HISTORY 357      The American West
This course deals with the relationship of the American West to the social and economic development of the United States. Major emphasis is placed on the role of the trans-Mississippi West in the economic growth of the national economy. Related cultural and political events are evaluated in the terms of the many Western frontiers. Emphasis will be placed on the Turner thesis, the Indian heritage, frontier violence, and the cow town experience. Also offered as HISTORY 557.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 360      Constitutional History Of The United States
The general question covered is: how does American society govern itself? Topics include the fusion of Anglo traditions and American environment, creation of the American republic under the Constitution of 1787, the struggle for sovereignty during the Marshall-Taney era, and the Supreme Court's utilization of the 14th Amendment to adapt the Constitution to modernity. Also offered as HISTORY 560R.
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 361      American Foreign Relations
Following a rapid survey of major principles and actions in American diplomatic affairs before 1900, this course analyzes developing principles, problems, methods and factors in American foreign relations since that date. Attention is given to the interrelationships of domestic factors and foreign relations with an attempt to discover principal influences that have shaped this area of American development. Also offered as HISTORY 561R.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 364      Nature, Culture And The Human Experience
This course is an introduction to various interpretations of nature with a focus on American culture and society. We will consider ideas about nature from diverse perspectivesincluding history, literature, philosophy and religion-in order to understand how human perceptions and uses shape relations with the natural world. Specific themes include such diverse topics as the aesthetic tradition, environmental thought, and environmental justice.
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 365      American Environmental History
This course examines the changing relationships between human beings and the natural world through time. The main argument of this course will be that American History looks very different through an environmental lens. Nature is an important category of historical analysis-as well as a topic worthy of historical study itself-and this course will examine themes as diverse as Native American ecology to the modern environment crusade.
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 366      American Labor History
This course examines the history of work and the working class in the U.S. from 1750 to the present. We will focus on the transformation of the workplace, the rise of the union movement, the nature of cultural and political organizations, workers' relationships with other social groups, and the role played by gender, race, and ethnicity in uniting or dividing the working class. Also offered as HISTORY 566RR.
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 368      Children and Youth in American History
This course-which brings a gendered perspective to the history of childhood and the study of youth-focuses on the changing construction of girlhood and boyhood from precontact to the present. We will examine the variety of forces that have scripted the lives of children and adolescents and explore the active role they have played in shaping their lives and American culture. We will make use of the scholarly literature on childhood and youth as well as examine such primary sources as childbearing manuals, laws, literature, cartoons, and toys as material culture. Semester offered: On demand
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 369      Women And Work In Early America
Drawing upon more than two decades of outstanding scholarship that places women and gender at the center of investigation and interpretation, this course focuses on the ways in which gender, race, region and class have shaped the historical experiences of women in north America. We will trace the lives of American women from precontact to 1865 through an examination of a wide variety of social, cultural, economic, and political forces and factors including work and leisure, family life, political activities and organizations, and education Semester offered: On demand
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 370      Introduction To Material Culture
This course will consider the ways in which material culture contributes to our understanding of history. Scholars have increasingly recognized the significance of ""the things they left behind,"" particularly as they provide insights to the lives of those who did not leave extensive written records. Students will consider all aspects of material culture, drawing largely on examples from American history: architecture , domestic utensils and furnishings, clothing, tools, and good agricultural practices. The courses will emphasize the process of handicraft technology as well as the product, and will consider the impact of modernization upon both process and product. Also offered as HISTORY 570.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 391      Archival Methods
This combined discussion and research course will examine the research potential of primary-source materials in the custody of archival depositories and the methodology employed to utilize effectively these resources. An analysis of archival method, specifically in the areas of arrangement, description and preservation, will be emphasized during the discussion portion of the course. Most of the course will be devoted to independent research in various collections of the Regional Archives of the Kansas City Federal Records Center. The course will meet at such places as the Federal Records Center, 2306 Bannister Road, or the Truman Library for both the discussion and research segments. Also offered as HISTORY 591. Summer.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 392      Archival Internship
Students work directly with professional archivists and other personnel at the Kansas City Federal Records Center, the Truman Library, Jackson County Historical Society, and similar facilities in the area. Emphasis will be given to areas of arrangement, description and preservation of archival materials. Each student must make individual arrangements through the department. Also offered as HISTORY 592. Prerequisites: None Offered: Fall, Winter, Summer Restriction: Approval of Department Chair
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 393      Museum Studies
This course is designed to acquaint students with specific careers in museums and historical agencies; to introduce students to the wide range of operating issues facing those working in the museum profession on a day-to-day basis; and to familiarize students with the organizations, reference works and resources available to develop the skills and training required for those who choose to make this their profession. Also offered as HISTORY 593. Offered: On demand.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 394      African American History Before 1877
This course is a survey of the African American experience from Pre-Columbian exploration through reconstruction. The course focuses on the trans-Atlantic slave trade, slavery in the colonies as well as resistance and abolition movements. Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 395      African American History Since 1877
This course is a survey of African Americans in the United States from 1877 to the present. The course explores the post-reconstruction era, civil rights and black nationalistic movements; the concepts of racism, desegregation/integration and separation. Contemporary issues facing a multiracial and pluralistic society are also addressed. Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 400      Special Studies
Courses on subjects which are not a part of the regular department offering. The courses result from one or more of the following: (1) The expressed desire of students; (2) the broadened or refocused scholarship of a member of the history faculty; (3) the temporary presence of a scholar whose specialization is not reflected in the department's regular offerings; (4) the conclusion by the department that the course meets a community need; (5) the effort of the history faculty to provide an interdisciplinary approach to an era or topic. The course is experimental in the sense that it is a one-time offering with the potential of repetition or modification--depending upon student, faculty and community response. Also offered as HISTORY 500R.
Credits: 1-3 hours
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HISTORY 401      Religion In America
An in-depth examination of selected aspects of the history of religions in America from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis will be given to methodological issues in the study of American religious history. Offered: On demand
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 406      Modern Latin America
This course studies social, political, economic and cultural trends in Latin America in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Discussion topics include nation building after independence with an emphasis on gender and race in the creation of national identities and new forms of social stratification; integration of national economies into the world economic system; the expansion of political participation and citizenship; immigration (national and transnational) and the tensions caused by the forces of modernization and tradition. Although the purpose of the course is to provide a general background for a large and diverse region (more than 20 countries), case studies from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil will illustrate the above-mentioned themes and will provide the basis for a comparative regional perspective.
Credits: 3 hours
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HISTORY 411      Medieval Civilization I
This course covers the period between the decline of the Roman Empire in the West and the Investiture Controversy. Topics include the rise of Christianity and early church-state relationships; the barbarian invasions and the various Germanic kingdoms; the age of Charlemagne; monasticism and feudalism. There will also be special sessions on the civilizations of Islam and Byzantium. Also offered as HISTORY 511.
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 412      Medieval Women & Children
This course explores the roles of women in the social, economic, political and cultural environments of medieval and early modern Europe. We examine the lives of women in all areas of life, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, in urban and rural environments, from the centers of religious and political power to the margins of society. Focus will be on the world of work for urban and peasant women and on the social and legal institutions of marriage, kinship and the family. The course makes extensive use of primary sources by and about women during this period.
Credits: hours
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HISTORY 413      Renaissance
Beginning with a definition and exploration of the Renaissance as a period of gradual transition between the Middle Ages and the beginning of modern culture, this course concerns itself primarily with the rise and spread of Humanism; the revival of interest in antiquity; the growth of individualism; and the rise of secularism, as well as with the artistic achievements of the period. Also offered as HISTORY 513.
Credits: 3 hours
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