HISTORY
HIST 101:
Canada, 1760–1867: Prelude to Confederation 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
Examines the development of British North America from the pre-contact period until the Confederation era. Topics include the British conquest, the fur trade, anglophone/francophone relations, the struggle for home rule, the rebellions of the 1830s, the economic transformation of central Canada, developments in the Pacific and Atlantic regions, and the origins and nature of confederation.
HIST 101 and HIST 102 are basic to advanced Canadian studies in the humanities and social sciences. Future teachers are also encouraged to enrol in Canadian history courses.
HIST 102:
Canada 1867 to the present 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: SFU, UBC, UVic, OU, TWU
Investigates the development of the Canadian nation from the time of Confederation until the recent past. Topics include Macdonald’s national economic strategy, conflict and consensus between English and French Canada, the Riel rebellions, rise of the grain trade and political protest in the prairie provinces, the Laurier years, the impact of industrialization on Canadian society, the conscription crises, the waning of British influence and the increasing American impact on Canadian affairs, the Mackenzie King era, the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, economic reform, and the constitutional debate.
HIST 101 and HIST 102 are basic to advanced Canadian studies in the humanities and social sciences.
HIST 105:
British Columbia, 1774–1972 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course examines a selection of themes beginning with European contact in the late 18th century and concluding with contemporary social trends. These will include relations between newcomers and aboriginal peoples, the staple export economy, fur trade and gold rush society, B.C.’s confederation with Canada, reform movements (social gospel, prohibition, maternal feminism), the rise of organized labour, theory and practice of racism, and political tradition.
Students planning careers in British Columbia’s public schools are encouraged to enrol in this and other B.C. studies courses.
HIST 109:
A History of the English, 1066–1688: The Emergence of a Nation-State 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An examination of the issues that combined to transform England from a medieval society into a comparatively strong, centralized nation-state. Against the background of succeeding monarchs the constitutional, economic, military, religious, colonial, and social themes that produced early modern England will be studied.
Your appreciation of English civilization will be enhanced by studying English literature (ENGL 201/202) either subsequent to or concurrent with HIST 109/110.
HIST 110:
A History of Britain, 1688–1990: Great Power Status and Beyond 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An examination of the significant factors that account for the rise of modern Britain and her empire to the heights of the world’s greatest power during the Victorian era and her subsequent decline in the 20th century to second-rank status. Within this economic, political, and social framework gender issues will be explored with a view to understanding the experiences of the masses, the middling classes, and the aristocracy.
Your appreciation of English civilization will be enhanced by studying English literature (ENGL 201/202) either subsequent to or concurrent with HIST 109/110.
HIST 111:
Europe, 1890–1939 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An enquiry into 20th century Europe to 1939, a Europe dominated by such revolutionary forces as technology, total war, and the totalitarian regimes of Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin. Through a consideration of politics, economics, militarism, diplomacy, society and ideas, you will develop an understanding of the origins of contemporary Europe.
HIST 112:
Contemporary Europe, 1939 to the Present: From Ruin to Rejuvenation 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
Traces the recovery of Europe from the awesome destruction of World War II to the new-found prosperity and optimism of the eighties. A study of such issues as total war, cold-war rivalry, the decline of empire, the “third world”, student radicalism, the European common market, and the thaw in East–West relations will lead to an understanding of Europe’s place in today’s world.
HIST 115:
Traditional East Asian Civilizations 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: pending
An introduction to the evolution of East Asian civilizations (with emphasis on China and Japan) from ancient times to the early nineteenth century. The focus is on social structure, cultural tradition, economic systems, and political institutions in pre-modern China and Japan.
HIST 201:
European History, 1300–1789: The Rise and Decline of the Ancien Regime 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
A survey of early modern Europe from its birth in a crisis of the medieval world to the French Revolution and the emergence of full “modernity”. Themes examined include: the foundations of western civilization, the renaissance and reformation, the rise of the sovereign state, European expansion and the emergence of a capitalist economy, the scientific revolution, popular culture, the experience of women, absolute monarchy, the enlightenment, and the origins of the French Revolution.
HIST 201 is strongly recommended as a foundation course for all history students.
HIST 202:
European History, 1789–1919: The Revolutionary Age 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
An inquiry into the significant economic, political, social, intellectual, and cultural issues that, taken together, produced a revolutionary era in 19th century Europe. Among the themes to be considered are: political revolt — French and Russian style, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the emerging masses, revolutionary ideas, and the welfare of society.
HIST 235:
Late Traditional and Modern China 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic
A survey of the last 400 years of Chinese history. The course is divided into the Late Imperial, Republican and People’s Republic eras and examines the key social, political, and intellectual issues of each. The truly revolutionary changes that have taken place in Chinese society will be examined in the light of traditional institutions, internal forces of change, and shifting international influences.
HIST 236:
Japanese History since 1600 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic
A survey of the last 400 years of Japanese history. The course is divided into the Late Traditional, Meiji, Prewar, and Postwar eras and examines the key social, political and intellectual issues of each. The evolution of Japanese society to today’s position of influence and affluence is examined through the lens of internal forces of change and international complexities.
