Course Descriptions

Degrees and Programs Index


History

HIST 100X (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Modern World History (3+0) s

Significant aspects of modern world history, using either a chronological or an issues approach to be announced when offered. The chronological approach will examine major global developments in the twentieth century, while the issues approach will deal with such aspects of the modern world as revolutionary change, the interaction of peoples, ideology, and the historical background of significant contemporary events. Materials fee: $20.00 for section F02.


HIST 101 (3 Credits) Fall
Western Civilization (3+0) s

Origins and major political, economic, social, and intellectual developments of western civilization to 1500. Also available via Independent Learning.


HIST 102 (3 Credits) Spring
Western Civilization (3+0) s

Major political, economic, social, and intellectual developments of western civilization since 1500. Also available via Independent Learning.


HIST 103 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
History of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (3+0) s

The region's history beginning with oral traditions about the creation of the area, and ending with passage of the Alaska Native Land Claims Act in 1971. Concentrates on Yup'ik social, economic, and educational changes, including both native and non native accounts. Offered only at the Kuskokwim Campus.


HIST 105 (1 Credit) As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the History and Culture of the Seward Peninsula (1+0)
(Cross-listed with ANTH 105)

Cultural history of the Seward Peninsula peoples for the last 10,000 years using physical anthropology, ethnography, ethnohistory, linguistics, archaeology, social anthropology, ecology, and climatology. Eskimo and Euro-American cultures which have existed in western Alaska. Materials fee: $5.00.


HIST 110 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
History of Alaska Natives (3+0) s

The history of Alaska Natives from contact to the signing of the Land Claims Settlement Act.


HIST 115 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Alaska, Land and Its People (3+0) s

A survey of Alaska from earliest days to present, its peoples, problems, and prospects. (Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 121 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
East Asian Civilization (3+0) s

Origin and development of the civilizations of China, Japan and Korea from the beginning to 1800, with emphasis on traditional social, political, and cultural institutions. (Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 122 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
East Asian Civilization (3+0) s

East Asia from 1800 to the present with emphasis on patterns of social cohesion, transition, and revolutionary change. (Next offered: 2001-02).


HIST 123 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Japan: The Changing Tradition (3+0)

Focuses on the history and changing cultural traditions of Japan's modern era, the brief period during which Japan has developed its own distinctive form of an urbanized, industrialized, and democratic society.


HIST 131 (3 Credits) Fall
HIST 132 3 Credits Spring
HIST 132 3 Credits SpringHistory of the U.S. (3+0) s

Fall semester: The discovery of America to 1865. Colonial period, revolution, formation of the constitution, western expansion, Civil War. Spring semester: From the reconstruction to the present. Both courses also available via Independent Learning.


HIST 202 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
History of Women in America (3+0) s
(Cross-listed with WMS 202)

A chronological approach to the history of women in America. Introduction to major issues of concern to historians of women, as well as different approaches utilized in analysis of women's past; consideration of multiracial backgrounds of American women. (Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 244 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Movies: Mirror of the World (3+0) s

World history using the medium of film to highlight cultural, economic and political conditions of each country. Films will be from the USA, Mexico, Central America, South America, England, France, Russia, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Australia, Africa, and the Arctic.


HIST 250 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Alaska History for Local Historians (3+0)

Techniques of regional and local historical research using exploration accounts, oral history, education reports, census studies, newspapers, etc. Final project of original research required. This local history course is currently available with emphasis on the Bering Straits, Bristol Bay, and Aleutian/Pribilof regions.


HIST 305 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Europe: 1789 - 1850 (3+0) s

The French Revolution, Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, the Revolutions of 1848, their impact on political, economic, social and intellectual history. (Prerequisite: HIST 102 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 306 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Europe: 1850 - 1900 (3+0) s

The European Imperium industrialization, nationalism, imperialism and their impact on political, economic, social and intellectual history. (Prerequisite: HIST 102 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 315 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Europe: 1900 - 1945 (3+0) s

Europe through two world wars, the Russian Revolutions, the depression, the development of fascism, the evolution of Russian Communism. (Prerequisites: HIST 101, 102 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2000-01.)


