http://www.whitworth.edu/history
Why study history at Whitworth?
There are many reasons to study history. First of all, it's just plain interesting. Far from being a mere recitation of names, dates and places, the study of history opens windows and doors to cultures all over the world, from the ancient world to the recent past. You can study the fall of the Qing dynasty in China, the impact of the Crusades on Europe and the Middle East, the rise of Mayan and Aztec cultures, the diversity and triumph of African culture, and the culture and influence of the United States. The list goes on and on. History focuses on powerful and influential individuals such as Adolf Hitler, Mao-Tse Tung, Mary Wollstonecraft, Malcolm X, Joan of Arc, Rosa Parks and Elvis Presley. Historians develop interest in cultures, institutions, politics, religions, economics, anthropology, sociology, science and psychology. Historians study dreamers, believers, artists, entrepreneurs, politicians and musicians.
Second, historians ask big questions, such as "Why?" and sometimes "Why not?" We ask why any human being would participate in the killing of 6 million Jews — and whether we could do such a thing ourselves. Historians ask small questions that often have big consequences. We are interpreters of the meaning of events who raise difficult questions and avoid easy answers, and we are careful thinkers who practice empathy and offer critical judgment with humility.
Third, history majors get jobs. We'll help you develop a set of skills in research, writing, speaking and thinking. We'll help you with internships and connections. The history department has guaranteed internship seats to offer annually at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. We prepare history majors and minors for careers in business, public service, law, teaching and public history. Mostly we'll help you develop broader interests and more enthusiasm for the world around you, which is one of the most important steps to meaningful employment.
Mission Statement
The history department strives to embody Whitworth's education of mind and heart through excellent teaching, open and robust debate, scholarship, mentoring, and thorough preparation of students for careers with purpose and potential.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of our program, students will have built skills in the following areas:
Foundational Knowledge: Students will be able to describe major chronological, geographic and thematic areas of historical study and articulate the significance of these facts for understanding historical context, complexity and change over time.
Historical Methodology: Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret primary and secondary sources.
Historical Argumentation: Students will be able to construct arguments about the past that exhibit evidence-based judgements derived from primary and secondary sources.
Diversity: Students will be able to apply relevant categories of analysis to explore questions that aim to deepen our understanding of the complexity, richness, diversity and power dynamics within human experience in the past and/or present.
Faith and Worldview Development: Students will be able to apply historical thinking to personal worldview development and articulate how historical study is central to matters of active citizenship, service to humanity and/or personal faith.
Experiential Learning: Students will explore how historical study creates opportunities for contemporary cross-cultural engagement, vocation, professional development and/or public outreach.
Courses
| HI 102 The Pacific World | 3 |
|
One of four courses in world history, Pacific,World introduces China as the focal point of a,network of trade and culture that includes the,Asian steppes, India, and the rise of Japan,,Korea and Vietnam. Also listed as AS 102. Also,listed as EMS 102. |
|
| HI 104 Political History of Beijing | 3 |
|
Provides historical understanding of the,political,and social history of China's capital city,,Beijing. Listed in both Political Science and,History. Also listed as AS 104. |
|
| HI 105 Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
|
Provides historical understanding of the cultural,and religious history of China through its,imperial and modern eras. Listed in both political,science and history. Also listed as AS 105. |
|
| HI 110 Pilgrimage: Mediev Pract & Contemp World,Medieval Practice in the Contemporary,World | 3 |
|
In our own time, pilgrimage remains an important,religious practice, and in many cases, is,experiencing a revival. We will start with,historical exploration of this practice. We will,then look at continuing events outside the,Christian tradition, like the annual pilgrimage to,Mecca, and compare to similar practices in the,Byzantine and Roman Catholic tradition that have,their origin in the medieval world. The course is,presented as a look at the practice as one,connected to personal and identity issues. The,students are asked to design their own pilgrimage,,secular or religious, as course component. |
