2007-2008 Academic Catalog

Course descriptions


Course descriptions index


History

HIST 100X     3 Credits
Modern World History (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. Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered Fall, Spring


HIST 101      3 Credits
Western Civilization (s)
Origins and major political, economic, social and intellectual developments of western civilization to 1500. Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


HIST 102      3 Credits
Western Civilization (s)
Major political, economic, social and intellectual developments of western civilization since 1500. (3 + 0) Offered Spring


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


HIST 105      1 Credit
Introduction to the History and Culture of the Seward Peninsula
(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. (1 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


HIST 110      3 Credits
History of Alaska Natives (s)
(Cross-listed with ANS 111)
The history of Alaska Natives from contact to the signing of the Land Claims Settlement Act. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


HIST 115      3 Credits
Alaska, Land and Its People (s)
A survey of Alaska from earliest days to present, its peoples, problems and prospects. Also available via Independent Learning. (Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 121      3 Credits
East Asian Civilization (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: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 122      3 Credits
East Asian Civilization (s)
East Asia from 1800 to the present with emphasis on patterns of social cohesion, transition and revolutionary change. (Next offered: 2008-09). (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 131      3 Credits
HIST 132      3 Credits
History of the U.S. (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. (3 + 0) HIST 131 Offered Fall, HIST 132 Offered Spring


HIST 202      3 Credits
History of Women in America (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: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


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


HIST 250      3 Credits
Alaska History for Local Historians
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 Strait, Bristol Bay and Aleutian/Pribilof regions. (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


HIST 275      3 Credits
Perspectives on History (s)
An introduction to the variety of historical approaches and to the "uses" of history. (Course should be taken as soon after declaring a History major as possible.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


HIST 305      3 Credits
Europe: 1789-1850 (s)
The French Revolution, Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, the Revolutions of 1848, their impact on political, economic, social and intellectual history. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 306      3 Credits
Europe: 1850-1900 (s)
The European Imperium: industrialization, nationalism, imperialism and their impact on political, economic, social and intellectual history. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 315      3 Credits
Europe: 1900-1945 (s)
Europe through two world wars, the Russian revolutions, the depression, the development of fascism, the evolution of Russian communism. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 316      3 Credits
Europe Since 1945 (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. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 325      3 Credits
The History of Sexuality (s)
(Cross-listed with WMS 325)
The history of sexuality from a worldwide comparative perspective. We will consider theories and debates about the history of sexuality and then focus on the history of sexuality in selected times and places, with an emphasis on the modern period. (Recommended: HIST 100X; ENGL 211X or 213X.) (3 + 0) Offered Summer


HIST 329      3 Credits
History of the Middle East (s)
General survey of the Middle East from the rise of Islam to contemporary conditions. Includes classical Islam, the decline of the Ottoman Empire, modernization, European colonial influences, the Arab-Israeli conflict, political movements within the Islamic world, the position of women in Middle Eastern societies, petroleum politics and explorations of Middle Eastern culture. (Recommended: HIST 100X.) (3 + 0) Offered as Demand Warrants