HIST 241:
History of the United States to 1865 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC
A survey of the major developments in American history and historiography from the pre-Columbian era to the Civil War. Attention will be given to social, economic, and political institutions, and to the lives of ordinary people.
HIST 242:
History of the United States since 1865 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC
An examination of the struggles to extend the promises of American democracy to all citizens in a rapidly changing political economy, from the end of the Civil War to the present. Topics include industrialization, role of the state, foreign policy, racism, poverty, changing gender roles, religion, and more.
HIST 261:
Latin American History: The Colonial Experience 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU, UNBC
This course surveys the history of Latin America, from the time of the great pre-Columbian empires (Mayan, Aztec and Inca), through the colonial era, to the emergence of independent nations in the early 19th century. Throughout, the course focuses on how the interaction between native Americans, Spaniards, Portuguese, and people of African descent created distinct societies in the “New World”.
HIST 262:
Latin American History: The National Experience 3 credits
Prerequisites: none
Transferability: UBC, SFU, UVic, OU, TWU
This course is a survey of some of the principal themes in Latin American history from the time of independence to the present. Topics will include Latin America’s place in the international economy, social and class relations, populism, military regimes, 20th century revolutions, and the role of the United States in the region. To permit more in-depth study of these themes, special attention will be given to Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba.
HIST 300:
“Learning” and “Doing” History: The Philosophy and Methodologies
of History 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history.
This course has two major objectives: to introduce you to the various philosophies and methodologies of history; and to allow you to experience the “doing” or “making” of history, by examining the nature of historical evidence, and by applying what you have learned about philosophy, evidence, and historiography to selected methodological problems.
HIST 301A/301B:
Applied Studies in History 4 credits per course*
Prerequisites: department permission; nine credits of lower-level history; priority will be given to History majors, extended minors and minors; computer skills strongly recommended.
This course is designed to integrate applied experience and training into students’ academic studies in history. Through an extended practicum, students will undertake supervised, unpaid work with a local employer or organization, applying and building upon their historical skills and opening up employment opportunities through work contacts. In addition, in-class seminars will provide the opportunity to consider critically the conceptual, methodological, and ethical issues raised by the application of history outside the classroom.
*Applied Studies in History is a full-year course. HIST 301A is normally offered Sept–Dec, and HIST 301B follows. HIST 301B must be taken in the same academic year as HIST 301A. Students must take both to receive credit. Only four of these credits will count toward the History major, Extended minor, or Minor requirements. The other four credits can be used for upper-level electives.
HIST 310:
Women and the Family in Western Europe, 1700–1920 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history. History 110 and 202 are strongly recommended.
An introduction to the history of women and the family in western Europe between 1700 and 1920 and related historiographical controversies and methodological problems. The British and French experience will be compared with an emphasis on the former.
HIST 319:
France since 1789 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course will examine the political, social, economic, and intellectual development of France from the Revolution to the Fifth Republic. Themes explored include the revolutionary tradition, the Napoleonic myth, republican ideology, the labour movement, the status of women, mass politics and mass consumption, the French Left and communism, the French Right and fascism, collaboration and resistance, nationalism and imperialism, the family and sexuality, and the political significance of changing attitudes to crime, madness, and disease.
HIST 320:
The Holocaust, 1933–1945 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history, including History 111 or 112 or 202
This course examines a fundamental event, the Nazis’ restructuring of Germany and Europe according to racial criteria that involved the relocation and decimation of entire populations, a mosaic of victims including as many Jews as the Nazis could lay their hands on. This premeditated crime required the efforts of an entire society, purportedly civilized, employing modern scientific, bureaucratic, industrial, and professional methods. This event continues to astound and resist comprehension, a problem which scholars have attempted to overcome lest it be forgotten, marginalized, or denied.
HIST 326:
The History of Native Peoples in Canada 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course presents a topical survey of the history of native peoples in Canada, from pre-contact times to the present. The course proceeds in a roughly chronological fashion to examine topics such as: the relations between native peoples and European newcomers during the early years of imperial competition and fur trade; the evolution of government policy in the 19th and 20th centuries; the role of missionaries, residential schools, and agricultural policy; political organization among first nations; and current issues such as land claims, “Pan-Indianism”, and cultural revival.
HIST 329:
Canadian Family History 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course is a detailed examination of the changing Canadian family, from the 18th century to the present, as well as an analysis of various methodologies and approaches to family history.
HIST 370: The American Civil Rights Movement 4 credits
Prerequisites: HIST 242 or HIST 380; nine credits of lower-level history
An examination of the African-Americans’ struggle for racial justice, from the 1930s to the 1960s. Topics will include major legislative and judicial landmarks, national leaders and organizations, local community struggles, gender dynamics, contribution of labour unions and white “allies” to the movement, role of media, and representation in recent films and documentaries. The focus may widen to include other aspects of racial relations.