|
| HI 111 U.S. History and Government | 3 |
|
For continuing studies students only. Content is,geared toward a clear understanding of the major,ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points,,chronology and cause and effect relationships in,U.S. History. The social studies concepts of,economics and civics are presented within this,historical context. Guiding the content are the,essential "knowledge and skills" for elementary,teacher candidates as stated in the elementary,endorsement competencies published by OSPI. |
|
| HI 112 Pacific Northwest History and Since Time,Immemorial | 3 |
|
For Continuing Studies students only. Content is,geared toward a clear understanding of the major,ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points,,chronology and cause and effect relationships in,Pacific Northwest History. The social studies,concepts of economics and civics are presented,within this historical context. Guiding the,content are the essential "knowledge and skills",for elementary teacher candidates as stated in the,elementary endorsement competencies published by,OSPI. Teacher candidates will engage with the,Since Time Immemorial Curriculum as prescribed in,WAC 181-78A-300(3). |
|
| HI 131 American History Before 1877 | 3 |
|
Discovery and settlement of North America; the,Enlightenment and the,American Revolution; early democracy and reform,movements; Western expansion and slavery; the,sectional crisis and causes and results of the,Civil War. Course taught with a biographical,focus. |
|
| HI 182 American History Since 1877 | 3 |
|
Historical analysis of the development and,maturation of the United States from its emergence,as a hemispheric power after the Civil War to the,present. Particular emphasis on the sectional,,national, and international movements that,influenced or were influenced by the American,democratic experience. |
|
| HI 202 Roman Empire | 3 |
|
This history of Roman society as it dominated the,Mediterranean focuses on the celebration of the,military power of the Greeks and Romans and the,unashamed colonial aspirations of both societies.,It also offers countering views from Roman,subjects, including Europeans, Africans,,Egyptians, Persians, and Jews. |
|
| HI 203 Global Christianity | 3 |
|
This course provides a survey of the history of,Christianity in the global south. This course will,introduce students to the history of Christian,mission and colonization outside of Europe and the,United States; the emergence and practice of,Christianity in non-western regions; unique,expressions of Christian mission and activism in,non-western cultures; and an awareness of the most,prominent social and political challenges faced by,contemporary Christians in the global south.,Particular attention will be paid to theories and,debates about translation and indigenization, the,development of liberationist and anticolonial,Christian movements, the history of internal,Christian debates and denominational fractures,,the experiences of Christian women, the emergence,of Pentecostal and charismatic traditions, and the,growing influence of expressions of global,Christianity on the western world (including,migrations, "reverse" missions, and activist,movements critiquing western expansion). |
|
| HI 204 The Crusades | 3 |
|
This course offers an introduction to two,civilizations in conflict: the Byzantine,Christian empire based at Constantinople and the,Islamic empire based at Baghdad, from the seventh,century. It culminates with an examination of the,first four crusades in the twelfth century and an,examination of how the language of crusading is,still in use today. |
|
| HI 206 Introduction to American Women's History | 3 |
|
Explores the history of women in the United States,from the colonial period to the 20th century,,emphasizing the changing roles of women and their,contributions to and participation in American,society. Key themes include women's work,,politics, religious experiences, and social reform,movements. The course also explores gender roles,in American history and ways that race, class,,region, and the passage of time alter those,expectations. |
|
| HI 207 Crime & Punishment in American History | 3 |
|
This course explores the history of American,criminal justice, from the colonial era to the,present. Students will learn to articulate how,understandings of crime and systems of punishment,are embedded in various cultural, political,,economic, and religious contexts throughout,American history. Students will become familiar,with major concepts, individuals, and debates in,the history of American crime and punishment, such,as the origins of the penitentiary system,,Prohibition and vice laws, debates about the rise,of mass incarceration, "the prison industrial,complex," prison abolition, and restorative,justice. |
