural transformations of Greek history through a variety of primary sources, including works of literature and art.
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context.
- Students will critically read and evaluate historical evidence with the goal of forming an historical argument.
- Students will communicate a historical argument logically, clearly, and effectively in writing.
HIST 372. Roman Civilization
3 Credits (3)
In this course we will explore the growth of Rome from a village in the Italian peninsula to a global empire stretching from Spain to Syria and Britain to the sands of the Sahara. We will focus on the development of political, social, and cultural institutions in the construction of the Roman Republic and the enormous military conquests of that period. We then examine the transformation of the Republic into an empire, governed by an emperor. Finally, we analyze the rise of Christianity in the Roman world and the Roman empire’s decline in the 5th century C.E. Attention is paid to the everyday life of ancient Romans not just power politics. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will define, explain, and analyze the major political, social and cultural transformations of Roman history through a variety of primary sources.
- Students will distinguish between primary and secondary sources, identify and evaluate evidence and empathize with people in their historical context.
- Students will critically read and evaluate historical evidence with the goal of forming an historical argument.
- Students will communicate a historical argument logically, clearly, and effectively in writing.
HIST 373. Islam and the West: Cultural Contacts, Conflicts, and Exchanges
3 Credits (3)
This course examines interactions, encounters, and cross-fertilization between the Islamic world and the West from the 7th– 21st century. Topics include the relationship of Islam to Judaism and Christianity, the rise of an Islamic empire and the development of Islamic civilization, the Crusades, the impact of Islamic culture on Europe and the Italian Renaissance. It also explores the shifting relationships between Muslims, Christians, and Jews throughout this period.
Learning Outcomes
- Student will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the history of cultural encounters, exchanges, and conflicts between the Islamic world and the West from the seventh to the early twenty-first century.
- Students will be able to evaluate the major themes of cultural contact, conflict, and interchange between the Islamic world and the West.
- Students will critically read and evaluate historical evidence with the goal of forming an argument about historical evidence.
- Students will communicate a historical argument logically, clearly, and effectively in writing.
HIST 379V. The History of Italy from the Etruscans to the Mafia
3 Credits (3)
Italy is beloved by many, for its food, language, and art; however, we often understand it only superficially, and often fail to grasp the darker elements of its history. This class will consider the history of the Italian peninsula from the time of its earliest inhabitants, the Etruscans, up through the twenty-first century. We will consider topics such as the Roman world and its legacy, the rise of Christianity, the growth of medieval towns and their economies, Renaissance, the Risorgimento or the formation of the modern nation of Italy, Italian fascism, the wars of the twentieth century, Italian film, the history of Italian food including pizza and pasta, Italian communism, and the growth of organized crime and the mafia. Special attention will be paid throughout to the relationship between Northern and Southern Italy, as well as the special city of Venice and its relationship to the rest of the peninsula.
Learning Outcomes
- Master a general master narrative about the history of Italy from its earliest inhabitants through the twenty-first century
- Identify a variety of developments in the history of Italian culture, including art, literature, food, and film;
- Critically read and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources and
- Communicate a historical argument logically and effectively in a 15-page original research paper.
HIST 382V. Modern Russia
3 Credits (3)
Domestic policies and foreign relations from mid-nineteenth century to the present with emphasis on the Soviet period.
HIST 383. Germany
3 Credits (3)
Political, social, and cultural developments from the eighteenth century to the present, with emphasis on the Nazi era. Same as POLS 473.
HIST 386. New Mexico History
3 Credits (3)
Economic, political and social development of New Mexico from exploration to modern times.
HIST 387. Spain in the New World: Conquest, Conflict, and Cultural Exchange
3 Credits (3)
The history of Spain, with a focus on Spain's interaction with the New World. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- The student will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the history of Spanish contacts, conquests, and influences in the New World from the late fifteenth century until the early twenty first century;
- Be able to evaluate the major themes of cultural contact, conflict, and interchange between the Spain and the New World; Critically read and evaluate historical evidence in order to construct past events;
- Communicate a historical argument logically, clearly, and effectively in writing.
HIST 390V. The Holocaust
3 Credits (3)
The attack upon European Jews by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist Party in Germany and occupied Europe from his accession to chancellor in 1933 until the end of the Third Reich in 1945.
HIST 397. Introduction to Public History
3 Credits (3)
Surveys how historians do history in museums, archives, government agencies, and in communities. Hands-on experience provides students a better understanding of history and how historians work outside of the classroom. Seminar project required.
HIST 398. Historians and History
3 Credits (3)
General historiography and philosophy of history; historical methodology, research, and writing; bibliographical aids and their uses. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to: HIST majors.
