History (HIS)

HIS 5003. Introduction to History: Theories and Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with an introduction to the discipline of history. The course considers how historians conceptualize and conduct the study of history by asking historical questions, critically analyzing primary and secondary works, conducting archival and library research (both traditional and electronic), and developing and critiquing sets of arguments. The course considers competing approaches to the study of historical processes and how historians’ categories of analysis change over time. (Students must enroll in this course in the first semester of their program.) Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48; DL01 $75.

HIS 5093. Designing a History Course. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A comprehensive approach to constructing history survey courses for the college level. Topics may include a survey of current curriculum debates; course and syllabus design; selection of textbook and other readings; evaluation and grading; leading discussions; nontraditional instructional methods, including the use of new technologies; and lecture preparation and presentation. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5103. Public History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This graduate seminar will examine the work of public historians by exploring shared authority, contextualized learning, collaborative exhibits, and audience engagement. Students will learn to consider various stakeholders as they create physical and/or virtual museum exhibits. They will also learn about alternative-academic careers for public historians. Possible topics covered are decolonizing museums, digital history, documentary and media, and oral history. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 5153. The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850–1877. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of the political, social, and economic factors in the 1850s that led to the American Civil War, as well as a study of the military, diplomatic, and political consequences of the war and efforts to create a new union. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5163. History of the U.S. South. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the social, political, cultural, and economic developments that shaped life in the southern United States in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Topics may include race relations; southern politics; the economic transformation of the region; and religious identities and faiths. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5193. The United States Since the Great Depression. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An analysis of recent American history with emphasis on the role of the national government, U.S. involvement in global affairs, and the changing status of women and people of color. Topics may include the drives for social justice by women and minority groups, the evolution of the American economy and its social consequences, the rise of the national security state, the emergence of the welfare state, and the cultural impact of electronic mass media. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5233. Topics in the History of Slavery. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Slavery has been a global force for centuries, and its impact in the periods and regions where it has flourished remains a central issue for writers and thinkers today. The chronological and geographical scopes may vary, but offerings might likely focus on the Atlantic World, or the Islamic World as well as slavery in the United States, or more broadly, the Americas. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5253. Mexican American History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the history of Mexican Americans from colonial times to the present. It emphasizes the diverse nature of Mexican American society by exploring its class, gender, and regional divisions. The course may also explore relations between Mexican Americans and other ethnic groups. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5283. Race in United States History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the development of racial ideology from the Colonial Era to the present, paying particular attention to the context in which racial categories are constructed, maintained, and transgressed. Students will have the opportunity to survey foundational and recent historical scholarship that both advances and draws upon theoretical models of race. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5293. The American West. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A broad historiographical overview focused on nineteenth and twentieth century westward expansion from the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to the present. Zones of contact, the development of hybrid cultures, racial relations, the environment, and the role of the federal, state, and local governments in Western development are among the topics that may be covered in this course. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5323. The U.S.–Mexico Border. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will examine social, economic, and political conditions shaping the character of the United States-Mexico border region. Using a transnational approach, students will have an opportunity to explore the history of the border as a bicultural region, and to examine issues relevant to the development of the border area. Topics of interest may include urbanization, industrialization, gender, trade, migration, security, and ecological problems. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5423. Colonial Mexico. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A detailed examination of the Spanish conquest and colonization of Mexico from 1521 to Independence. Special attention is paid to the transformation of Indian society under Spanish rule, the development of the colonial economy, and the formation of an interrelated colonial elite. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5433. Modern Mexico. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the history of Mexico following independence from Spain in 1821. Consideration is given to the disintegration of the colonial system, nineteenth-century reforms, the Porfiriato, the Mexican Revolution, and their effects on contemporary Mexico. Students may have the opportunity to work in Mexico. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 5483. Colonial Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of Spanish and Portuguese America from the first encounters between Europeans and Native Americans at the end of the fifteen century to the independence movements of the early nineteenth century. Special attention is paid to the role of race, gender, and religion in colonial societies and political and economic trends across regions. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5493. Topics in Caribbean History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The Caribbean was the first place of cross-cultural exchange between the Old and the New World, the region in which most of the colonial systems that later proliferated in the Americas were tested and where the first acts of resistance took place. This course explores the main historiographical discussions and histories of the broad Caribbean region or specific national accounts such as the British, Spanish, and French West Indies, Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and many others. The chronological scopes could focus on pre-colonial, colonial, or postcolonial times. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 5593. Piracy and Captivity in the Early Modern Mediterranean. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides a critical overview of piracy and captivity in the early modern Mediterranean. Due to the changing dynamics of the Mediterranean in particular and the world in general, the early modern era represented one of the periods with the highest frequency of captivity, corsair, and privateering activities. The assigned materials and the class discussions will probe beyond popular and/or ideological representations in favor of a more nuanced historical understanding of the political and economic context of piracy and captivity, ransoming practices, the experience of captives, and the social and cultural implications of these phenomena. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 5653. Modern China. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an overview of Chinese history since 1550, with particular attention to the major historiographical debates in recent scholarship. Topics may vary, and the latest ones include ethnic and cultural identities in modern China and themes in local and transnational history. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 5693. Indian Subcontinent. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with an opportunity to learn about the cultures and histories of the Indian subcontinent. Particular attention will be paid to the major historiographical debates in recent scholarship. Topics will vary and may include India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and/or Bangladesh. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6153. History and Sexuality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

