Department of History

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Department of History

191 Faculty Office Building
(585) 395-2377

Chairperson and Distinguished Teaching Professor: Owen S. Ireland; Professors: Arden K. Bucholz, Jr., Sumiko Higashi, Owen S. Ireland, John W. Killigrew, W. Bruce Leslie, Salahuddin Malik, Lynn H. Parsons, Robert W. Strayer; Associate Professors: Ronald W. Herlan, Kathleen Kutolowski, Kenneth P. O'Brien; Associate Professor Emeritus: John F. Kutolowski; Assistant Professors: Tonio A. Andrade, Jennifer M. Lloyd, Anne S. Macpherson, Morag S. Martin, Alison M. Parker, James A. Spiller, Wanda E. Wakefield.

• Requirements
• Courses

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.

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.

History MajorSecondary Social Studies Track

History majors seeking certification to teach secondary social studies must complete the following track in the major. Students should consult the section of the catalog for Education and Human Development, Secondary Certification, for other requirements.

Note: The history major requires at least one "400" level course.

History Minor:

The minor requires 18 hours of history credit, at least nine of which must be upper-division. Only courses in which students earn a grade of "C" or higher satisfy these requirements. At least half of the credits must have been completed at SUNY Brockport.

Phi Alpha Theta

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.

History Courses

HST 101 The World and the West: The Ancient Era (A,G,O) Conveys a global and comparative perspective on major themes in human history in the pre-1500 era and situates the historical experience of the West within that framework. Classical traditions of the several world civilizations, the spread of world religions, construction of ancient empires and societies, and on the multiple encounters among them. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 102 The World and the West: The Modern Era (A,G,O) Conveys a global and comparative perspective on major themes in human history since roughly 1500 and situates the historical experience of the West within that framework. Focuses on the modern transformation of the West, its rise to global domination and the various challenges to that domination, which have arisen over the past several centuries. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

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

HST 202 America Since 1960 (A). 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,V). A basic narrative survey of American political, economic, social and cultural history with an emphasis on early America. Topics include unity and diversity in American society, the development of common institutions and how they have affected different groups, and America's relationship to the rest of the world. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

HST 212 Modern America (A,V). A basic narrative survey of American political, economic, social and cultural history with an emphasis on modern America. Topics include unity and diversity in American society, the development of common institutions and how they have affected different groups, and America's relationship to the rest of the world. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

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 302 History of Science and Technology in America (A,J,E). Examines the changing relationships among scientific research, technological innovation, and a diverse society throughout American history. Course readings and student research projects emphasize the wide-ranging influence specific fields of science and technology had on the United States as it developed from a rural colony into a modern, urban, industrial power. 3 Cr.

HST 311 The New York Experience (A). 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 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 323 European & American Women (A,U,W). Surveys the history of women in Europe and North America from 1700 to the present. Examines changes in women's economic, social, cultural and political roles, and in images and stereotypes of women, and explores the growing emphasis on reproduction and mothering in the modern era. Focuses on ordinary women's experience. 3 Cr. Fall.

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 327 American Military Experience (A). Following a chronological format, this course studies the relationship of military policy to foreign policy, the issue of war and peace, the conduct of diplomacy and military operations, the impact of technology on war and politics, organizational development of the armed forces, and the constitutional structure of civil military relationships. 3 Cr. Spring.

HST 328 Women in America (A,D,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 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,C). 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,J). 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 344 Sex, Sin and Sorority: Women in the Early American Republic (A,U,W). Explores the origins of the modern American woman. Seeks to describe and explain the ways women in America transformed their reproductive, productive, political, and personal lives during the first century of The Great American Republic, c. 1776-1876. It is aimed at a general audience and has no prerequisites. Lectures, reading, discussion, quizzes, essay exams. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

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

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,U,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,C). 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 IIEurope, 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,C). 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 367 Southeast Asia (A,C). Surveys the background of South Asian nations under European colonialism and the movement to independence. Also examines the post-independence problems of the area and the contemporary impact of these nations on the world. 3 Cr.

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 375 Colonial Latin America (A). Covering 1450-1820, analyzes the dynamics of Spanish and Portuguese conquest in the "New World," indigenous peoples active shaping of colonial rule, the importance of African slavery and race in colonial economies and societies, and the Catholic church's regulation of gender relations. Examines regional diversity, colonialism's enduring strengths, and the reasons for its rapid collapse in the independence wars of the 1810s. 3 Cr.

HST 376 Modern Latin America. Analyzes 19th and 20th century Latin America's history of struggle against colonial legacies and new forms of economic and military oppression associated with dependent capitalist development. Asks students to consider the meanings of national independence in a region sharply divided by race and class, where peasants, workers and women have fought for political rightssometimes winning revolutionsand where foreign influences limit state autonomy. 3 Cr.

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,C). 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 389 Modern China (A,C). 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 390 The History Seminar (A,U). Prerequisites: three of the following: HST 101, HST 102, HST 211 and HST 212. 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 three of the following: HST 101, 102, 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 (A). 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 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 (A). 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 434 Modern Caribbean. This advanced course covers the French, Spanish, and British Caribbeans since the Haitian Revolution of the 1790s. Investigates how slavery and abolition, colonialism and nationalism, social and cultural movements, racism and dependency have forged this fascinating and paradoxical region. Considers questions of identity, especially for Afro- Caribbean women and men, in comparative framework. 3 Cr.

HST 434 Modern Caribbean History: Puerto Rico/Cuba Since 1898 (A). Cross listed as AAS 434. Examines the marked differences but also parallels between the Puerto Rican and Cuban national experiences since the U.S. intervention of 1868. Considers economic, political, social and cultural history. Includes the experience of migration to the U.S. and the linkages between island and diaspora histories. Concludes with reflections on the cultural futures of Puerto Ricans, Cubans and their governments. 3 Cr.

HST 438 Women and Gender in Latin American History. Cross listed as WMS 438. This advanced course examines the diversity of Latin American and Caribbean women's experiences from the Iberian conquest to the 20th century. Analyzes the gender dynamics of colonial, national, dictatorial and revolutionary states, economies and cultures, and the importance of women's movements and feminism. Includes discussion of Latina history in the USA and of Latin American and Caribbean masculinity in historical perspective. 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 war fare, 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 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 crisesworld wars, economic depression, totalitarianism, loss of empiresand 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 460 and AAS 460: Modern Africa (A,J). 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 461 Modern Southeast Asia (A). Surveys the background of South Asian nations under European colonialism to independence and the present. It also stresses the post-independence problems of the area, their impact upon the world, and possible solutions. 3 Cr. Fall.

HST 487 Asian Survey (A,C). Surveys Asian cultures through films, slides, lectures, and textbooks. Using a chronological and regional approach, focuses on the unity and diversity of the peoples and cultures of China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. 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 495 Women, Gender and Class 1920-1940 (A). Examines and analyzes European and U.S. women's experiences between the two world wars in terms of gender and class. Introduces theories of women's and gender history and of gender and class analysis. Seminar format; committed student participation expected. 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.