HIST 380:
Culture and National Identity in Modern America 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
An examination of Americans’ contested vision of their national identity and culture from World War I to the present. Special attention will be devoted to the tensions between maintaining a sense of collective identity and cohesiveness, and recognizing the diversity of American society.
HIST 385:
Imperialism and Colonialism in Modern Asia 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course will examine the process of empire building in Asia by the major imperial powers since the early 19th century. The impact of the various imperialist and colonial activities in different parts of Asia will also be studied.
HIST 390:
European Socialism from the First to the Third International 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
An examination of the evolution of socialist thought and practice in Europe from Marx to Lukacs and Gramsci. Topics covered include the variety of labour movements and their relation to socialist parties; the division between Soviet and Western Marxism; and the impact on socialism of World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, feminism, and fascism.
HIST 399:
Special Topics in History I 4 credits
Prerequisites: Nine credits of lower-level history
The topics will vary with the instructor, but will be limited to those which our library resources can support and those which lie outside the areas of expertise of our current full-time faculty (e.g., Topics in Early Modern European History or East/Central/ Southern European History).
HIST 408:
Liberty and Authority in 19th Century Thought 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
An examination of political philosophies in their social and economic context. The experience of Britain as well as that of continental Europe will be included. Students will be required to read from contemporary sources, in translation where necessary. (Seminar)
HIST 410:
The Industrialization of European Society 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history; HIST 109, HIST 110, HIST 201, and HIST 202 are strongly recommended.
An examination of the economic origins of modern European society from 1700 to 1914. The course will focus on a comparative study of Britain — the industrial pioneer — and the varied experiences of other nation-states as industrialization spread across continental Europe. The intellectual dimension and social consequences of industrialization will also be studied.
HIST 415:
Victorian Britain 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
A study of major social, political, economic and cultural developments and controversies during the era of the industrial revolution and an emerging class society. (Seminar)
HIST 428:
Problems in Social and Economic History of Canada 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
Selected problems in the history of Canadian agricultural and industrial development, migration and settlement, labour, native policy and class structure. (Seminar)
HIST 436:
History of British Columbia 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history.
Selected problems in the social, cultural, economic and political development of British Columbia. (Seminar)
HIST 454:
Gender and Sexuality in U.S. History 4 credits
Prerequisites: HIST 242, HIST 370, or HIST 380; nine credits of lower-level history
An examination of changing constructions of gender roles and sexuality in the United States, with a special emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. (Seminar)
HIST 456:
Citizenship in America 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course examines the changing and contested definitions of citizenship in the United States from the late 18th century to the late 20th century. Topics will include dynamics of inclusion and exclusion based on race and nationality (in the case of Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and immigrants), gender, status, and public and political participation. (Seminar)
HIST 459:
Problems in the Political and Social History of Latin America 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
Advanced study of selected problems in Latin American history. Topics will have a regional, thematic, or comparative focus, and may include contact and conquest, colonial identity, nationalism and independence, elite structures, agrarian revolution, populism, the military and society, and Latin American international relations. (Seminar)
HIST 484:
The History of Women in North America 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course will review major interpretive issues in the history of North American women. Possible topics include contact and First Nations women, industrialization and women’s work, “separate spheres ideology”, sexuality and women’s bodies, birth control, women and religion, and women and the law. (Seminar)
HIST 485:
La Belle Epoque: Sex, Psyche, and Society 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
The origins and nature of the turn-of-the-century modernist cultural revolution will be studied within the wider context of belle epoque culture and society (Seminar)
HIST 486:
Problems in the Chinese Communist Revolution 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course will examine the origins and development of the Chinese Communist revolution from the May Fourth period to the founding of the People’s Republic of China. With emphasis on the social and ideological aspects, the course will investigate the relationship between party leadership and mass participation in the development of a revolutionary movement in China before 1949. (Seminar)
HIST 487:
Society and Politics in China since 1949 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history
This course studies the major social and political changes in China under Communism since 1949 with emphasis on the interplay between ideology and policy. It also analyses the relationship between China’s domestic development and external policy. (Seminar)
HIST 489:
Directed Studies in History — Projects 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history, and written consent of both the faculty member and the department head. 12 credits of upper-level history recommended.
Designed for students who wish to examine in greater depth a particular historical problem. It will be offered either as an individual reading course or as small seminars, depending upon student and faculty interest. Admission only by consent of instructor.
HIST 490:
Directed Studies in History — Readings 4 credits
Prerequisites: nine credits of lower-level history, and written consent of both the faculty member and the department head. 12 credits of upper-level history recommended.
Designed for students who wish to examine in greater depth a particular historical problem. It will be offered either as an individual reading course or as small seminars, depending upon student and faculty interest. Admission only by consent of instructor.
HIST 499
Special Topics in History II 4 credits
Prerequisites: Nine credits of lower-level history.
The topics will vary with the instructor, but will be limited to those which our library resources can support and those which lie outside the areas of expertise of our current full -time faculty (e.g., Topics in Early Modern European History or East/Central/ Southern European History). (Seminar)
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