Undergraduate Studies Catalog (1997-1999)

Chairperson: Robert J. Smith; Professors: Arden K. Bucholz, Jr., Sumiko Higashi, Owen S. Ireland, John W. Killigrew, W. Bruce Leslie, Salahuddin Malik, Lynn H. Parsons, Smith, Robert W. Strayer; Associate Professors: Walter M. Boston Jr., Ronald W. Herlan, James J. Horn, John F. Kutolowski, Kathleen Kutolowski, Eugene C. McCreary, Kenneth P. O' Brien.

The study of history lives at the heart of the liberal arts tradition, and has recently become an essential part of many pre-professional programs. At SUNY Brockport, a student may study history as part of the General Education requirements, may encounter it as a requirement for another major, or may major in it in preparation for careers in public service, education, advertising, writing, or most positions requiring intellectual flexibility, breadth of perspective and an inquiring mind. History majors may go on to graduate school, either in history itself, or in professional areas such as law or business. The Department of History at SUNY Brockport offers a variety of courses designed to serve any of these ends.

The following history courses meet the Breadth Component requirement in the General Education program: Humanities: HST 101, 102, and 202, and Social Science: HST 102 and 212.

The following courses meet the Contemporary Issues requirement in the General Education core: HST 319, 343, 432, 435, and 460.

The following courses meet the Perspectives on Women requirement in the General Education program: HST 328, 354, 359, and 429.

History Major

A. The history major consists of 36 credits of history courses, 18 of which must be 300/400-level courses taken at SUNY Brockport. Only courses in which a grade of "C" or higher is received are accepted as part of these requirements.

Students entering the College as transfers may be exempted from HST 101 and 102 if they have completed six credits in Western Civilization courses at another institution. Transfer students may also substitute a Modern European history course in place of HST 300. All other requirements are the same.

Mandatory Core:	Credits
HST 101 and 102 World History	6
HST 211 and 212 U.S. History	6
HST 300 Modern Europe	3
One course from the following list:	__
HST 341 Middle East Crisis	__
HST 361 History of Japan	__
HST 363 Islam	__
HST 387 Asian Survey	__
HST 388 Traditional China	__
HST 432 20th-century Latin America	__
HST 461 Southeast Asia	__
HST 463 Revolution and Communism in China	__
HST 494 Mexico	3
The History Seminar (HST 390)	3
Prerequisites (three of the following):	__
HST 101, 102, 211, 212.	__
Specialty: A specialty in one of the following, including at least one 400-level* course:	9
Geographical specialty:	__
United States	__
Europe	__
Developing World	__
Thematic specialty: Students consult advisors to select a topic such as military studies, cultural history, or women's history.	__
*Any two history courses.	6
*400-level courses require a major research paper and have prerequisites.	__
Total:	36

The minor requires 18 credits of history courses, at least nine of which are upper-division. Only courses in which students earn a grade of "C" or higher satisfy these requirements.

The Department of History is proud to sponsor a chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the international history honors society. Juniors and seniors who achieve academic excellence are inducted into the chapter each spring.

HST 101 The Ancient World (A,H,C). This course in World History examines comparatively the achievements of the world's major cultural traditions or civilizations in the era before 1500. It also focuses on the growing interactions and connections among the world's diverse societies and cultures during this period. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 102 The Modern World (A,S,C). This course in World History highlights the development of the Europe-centered "world system" in the centuries after 1500. It explores the origins of that "world system," the response of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and American societies to their incorporation within it, and the various challenges to that system which the 20th century has witnessed. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 113 Introduction to Afro-American History (A,S). Cross-listed as AAS 113. Explores the historical experience and conditions of persons of African heritage within the American historical milieu. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 202 America Since 1960. Examines the most recent decades of American history with an emphasis on major political, social, and cultural trends. Examines periodically the historical background of some major events of the era, such as the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the challenges to traditional gender roles. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 211 Early America (A,H). Provides an introductory survey of American history from its colonial origins through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Emphasizes the impact of certain ideologies, events and individuals upon the American character, including Puritanism, the American Revolution, black slavery, and the personalities of Jefferson, Jackson and Lincoln. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 212 Modern America (A,S). Explains the development of modern America since 1877 with emphasis on topics such as the rise and evolution of industrial capitalism, technological change, work and leisure, the role and status of women, civil rights and African-Americans, the distribution of economic and political power, and America's changing global role. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 250 History of Modern Media. Deals with film as a visual art form from both an aesthetic and sociological perspective. Emphasizes film theory and criticism as well as the sociological aspects of film production and distribution. Also considers the relationship between film and television aesthetics and production. 3 Cr.

