History
http://www.whitworth.edu/history
The study of history is recognized as one of the critical experiences toward becoming a well-rounded person, an engaged citizen, and a competent professional in a number of fields. The study of the past offers a profound opportunity to understand more fully the individuals, forces and events that have shaped the world.
 The mission of the Whitworth Department of History is to provide an education of the mind and heart for undergraduate students through rigorous and sustained study in the discipline of history. The department seeks to exemplify the highest professional standards of historical study by providing excellent teaching, promoting scholarly research, and producing graduates who are competent to engage positively the communities in which they live and work. The department desires to graduate students who are not only conversant with the knowledge and skills associated with advanced study in the liberal arts, but who also seek justice and compassion born of a perspective based on a Christian foundation and sharpened by their study of history.
The learning outcomes of this major prepare the student to do the following:
- Attain pre-professional skills in historical content, interpretation, geographical and statistical literacy, writing, reading and oral communication.
- Develop a sense of historical-mindedness via cross-cultural and international opportunities, field experiences, and academic coursework.
- Explore vocational opportunities in the field of history by connecting academic preparation to the world of work.
- Achieve competence in addressing matters of faith, virtue and ethics within the discipline of history compassionately and consistently, emphasizing the importance of worldview thinking in the process.
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) |
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| HI 101 | The Mediterranean World | 3 | | HI 102 | The Pacific World | 3 | | HI 181 | The Atlantic World | 3 | | HI 182 | The United States in a Global Context | 3 | | HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 | | HI 498W | Senior Seminar in History | 3 | | 6 | | History of Vietnam War | | | Rise of Modern America: 1877-1945 | | | The Sixties: From Reform to Revolution | | | American Revolution and the New Nation | | | Slavery and the Civil War | | | Pacific Northwest History * | | | American Intellectual History | | | | | 6 | | Medieval Europe | | | European Myths of Identity | | | Colonialism and Globalization | | | Medieval Russia: Mongols and Madmen | | | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | | | The French Revolution | | | Topics in History | | | Holy War in Europe | | | 6 | | Christianity in Asia | | | Political History of Beijing | | | Cultural Odyssey of China | | | History of Latin America | | | Religion in Latin America | | | History of Mexico | | | Cultural History of China and Japan | | | Modern China and East Asia | | | Medieval Islam | | | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | | | 9 | | | | | | |
Requirements for a History/Social Studies Major, B.A. (44) |
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| | | | | | | HI 101 | The Mediterranean World | 3 | | HI 102 | The Pacific World | 3 | | HI 181 | The Atlantic World | 3 | | HI 182 | The United States in a Global Context | 3 | | PO 102 | American National Politics | 3 | | PO 151 | International Relations | 3 | | SO 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | | 3 | | Principles of Microeconomics * | | | Principles of Macroeconomics * | | | Economics of Social Issues | | | | | HI 384W | Pacific Northwest History | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | | 6 | | | | HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 | | | | EDU 453 | Social Studies in Secondary School | 2 |
Allied Programs with Other Departments
Requirements for an American Studies Major, B.A. (45) |
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| | | HI 181 | The Atlantic World | 3 | | HI 182 | The United States in a Global Context | 3 | | PO 102 | American National Politics | 3 | | EL 205 | American Literature Before 1865 | 3 | | 6 | | American Popular Culture | | | Identity, Race, and Power in American Life | | | Introduction to Sociology | | | Religion in American Public Life | | | 6 | | 6 | | History of Vietnam War | | | Gender, Politics and Law | | | Rise of Modern America: 1877-1945 | | | The Sixties: From Reform to Revolution | | | American Revolution and the New Nation | | | Slavery and the Civil War | | | 6 | | American Intellectual History | | | American Constitutional Law | | | American Political Thought | | | 6 | | 3 | | Senior Seminar in History | | | Senior Seminar | | | |
Requirements for a Cross-Cultural Studies Major, History Emphasis, B.A. (47-50) |
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| | | HI 101 | The Mediterranean World | 3 | | HI 102 | The Pacific World | 3 | | HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 | | 3-4 | | Principles of Microeconomics * | | | Principles of Macroeconomics * | | | Economics of Social Issues | | | Comparative Politics | | | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology in Hawaii - Jan Term Off-Campus Program | | | | | 6 | | | | | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3 | | | | 14-16 | | | | 9 | | | | |
Requirements for an International Studies Major, History Emphasis, B.A. (46) |