HIST 400. Special Topics
1-9 Credits (1-9)
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credits.
HIST 402. Special Topics in European History
3 Credits (3)
Special topics in European history to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 403. Special Topics in Middle Eastern History
3 Credits (3)
Special topics in Middle Eastern history to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 404. Special Topics in Asian History
3 Credits (3)
Special topics in Asian history to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 406. Special Topics in United States History
3 Credits (3)
Special topics in United States history to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 413. Native American History
3 Credits (3)
Seminar explores the history of Native Americans, including tribal conflicts, interactions with Europeans and Euro-Americans, land loss, degradation of natural resources, federal Indian policy, pan-Indian movements, cultural resistance and revitalization, and modern tribal economies.
HIST 414. The Constitution and U.S. History
3 Credits (3)
This seminar examines the history and political context of the ideas that coalesced in the U.S. Constitution, from 1603 to the writing of the Constitution and into the Early Republic.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will evaluate and employ primary and secondary sources in order to understand varying historical interpretations and craft their own interpretations of historical evidence in discussions and essays.
- Students will analyze the relationship between historical events in the Atlantic world and the development of key political concepts including divine right monarchy, constitutional monarchy, individual representation, the social contract theory, checks and balances, and the theoretical and practical processes of constitution-writing and ratification.
- Students will strengthen their critical thinking argumentative skills through class discussions.
- Students will demonstrate public speaking and class leadership skills by preparing and leading class discussions.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of academic honesty and the ability to cite, paraphrase, and quote sources.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to think about the interaction between present and past issues presented in the class.
- Students will undertake a major project of historical synthesis at the end of the semester.
HIST 431. History of Race and Ethnicity
3 Credits (3)
Seminar explores the historical social construction of race and ethnicity, and their relationship to other systems of social difference such as class and gender. Course will examine popular and academic theories of race and ethnicity as well as historical concrete effects of racial and ethnic differences in society.
HIST 433. United States Labor History Since 1877
3 Credits (3)
Seminar discussions explore United States labor and working-class history since 1877, including such topics as industrial labor, debt peonage, and housework. May explore the history of labor organization, working-class culture and leisure activities, and responses to labor issues by the state. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
HIST 434. Urban History
3 Credits (3)
Seminar discusses cities as complex catalysts for cultural, political, and scientific development, both within cities themselves and more broadly for their nations and regions. Course deals with such topics as the relationship between social organization and physical space; city development, morphology and dynamics; and the cultural and intellectual history of cities.
HIST 435. History of War and Revolution
3 Credits (3)
Seminar covers historical dynamics of violent social, political, and economic transitions. May focus upon a particular war or upheaval, such as World War II or the French Revolution, or may examine more generic characteristics of conflict and radical change across many historical examples. Extensive readings in scholarly literature. Research projects relating to specific course contents.
HIST 438. Antiquity and Modernity
3 Credits (3)
Seminar explores links between earlier and more recent historical periods. Examples may include the Renaissance rediscovery of ancient Rome or the early modern Chinese reassessment of its classical Confucian heritage. Readings include ancient sources and the modern reception of such works, and the scholarly assessment of these processes. Individual research projects required in areas of student interests.
HIST 443. The Cold War in Latin America
3 Credits (3)
Seminar discusses Latin American political history during the Cold War. Course focuses on how Latin Americans (individuals, parties, militaries, states) acted in an increasingly politicized arena defined by growing United States concerns over Cuban and Soviet influence in the area.
HIST 449. Readings
1-3 Credits
Individual study of selected readings and problems. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
HIST 471. China through the Ming Dynasty
3 Credits (3)
History of China from origins to Ming dynasty, (1368-1644). Cultural and political development with emphasis on social and economic contexts and long term trends.
HIST 472. China in the Modern World
3 Credits (3)
History of China from seventeenth through twentieth centuries. Rise and fall of the Manchu Qing dynasty, internal dynamics of social and political change in nineteenth and twentieth centuries, impact of Western Imperialism, and development of the Peoples Republic since 1949.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn the basic narrative of modern Chinese history.
- Students will learn to understand and evaluate historical arguments and interpretations.
- Students will learn to work with primary sources and to analyze and interpret their contents.
- Students will complete a research paper combining primary and secondary sources and making a sustained historical argument.
HIST 473. History of Japan
3 Credits (3)
History of Japan through twentieth century. Political and cultural developments and their social and economic contexts. Chinese influence on early Japan, rise of Samurai and Shogunate, impact of Western Imperialism, and emergence of modern Japan.