HIST 330      3 Credits
Modern China (s)
From 1800 to the present: resistance to change, rebellion, reform, revolution and the rise of the People's Republic. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 331      3 Credits
Modern Japan (s)
From 1600 to the present: change within tradition, rise to world power and the position of Japan in the modern world. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 333      3 Credits
Foundations of Japanese History (s)
The history of Japan from earliest times to 1600: the aristocratic culture of classical Japan, the rise of the samurai in medieval Japan, the "warring states" period and national unification. Myths, religion and philosophy, culture, arts and literature will also be covered from a historical point of view. (Prerequisites: HIST 100X; ENGL 211X or 213X; or permission of instructor. Recommended: HIST 121. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 361      3 Credits
Early American History (s)
Advanced survey examines economic, political and social developments related to the establishment of European colonies, Indian-white relations, slavery, American Revolution, constitutional debate and the Early Republic through the War of 1812. (Recommended: HIST 131 and sophomore standing. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 362      3 Credits
History of the United States 1815-1877 (s)
Advanced survey examines economic, political and social developments related to Jacksonian America, western expansion, slavery and sectionalism, the Civil War and reconstruction to 1877. (Recommended: HIST 131 and sophomore standing. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 363      3 Credits
History of the United States 1877-1945 (s)
Advanced survey examines economic, political and social developments related to gilded age America, progressive reform efforts, colonialism and the U.S. during two world wars. (Recommended: HIST 132 and sophomore standing. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 364      3 Credits
History of the United States 1945 to Present (s)
Advanced survey examines economic, political and social developments related to the Cold War, civil rights movement, rise of a counter-culture, Vietnam War and its legacy, and America after the fall of the Soviet Union. (Recommended: HIST 132 and sophomore standing. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 368      3 Credits
Topics in American Film History (s)
(Cross-listed with JRN 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. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. (Prerequisite: junior standing; or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


HIST 401      3 Credits
Renaissance and Reformation Europe (s)
Political, economic and intellectual developments during the 15th and 16th centuries in Europe. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 402      3 Credits
Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century Europe (s)
Political, social, economic and cultural developments during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 404      3 Credits
Modern Scandinavia (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 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 405      3 Credits
Modern Germany (s)
The history of Germany from 1848 to present. Topics include German unification under Prussian leadership; the nature and problems of the Bismarckian Reich; the outbreak of World War I and the war's impact on Germany; the rise and fall of the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich; World War II and Germany's defeat; and the postwar division, reconstruction and reunification of Germany. Special attention given to social developments in Germany. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. ) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


HIST 411      3 Credits
Environmental History (s)
(Stacked with NORS 611)
Discussion of significant works of environmental history. Cultural history of the landscape in world civilization with emphasis on Western Europe and North America. Discussion of interdisciplinary approaches to the history of the environment and cooperative work across disciplines. (Prerequisites: HIST 100X; HIST 275 or permission of instructor and either ENGL 211X or 213X. Recommended: An introductory biology course.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 414      3 Credits
Women and Gender in East Asian History (s)
(Cross-listed with WMS 414)
An in-depth seminar on the history of East Asia, with a special emphasis on the experiences of women and on the issue of gender. This seminar will focus on the modern period and on China and Japan especially, though other regions of East Asia may also be considered. (Prerequisites: HIST 100X; ENGL 211X or 213X. Recommended: HIST 275 and/or HIST 122. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 415      3 Credits
Seminar in World History (s)
Undergraduate seminar addressing issues relating to teaching world history. Actual topics will vary to reflect recent developments in published historical literature but will include the histories of food supply, population growth, sustainability, consumerism, technology, religion, social groups, milestones of civilization and culture and environmental history. Topics will be explored to spark discussion of issues in world history including research themes, pedagogic challenges and textual criticism. Especially intended as enrichment course for students planning careers in social science education. (Prerequisites: ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; HIST 100X; ECON 100X or PS 100X, HIST 275 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 424      3 Credits
Topics in Women's History (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. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 434      3 Credits
Topics in History (s)
An in-depth seminar on various topics in history. Approach will vary depending on the subject of the study, but will emphasize reading, critical analysis and writing on a major issue in history. Content will vary to take advantage of different directions, such as cultural, intellectual or economic history. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants


HIST 442      3 Credits
History of the American Military (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. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


HIST 445      3 Credits
History of the American West (s)
Seminar with emphasis on readings and analysis of primary and secondary sources dealing with the American West to present. Major themes include historiography, expansion, the Federal government, environment, ethnicity and economic development. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 446      3 Credits
American Indian History (s)
Seminar with emphasis on readings and analysis of primary and secondary sources related to American Indians from the pre-contact era to present. Major themes include historiography, inter-cultural relations, subsistence and environment, federal policy and contemporary issues. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 451      3 Credits
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 instructor.) Independent Learning Only