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| | | | | HI 102 | The Pacific World | 3 | | or HI 181 | The Atlantic World | | HI 182 | The United States in a Global Context | 3 | | HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 | | PO 151 | International Relations | 3 | | 3 | | Principles of Microeconomics * | | | Principles of Macroeconomics * | | | Economics of Social Issues | | | | | PO 240 | Comparative Politics | 4 | | HI 498W | Senior Seminar in History | 3 | | 6 | | History of Vietnam War | | | History of Vietnam War | | | World at War: 1900-1945 | | | Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution | | | Medieval Islam | | | Colonialism and Globalization | | | American Foreign Policy | | | The French Revolution | | | Marxism and the Socialist World | | | International Political Economy | | | International Development | | | 6 | | | | 9 | | | | Christianity in Asia | | | Political History of Beijing | | | Cultural Odyssey of China | | | History of Latin America | | | Religion in Latin America | | | History of Mexico | | | Cultural History of China and Japan | | | Modern China and East Asia | | | Medieval Islam | | | Colonialism and Globalization | | | Medieval Russia: Mongols and Madmen | | | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | | | Latin American Politics | | | Contemporary Africa | | | Contemporary South Africa | | | Contemporary China and East Asia | | | Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society | | | 3 | | Economic Development | | | European Myths of Identity | | | Asian Philosophy | | | International Political Economy | | | Revolution in History | | | Intercultural Communication | | | World Religions | | | |
Requirements for a History Minor (21) |
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| 3 | | The Mediterranean World | | | The Pacific World | | | 3 | | The Atlantic World | | | The United States in a Global Context | | | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | | HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 |
Latin American Studies Minor
The Latin American Studies minor provides students interested in Latin America the opportunity to study the diverse cultures of Latin America through a wide array of courses in the humanities. The minor has three main components. - An academic component – Students in the minor are required to take a minimum of 15 units of academic coursework.
- A language component - The Latin American Studies minor requires a minimum of three years of language proficiency.
And a hands-on learning component - Students are required to have a hands on experience by participating in a study abroad program such as the Costa Rica Center, the Central America Study and Service Program, or through a service learning internship in which they serve a predominantly Latino population. Requirements for a Latin American Studies Minor (21) |
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| 3 | | History of Latin America | | | Introduction to Latin American Studies | | | Latin-American Culture and Civilization | | | 6 | | Precolumbian Art and Architecture | | | Modern Latin American Art | | | Latina & Caribbean Women Writers | | | American Immigrant Literature | | | Latin American Literature in English | | | Latin American Culture and Civilization | | | Latin American History Through Film | | | 6 | | Religion in Latin America | | | History of Mexico | | | Slavery in Latin America | | | Latin American Short Story I | | | Latin American Short Story II | | | Survey of Spanish Literature I | | | Latin American Poetry | | | Performance in Hispanic World | | | Spanish and Latin American Women Writers | | | Spanish American Narrative & History | | | Latin American Politics | | | Globalization, Ecology, Gender in Central America | | | Development Strategies in Central America | | | International Development | | | Revolution in History | | | Latin American Politics | | | Globalization, Ecology, Gender in Central America | | | Development Strategies in Central America | | | Exploring Central America: Methodology and Comparative Sociology | | | Developmental and Institutional Structures of Central America | | | The Church in Central America | | | 3 | | 3 |
Requirements for Medieval and Early Modern Studies Minor (19-20) |
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| | | 3 | | British Renaissance | | | Shakespeare Seminar | | | Holy War in Europe | | | 6 | | British Literature Before 1800 | | | British Renaissance | | | Chaucer and Medieval Literature | | | Arthurian Literature | | | Arthurian Literature | | | 6 | | The Mediterranean World | | | Crusades From Primary Sources | | | The Atlantic World | | | Medieval Europe | | | Cultural History of China and Japan | | | Medieval Russia: Mongols and Madmen | | | Holy War in Europe | | | 3-4 | | | | History of Medieval Art | | | History of Renaissance and Baroque Art | | | History of Economic Thought | | | Shakespeare | | | Shakespeare Seminar | | | Music History I | | | History of Christianity I | | | History of Theatre I | | | 1 | | Medieval and Early Modern Studies Senior Portfolio | |
Notes: No more than six lower-division credits may count toward this minor. While any course in the minor may also fulfill a major or general education requirement, students may not double-count courses for requirements within the MEMS minor. Students will submit a portfolio by April 15 of their final year (or midway through their final term). The portfolio will include a selection of work from three to four courses. Spring semester.