HIST 316 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Europe Since 1945 (3+0) s

Germany and problems of the Peace, the Soviet Union and the Satellites, the Cold War, Economic Problems and Recovery, European Integration and the Common Market, Europe and the World. (Prerequisites: HIST 101, 102 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 320 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Modern Scandinavia (3+0) s

Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) from the 19th Century to the present: the development of parliamentary democracy and welfare systems, cooperation and neutrality, and Scandinavia's experience in the world wars. (Prerequisite: HIST 101 or 102 or permission of the instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 321 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
HIST 322 3 Credits Alternate Spring
HIST 322 3 Credits Alternate SpringEnglish History (3+0) s

Fall semester: Pre-Roman Britain to the end of the Puritan Revolution, emphasizing social and political developments. Spring semester: From the restoration of 1660 to the present, emphasizing social, economic, and political developments. Attention given to the British Empire and Commonwealth. (Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 330 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Modern China (3+0) s

From 1800 to the present: resistance to change, rebellion, reform, revolution, and the rise of the People's Republic. (Prerequisite: HIST 121 or 122 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2000-01.)


HIST 331 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Modern Japan (3+0) s

From 1600 to the present: change within tradition, rise to world power, and the position of Japan in the modern world. (Prerequisite: HIST 121 or 122 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 345 (3 Credits) Independent Learning Only
Maritime History of Alaska (3+0) s

A survey of Alaska's maritime history with emphasis on exploration and resource utilization by Natives, Russians and Americans. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.)


HIST 354 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Canadian History to 1867 (3+0) s

The political, social, and economic development of Canada from the founding of New France to Confederation. (Next offered: 2000-01.)


HIST 355W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Canadian History: 1867 to Present (3+0) s

The political, social, and economical development of Canada from Confederation to the present. (Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 368 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Topics in American Film History (3+0)
(Cross-listed with JB 368)

An in-depth study of American film and how it shapes and warps popular perceptions of America's past. A historical contrast according to Hollywood with the views and interpretations of historians. Content will vary depending on the specific genre or period of focus, such as World War II, the Vietnam War, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and development of the west, etc. (Prerequisites: HIST 131 or 132, JB 217 or 308, or permission of instructor.)


HIST 375W (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
History of the Northern Pacific (3+0) s

Development and interrelationships and problems of the North Pacific (Siberia, Canada, Alaska) from the 18th century to the present. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 401 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Renaissance and Reformation Europe (3+0) s

Political, economic, and intellectual developments during the 15th and 16th centuries in Europe. (Prerequisites: HIST 101 or 102 and junior standing, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 402 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century Europe (3+0) s

Political, social, economic, and cultural developments during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. (Prerequisites: HIST 101 or 102 and junior standing, or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2000-01.)


HIST 424 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Topics in Women's History (3+0) s
(Cross-listed with WMS 424)

An in-depth seminar on a specific topic of current interest. Topics may change and may cover the history of European or American women from the 18th century to the present. (Prerequisites: A lower division history course and junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 430W (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
American Colonial History (3+0) s

Early America European settlement, economic and social development of the American community, establishment of political independence. (Prerequisites: HIST 131, 132 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2000-01.)


HIST 435W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Civil War and Reconstruction (3+0) s

Political, economic, social and diplomatic history of 1860 - 77, disruption and reestablishment of the Union. (Prerequisites: HIST 131, 132 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 440 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
U.S. Westward Expansion 1763 - 1867 (3+0) s

Westward expansion and acquisition of territory, admission of new states, development of land policy, treatment of native people. (Prerequisite: HIST 131 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 441 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
The Development of the American and
Canadian West 1867 - Present (3+0) s

Building of transcontinental railroads and plains settlement in U.S. and Canada and Klondike gold rush. Theories of frontier development, statehood movements and views of the West as a "colonial" region in the 20th century. (Prerequisite: HIST 132 or HIST 440 or permission of instructor.)


HIST 442 (3 Credits) Fall
History of the American Military (3+0) s
(Cross-listed with MILS 442)

The military's place in American life and society from the Colonial era to the present. Role of the military institution in shaping the nature of American society while reflecting the character of the society it serves. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.)


HIST 444W (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Topics in American History (3+0) s

An in-depth seminar on various topics in modern American history. Approach will vary depending on the subject of study, but will emphasize reading, critical analysis, and writing on a major issue in American history. Content will vary, but may include such topics as the Cold War, popular culture, civil rights, women's rights, the environment, etc. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. (Prerequisites: HIST 131, 132 or permission of instructor.)