HIST 474. Gender in East Asian History
3 Credits (3)
Examines the position of women and the social roles of both sexes in traditional China and Japan, and traces the changes taking place in those societies in the course of modernization in the last century and a half. Scholarly literature and works of Chinese and Japanese literature in translation and cinema used. Same as GNDR 474.
HIST 475. History of the Global Political Economy
3 Credits (3)
Traces development of global systems of economic interaction and the rise of European military and political dominance in the 18th and 19th centuries. Emphasis on East and South Asian roles in early modern history, and on challenges to European dominance in the 20th and 21st centuries.
HIST 478. History of Transportation: Planes, Trains and Automobiles
3 Credits (3)
The course examines the impact of changes in transportation technology on society from the 19th century to the present, with a focus on the Americas, both the United States and Latin America. Revolutionary changes such as the railroad, the steamship, and later the automobile and the airplane changed the way that people lived, worked and interacted with others.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze primary sources by placing them into historical context.
- Improve writing skills using Chicago style of writing.
- Explain the nature of technological change in history and its impact in society.
- Relate historical events to current-day debates about transportation.
- Practice team-work through Team Based Learning method.
HIST 479. Oral History
3 Credits (3)
Oral history through readings, discussions, and interviews. Semester project required that includes an interview and transcript.
HIST 483. Historic Preservation
3 Credits (3)
Study of community development, the historic preservation movement, and the built environment. Field project.
HIST 486. Interpreting Historic Places for the Public
3 Credits (3)
Explores historic site interpretation, the scholarship and philosophy of historic interpretation, and the nature of heritage interpretation for historic places.
HIST 489. Projects in History
3 Credits (3)
Individual projects in history. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
HIST 500. Special Topics
1-9 Credits (1-9)
Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. Graduate research paper required. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 504. Civil War Era, 1840-1877
3 Credits (3)
Mexican-American War, development of secession, American Civil War, Reconstruction. Graduate research paper required.
HIST 511. Making the American West
3 Credits (3)
Development of the American West from 1803 to 1900, with emphasis on conquest, federal and corporate roles in western development, environmental change, and the mythic West. Includes extra class meetings to view feature-length films. Graduate research paper required.
HIST 514. The Constitution and U.S. History
3 Credits (3)
This seminar examines the history and political context of the ideas that coalesced in the U.S. Constitution, from 1603 to the writing of the Constitution and into the Early Republic.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will evaluate and employ primary and secondary sources in order to understand varying historical interpretations and craft their own interpretations of historical evidence in discussions and essays.
- Students will analyze the relationship between historical events in the Atlantic world and the development of key political concepts including divine right monarchy, constitutional monarchy, individual representation, the social contract theory, checks and balances, and the theoretical and practical processes of constitution-writing and ratification.
- Students will strengthen their critical thinking argumentative skills through class discussions.
- Students will demonstrate public speaking and class leadership skills by preparing and leading class discussions.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of academic honesty and the ability to cite, paraphrase, and quote sources.
- Students will demonstrate an ability to think about the interaction between present and past issues presented in the class.
- Students will undertake a 10-12 page research paper in which they will integrate and extend learned material.
HIST 523. The History of Food
3 Credits (3)
Considers the history of the production and consumption of food in the West from the Neolithic Age to the present with an emphasis on the historical relationships between food, gender, social class, social identity and nationalism.
HIST 527. Labor History
3 Credits (3)
Seminar discussions explore labor and working-class history, including such topics as pre-industrial labor, slavery, debt peonage, indentured servitude, and housework. May explore the history of labor organization, working-class culture and leisure activities, and responses to labor issues by the state.
HIST 535. War and Revolution
3 Credits (3)
Seminar covers historical dynamics of violent social, political and economic transitions. May focus upon a particular war or upheaval, such as World War II or the French Revolution, or may examine more generic characteristics of conflict and radical change across many historical examples. Extensive readings in scholarly literature. Research projects relating to specific course contents.
HIST 538. Special Topics in European History
3 Credits (3)
Advanced special topics in European history to be announced in the schedule of classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 540. Special Topics in Middle Eastern History
3 Credits (3)
Advanced special topics in Middle Eastern history to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 543. Special Topics in Asian History
3 Credits (3)
Advanced special topics in Asian history to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 545. Special Topics in United States History
3 Credits (3)
Advanced special topics in United States history to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
HIST 549. Graduate Readings
1-3 Credits
Individual study of selected readings and problems. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
HIST 568. Urban History
3 Credits (3)
Seminar discusses cities as complex catalysts for cultural, political, and scientific development, both within cities themselves and more broadly for their nations and regions. Course deals with such topics as the relationship between social organization and physical space; city development, morphology and dynamics; and the cultural and intellectual history of cities.