Requirements for a Public History Minor (21) |
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| | | 3 | | The Mediterranean World | | | The Pacific World | | | The Atlantic World | | | The United States in a Global Context | | | HI 210 | Becoming a Historian | 3 | | HI 384W | Pacific Northwest History | 3 | | 6 | | 3 | | Internship | | | HI 498W | Senior Seminar in History | 3 |
Courses
| HI 101 The Mediterranean World | 3 |
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History of the Mediterranean World introduces ancient Greece and Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and early Islam in Spain, Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East, using contemporary film and primary source research. | |
| HI 102 The Pacific World | 3 |
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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. | |
| HI 104 Political History of Beijing | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the political and social history of China's capital city, Beijing. Listed in both Political Science and History. | |
| HI 105 Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the cultural and religious history of China through its imperial and modern eras. Listed in both Political Science and History. | |
| HI 120 The Crusades | 3 |
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The Crusades of the 12th century will be investigated for their impact on Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Muslim World. Fall semester. | |
| HI 120H Crusades From Primary Sources | 3 |
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Seminar offered to incoming Honors Freshmen first. The course, in the professor's publication field, offers an exciting overview of the Crusade movement through eyewitness chronicles of the medieval era from Jewish, European, and Arab perspectives. It also connects the field of history, meaning the way historians have dealt with the topic, to contemporary issues. | |
| HI 127 Latin American Culture and Civilization | 3 |
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This course will provide a historical overview of Latin American culture and civilization. It will also focus on issues such as family relations, social stratification, authority and violence, gender relations, poverty and social justice, religion and the church, economic development and urban life, and U.S. and Latin American relations. | |
| HI 140 African Life and Culture | 3 |
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Examination of representative African peoples, countries, lifestyles, and beliefs. Topics covered will include Media Coverage of Africa, Traditional and Modernizing Influences on African Lives Today, Africans as Global Citizens, Health, Gender, Religion, and Rites of Passage. | |
| HI 181 The Atlantic World | 3 |
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Exploration of the nature and extent of the cultural exchange between the peoples bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Special focus on the interactions between Native Americans, Africans, and Europeans in the Western Hemisphere from Columbus to the 19th Century Revolutions. | |
| HI 182 The United States in a Global Context | 3 |
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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 191 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| HI 192 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| HI 196 Topics in History | 1-3 |
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Selected lower-division topics in history. | |
| HI 209 History of Vietnam War | 3 |
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Examination of the history of America's involvement in the war in Vietnam. The causes of the war, the military strategies employed, the political decision-making, and the effects of the war on American society will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to the lessons of the war. Periodic offering. | |
| HI 210 Becoming a Historian | 3 |
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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 212 American Popular Culture | 3 |
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Values and ideas that are reflected in the various forms of popular culture. Analysis of music, sport sport, popular art, television and cinema, with special attention to the 20th century. Spring semester. | |
| HI 222 The Modern World | 3 |
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Study of change and continuity in history, focusing on the impact of the social, political, religious and economic forces that have shaped our modern world over the past 500 years. Course available for Continuing Studies students only. | |
| HI 225 Latin American History Through Film | 3 |
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This course introduces students to the history of Latin America through the medium of film. Through supplementary readings, lectures, and class discussions, students will develop the analytical skills necessary to place these films in the proper historical context. | |
| HI 228 Identity, Race, and Power in American Life | 3 |
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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." Jan term. | |
| HI 229 African American History | 3 |
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An examination of the history of African Americans from African civilization through American slavery, reconstruction, and contemporary struggles. Particular attention will be given to social, political, and economic evolution of African Americans as a whole, as well as individual lives and work of black leaders. Continuing Studies only. | |