HST 300 Modern Europe (A). Examines the rise of Europe from the Renaissance to the First World War, and its relative decline in the 20th century. Includes the rise and expansion of capitalism; the industrial revolution; social, political, and religious upheavals; the rise and fall of monarchies; imperialism and nationalism; and the major crises of the twentieth century. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 313 Slavery in the Ante-Bellum South (A). Cross-listed as AAS 313. Provides a study of some of the dynamics of slavery in the South between 1800 and 1860. Includes first-hand accounts of observers and the political, economic and racial implications of this system. Compares the U.S. plantation slavery to other slave systems in the Americas. Encourages students to borrow from the disciplines of anthropology, sociology, literature, economics, as well as from political and intellectual history. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 316 History of American Business (A). Provides a study of the development of this key American institution from colonial times, but with greatest emphasis on the industrial and post-industrial era. Concentrates on the social context in which business develops, the changing nature of business practices, the relationship between government and business, and the place of business in the American value system. 3 Cr.

HST 324 History of American Politics (A). Explores American politics from the 18th century to today. Entails extensive reading and discussion of central tendencies and long-term patterns in the distribution and exercise of political power in America. Places varying emphases on the role of the Constitution, parties, sections, interests, and ideologies. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 325 Modern Irish History (A). Explores the historical dynamics culminating in today's conflict in Northern Ireland and larger problems of Anglo-Irish relations. Enables students to gain an understanding of the roles played by such factors as ethnicity, colonial policy, religious division, and conflicting national identities. 3 Cr.

HST 328 Women in America (A,W). Cross-listed as WMS 328. Focuses on cultural images of American women, such as the Victorian lady, as prescriptions within specific socio-economic contexts from the ante-bellum period to today; individual as well as organized resistance to conventional definitions of womanhood; and contemporary issues including employment, reproductive freedom, the significance of the media, and historiographical issues in women's history. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 330 History of Recreation and Leisure (A). Cannot count toward major. Explores the history of recreation and leisure from Greco-Roman times to today, emphasizing shaping factors, values placed on leisure and work, varieties of play, and the amounts and quality of free time in pre-industrial and industrial societies. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 334 Ancient Greece (A). Concentrates on political, social and cultural aspects of classical Greece from pre-historic times to the third century, B.C., as well as on Greek influence on the development of Western civilization. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 335 Roman Empire (A). Investigates reasons for the fall of the Roman Republic and the establishment of the Empire. Explores Rome's imperial administration and cultural achievements, Rome's relations to Persia and the barbarian tribes, and reasons for the decline of the Roman Empire in the West but not the East. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 336 Medieval Europe (A). Deals with medieval Europe, c. 400 to 1500. Examines various political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual aspects, with a focus on three dynamics of change: the great leader, ideas, and impersonal forces (particularly economics). 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 341 Middle East Crisis: Historical Perspective (A). Explores reasons for the recurrent crises in the Middle East and their global implications, especially for the United States. Concentrates on 20th-century events which have direct consequences on events in the Middle East today. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 343 History of the Soviet Union (A,I). Highlights the multiple legacies of the Russian Empire, examines the Russian Revolution, explores the nature of the Stalinist regime, and seeks to explain the collapse of the Soviet Union. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 351 Nazi Germany (A). Explores the creation and destruction of Hitler's Germany within the context of 20th-century Europe, and the ironies and complexities of this modern human catastrophe. 3 Cr.

HST 354 American Film (A,W). Cross-listed as WMS 354. Focuses upon American film genres such as musicals, film noir, Westerns, science fiction and melodrama. Stresses an understanding of film technique, theories about genre formulation, the evolution of genres within socioeconomic contexts, the ideological function of film, and the relevance of genres to contemporary film makers. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 355 Modern War 1740-1939 (A). Studies the wars of the American and French Revolutions, Napoleon, the American Civil War and World War I. Emphasizes the theory and practice of modern war as it relates to technology, politics and the concepts of limited and unlimited warfare. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 356 War Since 1945 (A). Studies the most recent ideas and varieties of war, including mechanized, guerilla, nuclear and conventional warfare. Examines the Chinese Civil War, Korean War, the Vietnam Wars, and the wars in the Middle East. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 359 European Women (A,W). Examines the history of European women since 1500, including traditional roles in political, economic, cultural and social life. Focuses on the changes over the centuries. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 361 History of Japan (A). Studies Japanese political, economic and cultural history from the early Yamato state to the status as an economic superpower in the late twentieth century. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 362 The History of World War II (A). Explores the major theaters and homefronts of World War II -- Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Views war from several perspectives: military-strategic and tactical, political, economic, ideological and social. Examines reasons for the war, and the nature of total, unlimited and national warfare. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 363 Islam (A). Explores the personality of Mohammed; his message; the evolution of classical Islam; its spread through Asia, Africa and Europe; the socio-economic expression of the Islamic ideal and its egalitarianism; the status of women; and the breakdown of a unified Islamic state. 3 Cr. Fall, Spring.