HIST 570. The Cold War in Latin America
3 Credits (3)
Seminar discusses Latin American political history during the Cold War. Course focuses on how Latin Americans (individuals, parties, militaries, states) acted in an increasingly politicized arena defined by growing United States concerns over Cuban and Soviet influence in the area.
HIST 571. China through the Ming Dynasty
3 Credits (3)
History of China from origins to Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644. Cultural and political development with emphasis on social and economic contexts and long term trends. Research paper required.
HIST 572. China in the Modern World
3 Credits (3)
Covers the history of China from 17th through 20th centuries. Rise and fall of the Manchu Qing dynasty, internal dynamics of social and political change in the 19th and 20th centuries, impact of Western imperialism, and development of the Peoples Republic since 1949. Research paper required. May be repeated up to 3 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn the basic narrative of modern Chinese history.
- Students will learn to understand and evaluate historical arguments and interpretations
- Students will learn to work with primary sources and to analyze and interpret their contents.
- Students will complete a research paper combining primary and secondary sources and making a sustained historical argument.
HIST 573. History of Japan
3 Credits (3)
Covers the history of Japan through the 20th century. Political and cultural developments and their social and economic contexts. Chinese influence on early Japan, rise of Samurai and Shogunate, impact of Western imperialism, and the emergence of modern Japan. Research paper required.
HIST 575. History of the Global Political Economy
3 Credits (3)
Traces development of global systems of economic interaction and the rise of European dominance in the 18th and 19th centuries. Emphasis on East and South Asian roles in early modern history, and on challenges to European dominance in the 20th and 21st centuries.
HIST 579. Oral History
3 Credits (3)
Oral history through readings, discussion, and interviews. Course project required that includes an interview and transcription.
HIST 580. Graduate Research Projects
1-6 Credits (1-6)
Intensive investigation of a selected area of history, including the completion of a research paper or a public history project. Consent of instructor required.
HIST 583. Advanced Historic Preservation
3 Credits (3)
Covers the community development, the historic preservation movement, and the built environment. Field project and additional graduate work.
HIST 585. Public History Internship
3 Credits (3)
Individual project in an area of public history, including a final written report. Research project required. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
HIST 586. Interpreting Historic Places for the Public
3 Credits (3)
Advanced study of historic site interpretation, the scholarship and philosophy of historic interpretation, and the nature of heritage interpretation for historic places.
HIST 590. Reading Seminar: Borders, Boundaries and Frontiers
3 Credits (3)
Explores questions and issues concerning different kinds of borders, boundaries and frontiers. Introduces relevant theoretical literature and considers specific places and times through case studies, including U.S.-Mexico border. Restricted to students in HIST program.
HIST 591. Reading Seminar: Modernity and its Discontents
3 Credits (3)
Examines the problem of modernization and the meaning of becoming and being modern, including positive and negative effects on individuals, cultures, environments and societies.
HIST 592. Reading Seminar: Nature and Society
3 Credits (3)
Considers how humans and nature have reshaped each other, how people have perceived nature, how different cultures have understood their relationships to nature, and how social groups and nations have struggled over natural resources. Takes a comparative, transnational approach.
HIST 593. Reading Seminar: History, Myth and Memory
3 Credits (3)
Course analyzes the complex and often contested process of writing national histories, creating national heroes, and forging collective memories. Students assess written texts, memorials, parades and celebrations.
HIST 594. Public History Seminar
3 Credits (3)
Introduction to the discipline of public history, including its methodology and literature. Fieldwork is required.
HIST 596. Research Seminar
3 Credits (3)
Research seminar teaches students the process of conducting original historical research with primary source documents. Students will then use these research skills to produce a polished chapter or article-length manuscript. Restricted to HIST majors.
HIST 597. Public History Article
1-9 Credits (1-9)
Researching and writing an article suitable for publication about a student's public history internship or other topic of interest within the field of public history.
HIST 598. Craft of History: Historical Theories, Methods, and Criticism (f)
3 Credits (3)
Introduction to historical theories, methodologies, criticism, and skills essential to graduate study in history. Required for all history graduate students; restricted to history majors.
HIST 599. Master's Thesis
1-15 Credits (1-15)
Thesis.
Name: Dana Barksdale, Administrative Assistant
Office Location: Breland Hall Room 330
Phone: (575) 646-4601
Website: http://history.nmsu.edu/