HIST 455      3 Credits
Military History (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: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 461W     3 Credits
History of Alaska (s)
(Stacked with HIST 662 and NORS 661)
Alaska from prehistoric times to the present, including major themes such as Native Alaska, colonial and military Alaska, statehood, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 and the Alaska National Interest Lands Act of 1980. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; HIST 275 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


HIST 463      3 Credits
Foundations of Russian History (s)
(Stacked with HIST 663 and NORS 663)
The foundations of Russian society and the modern Russian state from the earliest recorded events through the early 19th century. Topics include the Scythians and Khazars, the rise of the Kievan state, Mongol domination of Russia, the rise of Muscovy, the creation of the Russian Empire under the Romanov dynasty, ethnic and social diversity, the impact of the Napoleonic invasion and the influence of western European ideas in Russia. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Recommended: HIST 102. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 464      3 Credits
Modern Russia (s)
(Stacked with HIST 664 and NORS 664)
Russia from the early 19th century to the present. Themes include politics, culture and society in the Russian Empire, the Russian Revolution, the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 467W     3 Credits
Political Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (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 historical overview of the region and cases drawn from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. (Prerequisites: HIST 275; ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; junior standing; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 475W     3 Credits
Historiography (s)
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: HIST 275; ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X and history major with senior standing; or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall


HIST 476W, O     3 Credits
Senior Thesis (s)
Preparation and writing of a senior thesis using primary research materials on a topic of the student's choosing. (Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X; ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; HIST 475; and permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Spring


HIST 481      3 Credits
Polar Exploration and Its Literature (s)
(Stacked with HIST 681 and 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. (Prerequisites: HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 483W     3 Credits
20th Century Circumpolar History (s)
(Stacked with HIST 683 and 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. (Prerequisites: HIST 275; ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; junior standing; or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2007-08.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 490W     3 Credits
Researching and Writing Northern History
(Stacked with HIST 690 and NORS 690)
Exploration of the craft and methodology of historical research in the North. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or 213X, HIST 275 or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (1 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 600      3 Credits
Perspectives on the North
(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. Course is also available online. (3 + 0) Offered Fall


HIST 661      1 Credit
Mentored Teaching in History
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 662      3 Credits
History of Alaska
(Stacked with HIST 461 and cross-listed with NORS 661)
Alaska from prehistoric times to the present, including major themes such as native, colonial and military Alaska, statehood, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 and the Alaska National Interest Lands Act of 1980. Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 663      3 Credits
Foundations of Russian History
(Stacked with HIST 463 and cross-listed with NORS 663)
The foundations of Russian society and the modern Russian state from the earliest recorded events through the early 19th century. Topics include the Scythians and Khazars, the rise of the Kievan state, Mongol domination of Russia, the rise of Muscovy, the creation of the Russian Empire under the Romanov dynasty, ethnic and social diversity, the impact of the Napoleonic invasion, and the influence of Western European ideas in Russia. (Prerequisite: HIST 275 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 664      3 Credits
Modern Russia (s)
(Stacked with HIST 464 and cross-listed with NORS 664)
Russia from the early 19th century to the present. Themes include politics, culture and society in the Russian Empire, the Russian Revolution, the Soviet Union and Russian Federation. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall


HIST 681      3 Credits
Polar Exploration and its Literature
(Stacked with HIST 481 and cross-listed with NORS 681)
A survey of polar exploration efforts of all Western nations from A.D. 870 to the present and a consideration of historical sources of this effort. Also available via Independent Learning. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 683      3 Credits
20th Century Circumpolar History
(Stacked with HIST 483W and cross-listed 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: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring


HIST 690      3 Credits
Researching and Writing Northern History
(Stacked with HIST 490 and cross-listed with NORS 690)
Exploration of the craft and methodology of historical research in the North. Course may be repeated for credit when content varies. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.) (1 + 3) Offered Alternate Spring