|
| HI 208 African American History | 3 |
|
This course surveys the 400 years of African,American history, with particular focus on,African-American politics, culture, intellectual,life, and religion. The course proceeds in a,broadly chronological manner, from the colonial,period to the present. Topic covered in the course,include experiences of enslaved Africans in the,colonial period and the development of the,trans-Atlantic slave trade; the development of,African American cultures in the eighteenth,century and revolutionary period; African American,abolitionist movements and experience of the Civil,War; Black food and musical cultures; Black,institutional and intellectual life in the late,nineteenth and early twentieth century; the Civil,Rights movement; and recent Black political and,activist movements. We will explore African,American history by reading primary sources,,watching films, and exploring scholarly,interpretations of complex subjects. We will work,on thinking and speaking together about how to,best interpret and understand historical subjects,,and we will work to consider the import of African,American history for understanding our present,moment and its various political, moral, and,theological challenges. |
|
| HI 210 Becoming a Historian | 3 |
|
Foundational course for students considering a,history major or minor. The course introduces,students to ways historians interpret the past.,Emphasis on preparing students to use primary,sources, to write history, and to evaluate the,work of other historians. Students will be,introduced to careers that might be pursued with a,history degree. |
|
| HI 220H French Civilization & Culture | 3 |
|
A survey of historical, religious, ethnic,,philosophical, artistic and pop-cultural life in,France. Periodic offering. |
|
| HI 228 Identity, Race, and Power in American,Life | 3 |
|
History and culture of major ethnic and racial,groups in American life. Special emphasis on the,role of race and nationality in the pursuit and,achievement of "the American Dream." |
|
| HI 231 World at War: 1900-1945 | 3 |
|
Comparative analysis of world cultures during the,first half of the century of total war. Special,emphasis on the broader cultural contexts of the,world wars of the twentieth century and their,aftermath. Sophomore status strongly recommended. |
|
| HI 236 Monsters and Angels of the American Past | 3 |
|
A historical overview of how American ideas about,good and evil - the angelic and the monstrous -,created cultural and social values that shaped the,nation. Themes include zombies and witch hunts in,the colonial era, utopian and millennial community,experiments in the early republic, scientific,monsters in the progressive era, and obsession,with the supernatural in the modern period. The,course uses these and related topics to,interrogate the cultural logics and,irrationalities of anxiety, belonging, and,difference that defined the American past. Special,attention is paid to how race, gender, and,religious belief influenced the creation of ideas,about the monstrous and angelic. |
|
| HI 237 United States History Through Film | 3 |
|
Explore the history of the United States through,films depicting the colonial period through the,Civil War. Situating itself within the tension,between history, memory, and legend, this course,equips students with the skills required to become,discerning consumers and creators of cultural,narratives about the nation's past. This course,will not teach a history of film, but rather,enable students to encounter U.S. history through,a contextualization and critical viewing of,historical films, with particular emphasis on,themes of diversity and representation in the,creation of cultural narratives. |
|
| HI 238 Arthurian Literature | 3 |
|
Traces the development of the Arthurian legend,from its earliest appearance in chronicles,through,narrative romance, focusing on medieval texts.,Also listed as EL/EMS 238. |
|
| HI 250 History of Buddhism | 3 |
|
Examines the historical and cultural birth and,development of Buddhism in East Asia. Provides a,comparative view of religious practice East and,West. |
|
| HI 251 History & Culture of Rome | 3 |
|
An investigation of the emergence of various,civilizations on the Latium plain, paying special,attention to the Etruscan to Christian Baroque,cultures. While living in Rome, classes explore,Rome's structures of government, its society,,architecture, and its art. |
|
| HI 300W Christianity in Asia | 3 |
|
This course confronts the Christian message and,experience as it transcends national and cultural,boundaries. Readings and lectures center on the,history of Christian missions and the resulting,indigenous Church in Japan and China, and,examines,how Asian Christianity has conformed to and,transformed Christian belief. Also listed as AS,300W. |