HST 364 History of Britain (A). Studies the major political, social, economic, religious, intellectual and cultural developments in Britain from pre-Roman times to the eve of the Industrial Revolution by emphasizing dynamics of change such as ideas, personalities, and general forces. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 371 Brockport Career Exploration Course in History I (B). Prerequisite: Registration by departmental approval only. Offers sophomores, juniors and seniors an opportunity for career exploration and skill development in history. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 372 Brockport Career Exploration Course in History II (B). Prerequisite: Registration by departmental approval only. See description of HST 371. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 387 Asian Survey (A). Surveys Asian cultures through films, slides, lectures and readings. Uses a chronological and regional approach to focus on the unity and diversity of the peoples and cultures of China, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 388 Traditional China (A). Studies the development and continuity of Chinese history from the early Chou period to Ch'ing dynastic demise; emphasizes the historical foundations of Chinese civilization; chronologically examines significant historical trends; and critiques the late Ch'ing and factors leading to reform, rebellion and revolution. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 390 The History Seminar (A). Required seminar for all declared history majors. Introduces students to the elements of historical methodology and research. Should be taken as soon as possible after completing HST 101, 211, and 212. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 399 Independent Study in History (A). Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr.

HST 401 American History: Topics. Studies selected issues and topics according to student demand and faculty interest. Defined by the instructor in accordance with the specific topic offered that semester. 3 Cr.

HST 402 History of Rochester (A). Prerequisite: HST 211 or 212. Explores the development of Rochester from its earliest days as a boom town on the Genesee River, through its transition from "Flour City" to "Flower City." Also discusses Rochester's emergence as a major business, research, and cultural center in the 20th century, and its impact on the surrounding area in New York state. 3 Cr.

HST 411 New York History (A). Prerequisite: HST 211 or 212. Surveys New York state history from the hegemony of the Iroquois to today. Main themes include New York as a microcosm of national experience, social pluralism, economic development, and politics. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 416 Colonial America (A). Prerequisite: HST 211 . An upper-division survey of the Colonial period of American history from pre-Columbian times through 1763. Explores topics such as the European "invasion" of America, Puritanism, the origins of American slavery, the status of Colonial women, the American enlightenment, and the emergence of Anglo-American political culture in the 18th century. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 417 The American Revolution (A). Prerequisite: HST 211 or 390 or equivalent course. Provides a study of the socio-political dimensions of American history from the beginning of the Revolution through the creation of the new nation, the Constitution, and the emergence of national-level politics. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 418 The Age of Jackson (A). Prerequisite: HST 211. Examines the central tendencies of American society in the second quarter of the 19th century, focusing on the transportation-market evolution, the emergence of modern mass political parties and the evolving socio-economic structure. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 419 The Civil War Era, 1848-1877 (A). Cross-listed as AAS 419. Prerequisite: HST 211. Provides an intensive study of the Civil War era (1848-1877). Surveys the breakdown of the American institutions that led to the Civil War, followed by an examination of the War itself and its controversial aftermath in the Reconstruction era. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 420 America from Reconstruction to the Great Crash, 1877-1929 (A). Prerequisite: HST 212. Explores America's change from a predominantly agrarian and commercial society into an urban, corporate capitalist one. Examines the impact of this revolution on family, community, politics, foreign policy, education and culture. Also covers immigration and dramatic changes in ethnic, religious, and racial life. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 421 America since 1929 (A). Prerequisite: HST 212. Uses the Depression as a watershed and then examines American society to today. Features political change from Roosevelt to Reagan, foreign policy from Pearl Harbor to today, and the evolution of popular culture since the 1920s. Also gives attention to economic and social developments. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 423 US Social History. Prerequisite: HST 211 or 212. Explores relationships involving social structure, individual experience, and everyday life; patterns of sex roles; family organization; work and leisure; immigration and mobility; and the development of new life styles. 3 Cr.

HST 424 American Foreign Relations (A). Prerequisite: HST 211 or 212. Examines the dramatic evolution of the United States, beginning as weak and isolated former colonies to becoming the world's most powerful nation. Examines American diplomatic, economic, cultural, and political relations to understand their impact on the United States and of the United States on the world. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 426 American Cultural History, 1865-1970 (A). Prerequisite: HST 212. Examines the emergence of modern American culture. Includes topics such as the aftermath of the Civil War; responses to industrialization, urbanization, and technological change; the rise of mass consumer culture; and the role of the artist and intellectual in American society. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 429 Women: History & Theory (A,W). Prerequisite: HST 328 or 359. Designed as a reading seminar; the course investigates how women's history is constructed as social and cultural history with an emphasis on class, and how the discipline intersects with cultural studies in analyzing representations of women in popular culture, biography, and visual media. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 431 History of Canada (A). Prerequisites: HST 102 and 211. Explores the historical development of Canada from its founding by the French to today, and emphasizes political, social, cultural, and economic aspects of Canadian development, as well as its relationship with Britain and the United States. 3 Cr.