HIST 450W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Twentieth Century America (3+0) s

United States from the progressive movement to the present day, with emphasis on domestic developments. (Prerequisites: HIST 131, 132 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 451 (3 Credits) Independent Learning Only
History of U.S. Foreign Policy s

Evolution of U.S. foreign policy with emphasis on post-World War II period and emergence of a bipolar distribution of power. Includes discussion of the Vietnam War, American policy in the Middle East, and the foreign policy views of the Kennedy, Nixon, Carter and Reagan administrations. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor.)


HIST 455 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Military History (3+0) s

Warfare from classical times to the present: the interrelationships of warfare and society, the role of technology and the development of tactics and strategy. (Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2000-01.)


HIST 460 (3 Credits) Spring
Russian America (3+0) s

A history of Russian exploration and settlement in North America, including the impact of this contact on the indigenous peoples.


HIST 461W (3 Credits) Fall
History of Alaska (3+0) s
(Stacked with NORS 661)

Alaska from prehistoric times to the present, including major themes such as Native Alaska, colonial Alaska, military Alaska, statehood, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, and the Alaska National Interest Lands Act of 1980. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)


HIST 464 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
History of Russia (3+0) s
(Stacked with NORS 664)

Origin and development of Russia from early times to the present. Emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. (Prerequisites: HIST 101, 102 or permission of the instructor.


HIST 467W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Political Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (3+0) s
(Cross-listed with PS 467W)

Exploration of major issues and concepts in the development and governances of modern Latin America and the Caribbean region, including the legacies of colonialism, revolution, military rule, economic challenges and the quest for democratic stability. Includes an historical overview of the region and cases drawn from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. (Prerequisite: PS 201 or HIST 102 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 2000 - 01.)


HIST 470W (3 Credits) Spring
Researching and Writing Alaska History (1.5+3)

Introduction to research methodology, differing historical interpretations, resources used by historians, such as primary materials and secondary sources, and appropriate footnoting. Research paper required based on archival sources. (Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor.)


HIST 475W (3 Credits) Fall
Historiography (3+0) s
(Stacked with NORS 675)

Seminar discussions and lectures introduce philosophical approaches to history. Examines various methodological approaches to historical inquiry. Includes the nature of historical evidence, questioning of the role of truth and objectivity in history, an examination of the role of the historian in interpreting historical evidence, and different interpretations of historical events and actions. Designed for history majors and minors, and graduate students seeking to conduct historical research. (Prerequisites: History major with junior or senior standing or instructor permission.)


HIST 476W,O (3 Credits) Spring
Senior Thesis (3+0) s

Preparation and writing of a senior thesis using primary research materials on a topic of the student's choosing. (Prerequisites: HIST 475 and instructor permission.)


HIST 481W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Polar Exploration and its Literature (3+0) s
(Stacked with NORS 681)

A survey of polar exploration efforts of all Western nations from A.D. 870 to the present and a consideration of the historical sources of this effort. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 483W (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
20th Century Circumpolar History (3+0) s
(Stacked with NORS 683)

A comparative history of the circumpolar north, including Alaska, Siberia, Scandinavia, Greenland and Canada. Focus on social, economic, political and environmental issues of the 20th century, such as exploration, aboriginal land claims, subsistence, military strategy, transportation, oil development, Arctic haze, and scientific research in the Arctic. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)


HIST 600 (3 Credits) Fall
Perspectives on the North (3+0)
(Cross-listed with NORS 600)

Basic knowledge of the circumpolar north -- the social, economic, political, and scientific facets of northern life. Consideration of major cultural groups of the north and their histories, the environmental settings and patterns of settlement and development in northern regions and systems of governance in different northern countries. Broad overview of the major policy issues of the north in education, justice, health care, and environmental and wildlife protection.


HIST 661 (1 Credit) Fall, Spring
Mentored Teaching in History (1+0+2)

Mentored teaching provides consistent contact and supervision between student and mentoring faculty. Includes seminar, individualized tutorial, and opportunity to develop teaching skills and techniques. Teaching assistants are required to be enrolled in a mentored teaching section during the period of their assistantship. May be repeated up to four times for credit. (Prerequisites: Enrollment in M.A. in Northern Studies or History, and permission of instructor.)


HIST 690 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Researching and Writing Public Northern History (1+3)
(Cross-listed with NORS 690)

This course enables students to work with public agencies, under the direction of the instructor, in researching and writing background papers needed by public officials in formulating public policies dealing with a wide range of topics, including, for example, resource utilization and land management. Students acquire and demonstrate research, writing, and problem solving skills).