History

Understanding America
A survey of American history from the colonial era to the present, focusing on the historical roots of contemporary problems. Topics include: colonization and settlement; the emergence of democracy; slavery and race relations; sectional conflict and the Civil War; industrialization and its political, social, and cultural consequences; and the rise of the U.S. as a world power.
AHI1500.20 / 3 credits
Alan Strauber
Tues. & Thurs., 1:00–3:40 p.m.
Session II: June 10–July 24
Natural Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1059 (room updated 6/03/08)

American History, Society, and the Arts
Students examine how the arts serve as a narrator of American life, with emphasis on the birth of the republic and on 19th- and 20th-century political and historical issues. The course analyzes how social and cultural issues, both regional and national, have interacted with the growth of uniquely American art forms. Students also consider the central position the arts have taken in contentious national debates from the arrival of the Puritans to the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, and the emergence of the U.S. as a cultural melting pot and as a superpower.
AHI2000.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
James McElwaine
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:20 p.m.
Session III: June 9–27
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 1073

The Emergence of Modern America
A comprehensive survey of American society, politics, and culture from the Civil War to the present. Topics include: the significance of the Civil War in American society; the role of the Industrial Revolution in the shaping of the Gilded Age; the progressive era and its enduring influence on American politics; and the impact of American involvement in 20th-century wars on current U.S. foreign policy. Topics like the changing nature of race relations and gender roles, urbanization, and the influence of the rise of modern technology and mass communications are emphasized. Students study a variety of primary documents, videotapes, and audio recordings.
AHI3040.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Joseph Verdicchio
Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Session I: May 19–June 6
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1039

American History and Society Through Music
A narrative survey of U.S. history from the colonial period to the present through an exploration of its musical history. The course investigates America’s fundamental principles of politics, its primary social issues, and its wealth of aesthetic musical initiatives. Students examine the unity, diversity, originality, and adaptability of significant political, social, and musical institutions. Also offered as EMT 3115.
Section A:
AHI3115.45 / 4 credits
Edmund Cionek
Mon.–Wed., 6:30–10:05 p.m.
Session II: June 9–July 23
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1006
Section B:
AHI3115.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
James Koeppel
Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Session IV: July 7–25
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1039

Music of Protest
A survey of the past 50 years of popular protest music. Students study the power of pop music and the artist’s role in shaping contemporary society, with a focus on three eras of social upheaval in the U.S.: the civil rights movement, the war in Vietnam, and the emergence of punk and hip-hop. As preparatory material, early 20th-century blues and socialist “magnet” songs are also examined. Artists include Woody Guthrie, the Weavers, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, the Stooges, Pere Ubu, the Sex Pistols, Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, Tupac Shakur, and Rage Against the Machine. Includes readings, musical analysis, and listening. Also offered as EMT 3116.
Note: The ability to read musical notation is not required, but a working knowledge of contemporary pop music is critical.
AHI3116.70 (Intensive) / 4 credits
James McElwaine
Mon.–Fri., 1:00–4:35 p.m.
Session I: May 19–June 6
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 1070

CANCELLED 7/01/08: The Blue and the Gray: U.S. Civil War
The Civil War was arguably the most controversial and traumatic event in American history. This course considers how and why the war developed, its long-term results, and why it is such an important part of America’s cultural heritage. Through an examination of novels, films, diaries, and letters written by Civil War participants, students analyze the impact of this war and our continuing fascination with it.
AHI3530.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Ray Franklin
Mon.–Thurs., 9:00 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
Session IV: July 7–31
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1002

African History
This study of African history addresses the continent’s geography and how it has affected Africa’s place in history; the rise and fall of civilizations; Islamic/Arab influences; European colonization; independence movements; and current challenges. In particular, students examine the slave trade and its effects on African societies, colonial domination, and the rise of nationalist movements.
AHI3560.20 / 4 credits
George Keteku (updated 5/19/08)
Tues. & Thurs., 6:30–10:05 p.m.
Session II: June 10–July 24
Social Sciences Bldg., Rm. 1006

The American South
The development of the South as a distinct region, from the colonial period to the present. Readings include scholarly studies and contemporary accounts.
AHI3640.60 (Intensive) / 4 credits
Alfred Hunt
Mon.–Fri., 9:00 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
Session I: May 19–June 6
Humanities Bldg., Rm. 1070

Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses
Performing and Visual Arts Courses
College Credit Courses Overview

Posted Feb. 20, 2008