HST 432 20th-Century Latin America (A,I). Prerequisite: HST 102. Surveys Latin America in the 20th century with an emphasis on the problems and historical origins of contemporary issues. Includes social issues such as poverty, health, population, and race relations; and political issues such as approaches to change in the Mexican Revolution, Castro's Cuba and Allende's Chile. 3 Cr.

HST 435 U.S.-Latin American Relations (A,I). Prerequisite: HST 212. Analyzes current U.S. relations with Latin American republics, with a focus on contemporary issues and their historical origins. Includes controversial topics such as the U.S. response to dictatorships, military regimes, human rights issues, Marxist-Socialist revolutions, and economic crises. 3 Cr.

HST 441 World War I (A). Prerequisite: HST 300. Explores the military aspects of the Great War (1914-18): the causes of the war, the German offensive, the Western and Eastern fronts, sea battles, technology and warfare, the entry of the United States, the disintegration of Czarist Russia, and the movements for peace. 3 Cr.

HST 446 Renaissance and Reformation (A). Prerequisite: HST 101. Studies the origin and nature of the Renaissance, its evolution as a distinct cultural epoch, as well as its relationship to the mass religious movement known as the Reformation. Gives attention to the fine arts, literature, politics, economy and intellectual climate of Europe between 1300 and 1600. 3 Cr.

HST 447 European Intellectual History (A). Prerequisite: HST 300. Examines the evolution since 1500 of Western Europeans' responses to man's basic questions concerning the nature of God, of man, of the universe, of society, and their complex interrelationships. A history of culture, not simply a history of ideas, elucidates the social, economic, and political contexts of modern Europe. 3 Cr.

HST 448 The French Revolution (A). Prerequisite: HST 300. Considers the Revolution's origins in the Old Regime and the Enlightenment before examining its political and cultural development as well as its immediate aftermath in the Napoleonic era and its influence on Europe in the 19th century. 3 Cr.

HST 449 Europe in the 20th Century (A). Prerequisite: HST 300. Examines European states' loss of political and economic hegemony in the world as they endured a series of crises -- world wars, economic depression, totalitarianism, loss of empires -- and political, economic, and cultural responses to this decline in the post-World War II era. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 450 Victorian Britain (A). Prerequisite: HST 300. Examines British history from about 1830 to 1900, and aims to examine the meaning of "Victorianism" in its political, socioeconomic, religious, and intellectual/cultural aspects; focuses on England and Scotland; and gives attention to Ireland. 3 Cr.

HST 456 Modern France (A). Prerequisite: HST 300. Studies the main themes in French civilization since the Enlightenment through literature and art of the 19th and 20th centuries as well as historical studies of French society. 3 Cr. Fall, Spring.

HST 459 Modern Germany (A). Introduces the main themes in the development of modern Germany from the 18th century to the late 20th century. Emphasizes political, economic, social, intellectual and military aspects and their interrelationship. 3 Cr.

HST 460 and AAS 460: Modern Africa (A, I). Cross-listed as AAS 460. Prerequisite: HST 102. This course in 20th century African history surveys major patterns of pre-colonial Africa, examines the colonial experience and African struggles for independence, and explores the problem of "development" in post-colonial African states. 3 Cr.

HST 463 Revolution and Communism in China (A). Prerequisite: HST 102. Studies the history of China from the Revolution of 1911 to the aftermath of the economic and social reforms of the late 20th century: the issue of nationalism, militarism, war, and Marxism-Leninism; the rise of the Communist Party and the role of Mao Zedong; salient political and socio-economic developments since 1949. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 470 Capitalism and Culture (A, I). Examines world capitalism since the Renaissance as an economic and cultural phenomenon by considering science, technology, industry, entrepreneurship, social structure, government policy, and thought in selected countries and regions. 3 Cr.

HST 489 Contemporary Archives. Develops an understanding of the principles and methods of archives and records management. Focuses on public records for career and research as well as general subject areas of acquisition policies, processing and preservation of materials, and the field of non-paper records such as microphotography. 3 Cr.

HST 494 History of Mexico. Offers a comprehensive history of Mexico from Pre-Columbian times to today with emphasis on socio-economic, political and cultural factors which have shaped modern Mexico. Includes the Indian heritage, the Spanish colonial experience, Independence, the Revolution of 1910, and contemporary socio-economic problems. 3 Cr.

HST 499 Independent Study in History (A). Prerequisite: HST 101, 102, 211 or 212. Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr. Every Semester.