|
| HI 301 Oxford and the Christian Imagination,Preparation Course | 1 |
|
This one-credit preparation course covers,important details regarding the "Oxford and the,Christian Imagination" program in Oxford, England. |
|
| HI 304W Political History of Beijing | 3 |
|
Provides historical understanding of the,political,and social history of China's capital city,,Beijing. Listed in both Political Science and,History. Also listed as AS 304W. |
|
| HI 305W Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
|
Provides historical understanding of the cultural,and religious history of China through its,imperial and modern eras. Listed in both,Political,Science and History. Also listed as AS 305W. |
|
| HI 307W History of Chinese Literature | 3 |
|
Explores the history and development of Chinese,literature during the late-imperial era. Focuses,on China's most famous novel, Dream of the Red,Chamber. Also listed as AS 307W. |
|
| HI 315 Medieval Europe | 3 |
|
Caesar through Charlemagne: European civilization,in the first through the eighth centuries will be,investigated, with an emphasis on ideas and,institutions such as the medieval papacy,,feudalism and the concept of Christendom. Also,listed as EMS 315. |
|
| HI 323 Religion in American Public Life | 3 |
|
The major themes, movements, problems, people and,institutions in American Christian history, with,emphasis on the public practice of the Christian,faith. Fall semester, even years. |
|
| HI 328 European Myths of Identity | 3 |
|
Traditional stories form an important part of the,national identity of contemporary European states.,Tourists viewing the Tower of London learn the,basics of the British story, carrying the lesson,away as part of their understanding of English,culture. The best- and least-known national,stories, from Galway to Budapest, will be examined,for their historicity and contemporary influence. |
|
| HI 345 Cultural History of China and Japan | 3 |
|
Illustrates how cultural heritage can explain the,current behavior and character of the Chinese and,Japanese. Religions, philosophies, arts,,politics, and social organizations as basic,elements of Asian culture. Also listed as AS 345.,Also listed as EMS 345. |
|
| HI 346 Modern China and East Asia | 3 |
|
Interpretation of recent events in China, Japan,,Taiwan, and Korea. Chinese revolution of 1911,,warlord era in China, Japanese militarism,,communist revolution on the mainland, Japanese,invasion of China, American occupation of Japan,,normalization in China, Japan's economic,ascendancy. Also listed as AS 346. |
|
| HI 348 Medieval Islam | 3 |
|
This course covers the foundation of Islamic,civilizations from Arabia through North Africa,,Europe, and Asia from the life of Muhammad through,the origins of the Ottoman Empire. |
|
| HI 351 Oxford and the Christian Imagination | 3 |
|
This course explores the historical legacies of,Oxford's most influential Christian writers. The,works of such writers as J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S.,Lewis, Edward Bouverie Pusey, and John Henry,Newman have transformed the historical contours of,global Christianity. Students shall live at Oxford,and critically engage with the ideas and,publications of these writers. Visiting their,homes, churches, and archives in and around,Oxford, we will consider how their Christian,imagination has changed the world. |
|
| HI 354 Colonialism and Globalization | 3 |
|
The major European nations move from,constitutional monarchy to representative,government. Their empires founder in the wake of,World War I and II. European institutions and,society are examined from 1848 to 1950. |
|
| HI 362 Slavery and the Civil War | 3 |
|
Evolution of the American slave system, its,central importance in the development of,sectional rivalries, and the great national,crises of 1848-1877. |
|
| HI 364 Medieval Russia: Mongols and Madmen | 3 |
|
Survey of Russian civilization from earliest,times to 1600. Evolution of the tsarist state,from its roots in Byzantine and Mongol,autocracies through the reign of Ivan the,Terrible and the following Time of Troubles.,Emphasis on culture and religion. Also listed as,EMS 364. |
|
| HI 375W Road to Revolution: Early,American History | 3 |
|
Journey through colonial America and witness the,birth of the United States. This course explores,indigenous cultures prior to European invasion,,exchanges and clashes between the peoples who,eventually lived together in North American, and,the significance of race, gender, and religious,beliefs to the colonization process. This course,also examines the causes and consequences of the,American Revolution from political, social, and,religious perspectives. Discover the wartime,experiences of patriots, loyalists, and undecided,Americans, while critically examining the,ideologies that drove the rebellion and gave rise,to the republic. |