| HI 231 World at War: 1900-1945 | 3 |
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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 238 Arthurian Literature | 3 |
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Traces the development of the Arthurian legend from its earliest appearance in chronicles through narrative romance, focusing on medieval texts. Also listed as EL 238. Jan Term, periodic offering. | |
| HI 240 African American History to 1877 | 3 |
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Examination of the African/African American experience from the African background through the end of the Reconstruction Era. Topics covered will include African culture/worldview, the trade of enslaved Africans, the Abolition Movement, religious and educational experience, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. | |
| HI 241 African American History Since 1865 | 3 |
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This course will critically examine the history and culture of African Americans from the end of the Reconstruction Era to the present day. Primary focus will be placed on the examination of significant social movements, themes, and historical figures. | |
| HI 291 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| HI 300W Christianity in Asia | 3 |
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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. | |
| HI 304W Political History of Beijing | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the political and social history of China's capital city, Beijing. Listed in both Political Science and History. | |
| HI 305W Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the cultural and religious history of China through its imperial and modern eras. Listed in both Political Science and History. | |
| HI 309 History of Vietnam War | 3 |
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This course examines the history of America's involvement in the war in Vietnam. The causes of the war, the military strategies employed, the political decision-making, and the effects of the war on American society will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to the lessons of the war. | |
| HI 311 US Civil Rights Struggle | 3 |
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Emphasis on the background, methodologies, successes, and failures of the struggle of racial equality by African Americans during the post-WWII era. Special attention to the various leaders and their leadership styles by way of comparative analysis. For continuing studies students only. | |
| HI 312 South Africa Program Preparation | 1 |
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| HI 315 Medieval Europe | 3 |
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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. | |
| HI 325 History of Latin America | 3 |
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This is a survey of Latin American history from pre-Columbian civilizations, Spanish and Portuguese colonization, and colonial consolidation, to modernization, neoliberalism, and democratization. It identifies key issues such as state formation, national identities, economic development, race, gender, and the role of the United States in modern developments. | |
| HI 326 Religion in Latin America | 3 |
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This course examines the history of religious beliefs and institutions in Latin America from 1492 to the present. It recognizes the centrality of the Roman Catholic Church as an institution as well as its interaction with other religions including pre-Columbian religions, Protestantism, and African influenced practices such as Umbanda and Santeria. | |
| HI 327 History of Mexico | 3 |
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This course is an introduction to basic issues and themes of Mexican history, from the pre-Columbian era to the present-day drug wars. It is suitable for non-majors as well as History students. No prior knowledge of Mexico is needed. | |
| HI 328 European Myths of Identity | 3 |
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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 331 Great Trials in American History | 3 |
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This course examines several controversial trials in American history. These trials include but are not limited to the Scopes Trial, the Scottsboro Case, the trial of Alger Hiss, the Rosenberg Trial, and the OJ Simpson Trial. Issues of cultural context, race relations, and judicial justice will focus class discussions. No prerequisites are required but a general familiarity with American history is helpful. | |
| HI 341 Contemporary South Africa | 3 |
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Also listed as PO 341 and SO 341. | |
| HI 345 Cultural History of China and Japan | 3 |
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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. Periodic offering. | |
| HI 346 Modern China and East Asia | 3 |
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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 PO 346. Periodic offering. | |
| HI 348 Medieval Islam | 3 |
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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 354 Colonialism and Globalization | 3 |
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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 357 Rise of Modern America: 1877-1945 | 3 |