What does it mean to write, research, analyze, and talk about the histories of sex and sexuality? This seminar explores historical and cultural interpretations of the history of sexuality. The course involves understanding how changes in society, the economy, the family, and politics have reshaped sexual values and behaviors, and the ways that individuals and groups have responded to these challenges. Topics may include the family, religion, race and sexuality, class, reproductive health, and transgender and queer studies. Geographical focus may vary with instructor. (This course may employ an explicitly comparative approach.) Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6163. Women in the United States. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Analyzes the experiences of women in the United States from the colonial period to the present. Topics may include economic roles, legal issues, religion, culture, feminist movements, and family life. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6173. Latina/os in the United States. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Topics may include the experiences of people of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Central American, and South American heritage in the United States, treating the historical relationship between this nation and the countries of origin and the interaction between these groups and mainstream society. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6193. U.S. Metropolitan History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores the history of metropolitan development in modern American history. The class addresses the many ways in which public policies have reshaped the built and lived landscapes of metropolitan America while probing the complex, often contentious relationships among residents of cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6333. Crisis and Catastrophe in History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will explore the history of crisis and catastrophe from ancient to modern times by examining a selection of events, themes, and texts. We will examine the significant, yet often overlooked, role of disastrous events in the course of human history, and how understandings of disaster and crisis have changed over time. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6343. Environmental History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to major themes, works, and ideas in environmental history. Readings and discussions will examine the reciprocal influence between human activities and the natural world broadly construed to include climate, microorganisms, water, flora, fauna, landscapes, and ecosystems throughout history. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6353. Epidemics in History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the history of epidemics and pandemics from the Black Death to COVID-19. Geographic focus may vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6403. Topics in Texas History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar explores topics of current interest to historians of Texas history that may include indigenous cultures, warfare, slavery, independence from Mexico,.

HIS 6413. Topics in U.S. History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines topics of current interest to historians of the United States. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6423. Topics in European History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines topics of current interest to historians of Europe. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6433. Topics in Latin American History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines topics of current interest to historians of Latin America. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6443. Citizenship and Nationality in the Modern World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course offers a comparative investigation of nationalism around the globe from 1700 until the present. Interdisciplinary perspectives will be used to examine the growth of nations, the nation-state, ethnic identity, and community as well as related subjects such as race and racism, fascism, minorities, gender, immigration, and genocide. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6463. Topics in African History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar is a graduate-level introduction to African history. The course will emphasize the ways in which events and processes in the African past can be juxtaposed usefully with developments in other regions of the world. Topics and themes may include regional trading networks, the range of political/governmental structures, and cultural variation. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6513. Topics on Gender and Sexuality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This graduate seminar explores the subject of gender and/or sexuality through the historical lens. Students will have the opportunity to study the historiography of the chosen topic and various related theories and methodologies. Topics may vary and the content be comparative in scope. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6523. Topics on Borderlands and Migrations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This graduate readings seminar examines the scholarship on borderlands and/or migrations in a specific region of the world or in a comparative context. A borderlands focus will examine the politics of contested regions, frontiers, and borders as well as the social and economic effects on residents of these areas. A focus on migrations will explore the reasons that fuel migrations in sending countries, as well as the social and economic effects in the receiving countries. The historical periods and topics may vary. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6533. Topics in the History of Revolutions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the history and historiography of changing power relations between state entities and oppositional bodies, and between center and periphery/frontier. Emphasis will be placed on the intersection between the ideological and material conditions that shape hegemonic dynamics, and give rise to various forms of resistance and revolution. Specific topics and time periods may vary. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6633. History of Science and Technology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the development of scientific thinking and technological systems from classical antiquity to the present. It traces the impact that science and technology has had on society and culture throughout history and the impact that society and culture have had on science and technology. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6813. Proseminar in History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: HIS 5003. A detailed investigation of a major historical subject, with particular attention to current research and major interpretations. Intended as preparation for HIS 6903. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6903. Research Seminar in History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: HIS 6813 in the specific subject of the seminar or consent of instructor. An examination of research materials pertinent to topics in history explored in HIS 6813, of methodologies developed to interpret these materials, and of theoretical issues guiding inquiry. Preparation of a primary research paper required. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6913. Making History in the Digital Age. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will explore some of the newer applications of information technology for presenting history to students and the public. Training will be offered in developing multimedia presentations for the classroom or public spaces, such as museums and the Web. Prior experience with computers is not required. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6923. Teaching Practicum. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to assist advanced graduate students in developing their instructional skills for a career in college teaching. The primary focus will be to translate the best pedagogy on student learning into the practical design and conduct of history courses, including such elements as syllabi, lectures, discussions, exams and other assignments, and grading. Students will work closely with a specific undergraduate instructor in a specific class. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6951. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fee: GL01 $30; STLF $6.16.

HIS 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the student’s Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Approval of the appropriate Graduate Program Committee to take the Comprehensive Examination. Independent study to prepare for the Comprehensive Examination. Students will select fields of study and prepare for examination under faculty supervision. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Course Fee: GL01 $30; STLF $6.16.

HIS 6973. Special Studies in History. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course providing specialized study in a historical field not normally available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Formerly titled "Special Problems.") Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

HIS 6981. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fee: GL01 $30; STLF $6.16.

HIS 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fee: GL01 $90.

HIS 6991. Internship in History. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

A supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study, within selected community organizations, libraries, and archives. No more than 6 semester credit hours may apply to the Master’s degree. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance). Course Fee: GL01 $30; STLF $6.16.

HIS 6993. Internship in History. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A supervised experience, relevant to the student’s program of study, within selected community organizations, libraries, and archives. No more than 6 semester credit hours may apply to the Master’s degree. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance). Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.