|
| HI 377 The French Revolution | 3 |
|
A focus on the French Revolution as the,culmination of trends in seventeenth- and,eighteenth-century European culture. Students,will discover how projects of absolute monarchs,in France, Germany, and Russia led to the,violence of the Reign of Terror in France and the,career of Napoleon I. |
|
| HI 384 Pacific Northwest History | 3 |
|
Explores the Pacific Northwest as a geographic,culture area from prehistory to the present.,Perspectives of the various peoples who have,lived there: Native Americans, Europeans and,Americans. Modernization and contemporary issues,in the Pacific Northwest. Role of regionalism,,international conflict and ecological issues.,Also listed as ENS 384. |
|
| HI 400W Sisters, Saints, Sinners: Women and,Gender in American Religious History | 3 |
|
Explore women's diverse roles and contributions,within American religious history. In this course,,we will think deeply about how women and shifting,ideas of gender shaped, and were shaped by,,religious ideas, institutions, and practices.,Topics include Native American and African,American women's religious experiences, female,preachers/evangelists, religious ideologies of,domesticity, changing religious perceptions of,gendered expressions of power, the relationship,between gender and religious dissent, and,connections between faith and women's movements.,We will also delve into strategies for using,gender as a methodological framework for,historical research. A major research paper is,required. |
|
| HI 407W History of Chinese Literature | 3 |
|
Explores the history and development of Chinese,literature during the late-imperial era. Focuses,on China's most famous novel, Dream of the Red,Chamber. Also listed as AS 307W. |
|
| HI 410W American Intellectual History | 3 |
|
Focus on major thinkers and periods in American,history. Special emphasis on Puritanism, the,Enlightenment, Romanticism, Social Darwinism, and,the major currents of 20th-century thought. |
|
| HI 425W Holy War in Europe | 3 |
|
Holy War in Europe begins with the later Crusades,and flourishes during the sixteenth and,seventeenth centuries, long known as "The Age of,Religious Warfare." A survey of propaganda and,context for conflicts in England, Germany, France,and the Netherlands, the course looks at the,rhetorical stance of Catholics, Protestants,,Orthodox, and Ottomans during a period of endemic,warfare. A major research paper is required. Also,listed as EMS 425. |
|
| HI 438W Women in the Early Modern World | 3 |
|
Explores early modern Atlantic world history (c.,1400 to 1800) through the female experience, with,particular attention to Europe and the Americas.,The course examines how women lived, worked,,reproduced, believed, and thought in the early,modern era across multiple geographic contexts,,while comparing and contrasting how contemporary,societies in Europe and the Americas encouraged or,persecuted such experiences. The course will also,include an analysis of the use of gender as a,theoretical framework and expose students to the,major historiographical trends in the sub-field. A,major research paper is required. |
|
| HI 494 Research Assistantship | 1-3 |
|
|
|
| HI 497 Medieval and Early Modern Studies,Senior Portfolio | 1 |
|
Students will submit a portfolio by April 15 of,their final year (or mid-way through their final,term). The portfolio will include a selection of,work from 3 to 4 courses in the minor. Also,listed,as EL/EMS 497. |
|
A history degree prepares successful candidates for jobs and for graduate school in a broad range of disciplines, including some for which there are tests such as the Praxis (education certification), the LSAT (law school admission), and the GRE (required by most graduate schools in most fields). Majors are urged to speak with their advisors about online or other preparation for such tests.
Requirements for a History Major, B.A. (45) |
|---|
| HI 102 | The Pacific World | 3 |
| HI 131 | American History Before 1877 | 3 |
| HI 182 | American History Since 1877 | 3 |
| HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 |
| 3 |
| 6 |
| |
| 6 |
| 6 |
| 12 |
| |
History/Social Studies Major, B.A.
The Whitworth Department of History desires to equip the next generation of public and private school teachers with a broad interdisciplinary education rooted in a solid foundation in history appropriate to the K-12 programs. We provide coursework that will give students the necessary background in history and the social sciences and thus prepare them for the Washington state competency exams in the social sciences. Students are encouraged to pursue website practice opportunities prior to taking the state exams.