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Study of the national and international forces that brought the United States to world prominence by 1945. Special attention given to the deeper cultural contexts of key domestic and foreign policy decisions and their effects--especially on social movements and popular culture. | |
| HI 358 The Sixties: From Reform to Revolution | 3 |
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One of the most significant decade in American history presents a who's who of important individuals and social movements. From Kennedy, Johnson and King, to Vietnam, civil rights, black power and the women's movement, students will explore both roots of the decade in post-World War II America and its ongoing impact on the present as well as controversies among historians regarding its meaning. | |
| HI 361 American Revolution and the New Nation | 3 |
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An in-depth study of the American Revolution and nation building from 1763-1790. Special emphasis on biography research in primary sources and close reading of the documents. Periodic offering. | |
| HI 362 Slavery and the Civil War | 3 |
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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 |
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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. | |
| HI 365 Topics in British History | 5 |
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Taught when a faculty member from the History Department is part of the study program to the British Isles. | |
| HI 366 Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | 3 |
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Challenges to tsarist authority after 1815, rise of revolutionary agitation, adaptation of Marxism to Russian life and culture, history and politics of the Soviet system, transformation of the arts to serve the state, dissident voices, US/USSR relations, Russia since the end of communism. Also listed as PO 366. | |
| HI 375W Early American History | 3 |
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Anglo-American history from the 1600's to the American Revolution. Study of society, economics, politics and cultural development, with particular focus on ideological origins of the revolution, formation of new states and the federal government, and Republicanism. | |
| HI 377 The French Revolution | 3 |
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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 or Terror in France and the career of Napoleon I. Periodic offering. | |
| HI 381 Archival Research | 1-3 |
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Training in research methods at Spokane archives. Allows the student to choose a research project and then create website, teaching units, public history displays, posters for academic conferences or other appropriate presentation. Jan Term. | |
| HI 384W Pacific Northwest History | 3 |
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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. | |
| HI 391 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| HI 392 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| HI 395 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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| HI 396 Topics in History | 1-3 |
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Selected topics in history. | |
| HI 410W American Intellectual History | 3 |
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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 425 Holy War in Europe | 3 |
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Holy War in Europe begins with the 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. A major research paper is required. Fall semesters. | |
| HI 426 Slavery in Latin America | 3 |
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This intense reading and writing course examines the development of the institution of African slavery in colonial Latin America from the sixteenth century to its abolition in the late nineteenth century. | |
| HI 445 Revolution in History | 3 |
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Theory and history of revolution in Western civilization. The Great Rebellion in England and revolutions in America, France, Russia, and China. Contemporary revolutionary movements in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Also listed as PO 445. Periodic offering. | |
| HI 491 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| HI 494 Research Assistantship | 1-3 |
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| HI 495 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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| HI 497 Medieval and Early Modern Studies Senior Portfolio | 1 |
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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 497. | |
| HI 498W Senior Seminar in History | 3 |
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Capstone course for majors in the department of history. Major research project, focus on preparing for a career or graduate school. Discussion and readings on the topic of faith and history. Offered only in the fall semester. | |
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Dean of Arts and Sciences
NOELLE WIERSMA Chair
CORLISS SLACK Professors
ARLIN MIGLIAZZOCORLISS SLACKDALE SODEN Associate professor
ANTHONY CLARK Assistant professors
RAFAELA ACEVEDO-FIELDLAWRENCE BURNLEY (ADMIN)
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