Requirements for a History/Social Studies Major, B.A. (44) |
|---|
| |
| HI 102 | The Pacific World | 3 |
| HI 131 | American History Before 1877 | 3 |
| HI 182 | American History Since 1877 | 3 |
| HI 202 | Roman Empire | 3 |
| HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 |
| HI 384 | Pacific Northwest History | 3 |
| EDU 350 | General Methods Secondary | 3 |
| ** | 6 |
| 3 |
| ** | 3 |
| ** | 9 |
| |
| 2 |
| Social Studies in Secondary School (Prerequisite of EDU 350) | |
Allied Programs with Other Departments
Requirements for an American Studies Major, B.A. (45) |
|---|
| |
| EL 205 | American Literature Before 1865 | 3 |
| HI 131 | American History Before 1877 | 3 |
| HI 182 | American History Since 1877 | 3 |
| PO 102 | American National Politics | 3 |
| 6 |
| Identity, Race, and Power in American Life | |
| Introduction to Sociology | |
| Religion in American Public Life | |
| 6 |
| 6 |
| Gender, Politics and Law | |
| Slavery and the Civil War | |
| 6 |
| American Intellectual History | |
| American Constitutional Law | |
| 6 |
| 3 |
| Senior Seminar | |
| |
International Studies, History Emphasis, B.A.
The Whitworth Department of History offers this interdisciplinary program designed to encourage the development of a solid foundation of history coupled with coursework in foreign languages, political science, area studies and economics that will assist the students in developing skills necessary for work in the international context of non-governmental organizations, business, military, diplomacy, travel and other forms of international work.
Requirements for an International Studies Major, History Emphasis, B.A. (45) |
|---|
| HI 182 | American History Since 1877 | 3 |
| HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 |
| PO 151 | International Relations | 3 |
| PO 240 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| The Pacific World | |
| Roman Empire | |
| 3 |
| Principles of Microeconomics | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| Environmental Economics | |
| 6 |
| The Crusades | |
| World at War: 1900-1945 | |
| International Development,Justice and Difference in Contemporary Political Theory | |
| Colonialism and Globalization | |
| The French Revolution | |
| International Political Economy | |
| 6 |
| |
| 9 |
| |
| Christianity in Asia | |
| Political History of Beijing | |
| Cultural Odyssey of China | |
| Cultural History of China and Japan | |
| Modern China and East Asia | |
| Colonialism and Globalization | |
| Medieval Russia: Mongols and Madmen | |
| History of Chinese Literature | |
| African Politics | |
| Contemporary South Africa | |
| Contemporary China and East Asia | |
| Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society | |
| 3 |
| Economic Development | |
| European Myths of Identity | |
| Asian Philosophy | |
| Revolution in History | |
| Intercultural Communication | |
| World Religions | |
| World Religions |
| |
Requirements for a History Minor (18) |
|---|
| 18 |
Asian Studies Minor (18)
Requirements for an Asian studies minor are listed under the Asian studies page.
Medieval & Early Modern Studies Minor (19-20)
Requirements for a medieval & early modern studies minor are listed under the medieval & early modern studies page.
Public History Minor
Public history is a rapidly growing field. Students are introduced to museum studies, archival development, and the making of documentaries. Graduates are encouraged to pursue graduate studies in a variety of fields as well as to think broadly about the application of these skills to other professional areas.
Requirements for a Public History Minor (21) |
|---|
| HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 |
| HI 384 | Pacific Northwest History | 3 |
| 3 |
| The Pacific World | |
| American History Before 1877 | |
| American History Since 1877 | |
| Roman Empire | |
| 6 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| Internship | |
| |
Dean of Arts & Sciences
JOHN PELL
Chair
CORLISS SLACK
Professors
ANTHONY CLARKCORLISS SLACK
Associate professor
ELISE LEAL
Assistant professor
AARON GRIFFITH