Course Descriptions

LAT 101: Latin 1 (3 units)

Fundamentals of the language with an aim to reading ancient Roman prose and poetry.

LAT 102: Latin 2 (3 units)

Continuation of Latin 1 with advanced grammar.

POL 321: Political Thought 1 (3 units)

This course analyzes the nuances and traces the development of western political thought from classical Greece up to seventeenth-century northern Europe. Particular attention will be given to the big questions facing every generation concerning the nature of political association and the good society. Students will become familiar with each major political thinker, the context in which they wrote, and influence upon the history of ideas.

POL 322: Political Thought 2 (3 units)

This course analyzes the nuances and traces the development of western political thought from the early Enlightenment to the Present. Particular attention will be given to the big questions facing every generation concerning the nature of political association and the good society. As it is particular to this era, the theories of government basic to an understanding of the American Constitution; political parties in the American system; history, character and functions of government in the United States.

HST 332: Ancient Greece and Rome (3 units)

The history of ancient Greece and Rome from the time of Homer to the fall of the Roman Empire. Particular emphasis on Greek and Roman politics, socioeconomic life and structures, classical culture and philosophy, and the rise of Christianity. Prerequisite: Hst 201 or 202.

HST 334: Medieval History (3 units)

The emergence of Europe from the early Middle Ages to the Italian Renaissance. Topics include the feudal society, the Christian church, cities and commerce, art and learning, and the rise of kings and nation states. Attention will be given to Europe's Greek and Roman legacy, as transmitted by the Byzantine and Islamic civilizations. Prerequisite: Hst 201 or 202.

HST 336: The Renaissance and the Reformation (3 units)

Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, the transitional period between medieval and modern history. Phases include the Italian Renaissance, the Northern Renaissance, the Lutheran Reformation, the Calvinist and Anglican Reformations and the Roman Catholic Counter Reformation. Prerequisite: Hst 201 or 202.

HST 371: Islamic Civilization (3 units)

An introduction to the lands, peoples and cultures of the Middle East from antiquity to modern times. The role of religion in shaping social and political institutions is emphasized, especially the influence of Islamic thought on the Arab world and conflicts in the contemporary Middle East.

HST 431: Women's History (3 units)

This course examines women as producers of Western culture as they are represented in the discourses of Western culture and as their lives have been and continue to be shaped by the forces of Western culture. The course begins with the early modern era in Europe (known as the Renaissance; the 14th to 18th centuries), a period of heated debate about "the woman question" and as era of intense interaction between the peoples of many continents and nations: the America, Europe, Africa and Asia. The course will look at the many ideas about women, the West and culture which have their roots in this period of exchange, colonization and struggle.

HST 478: History of California (3 units)

The history of California from earliest times to the present with an emphasis on its Hispanic heritage.

HST 226: United States History (3 units)

This course is a survey of the history of the United States from colonial times to the present. It includes the political, economic, social and cultural development at each phase of the country's growth and progress. Phases include colonization, independence, early nationhood, sectional strife culminating in the Civil War, reconstruction, economic expansion, prosperity, depression, imperialism, reforms, two world wars, and contemporary tensions.

POL 304 International Relations (3 units)

Basic background and methods for analysis of current issues in international affairs such as the arms race, detente, human rights and the role of multinational corporations.

POL 312 Constitutional Law (3 units)

The development of judicial interpretation of the U.S. Constitution from 1789 to the present. Emphasis on the political, social, cultural and economic context for key Supreme Court decisions. Use of the case study method to introduce students to legal reasoning. Topics include controversial court decisions involving race, religion, gender and limits of government authority.

HST 321: A History of Popular Culture (3 units)

Basic theories and approaches to the scholarly study of significant popular movements and customs in modern western civilization. Special attention is paid to the evolution of media and its effect on group identity. Particular attention is paid to American popular culture in the 20th century.

HST 338: Modern European History (3 units)

A course which integrates the various political, social, economic and cultural phases of Europe's history from the 18th century to the present. Topics include the French Revolution; industrialization; imperialism; the unification of Italy and Germany; the major scientific, literary and artistic developments; Communism and Fascism; the two world wars; and the Cold War. Prerequisite: Hst 201 or 202.

HST 341: Early Modern England (3 units)

This course involves a thematic study of English culture and life from the reign of King Henry VIII through the War of American Independence. Special attention will be paid to culture, governance and factors that led to the expansion of the British Empire and the conflict in North America.

HST 361: Propaganda and Persuasion (3 units)

This course provides an academic approach to the decidedly non-academic and pervasive modes of communication that have shaped the modern world. Attention will be paid to wartime propaganda in the two world wars and political campaigns in American as well as product advertising in market economics.

HST 410: Readings in Mythology, Philosophy and Theology (3 units)

Study begins with the mythology of the Ancient Egyptians, the theology of the Hebrews and the philosophy of the Greeks and traces the legacy of each stand of thought throughout the world. Attention will be paid to both the primary leaders and significant texts and how they have shaped divergent world views today. It is recommended that Western Civilization 1 and 2 have previously been taken.

HST 412 Origins of the American Political System (3 units)

The origins of the American political system from the end of the Seven Years' War through the Louisiana Purchase and Marbury vs. Madison. Focuses on government under the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, ratification controversies, the first political party system and Jeffersonian vs. Hamiltonian approaches to government.

POL 413 Religion and Politics in America (3 units)

The role of religion in American public life. Special emphasis on the interpretations and impact of the First Amendment and the concept of the separation of church and state on religious and political life in the United States.

HST 416: Contemporary Global Issues (3 units)

Senior seminar devoted to an in depth examination of a major issue affecting the global community. Exact topic to be determined each semester by the instructor.

HST 378: The Great Cities (3 units)

"The Great Cities" is an annual course occurring during the May term. A professor from the department selects a city of historical significance (i.e London, Berlin, Washington D.C.) and leads a guided readings course through the city and surrounding areas. Travel cost is additional.

HST 419: Advanced Topics in History (3 units)

A research-oriented course that will focus on one specific aspect of history. It allows advanced students to study one aspect of history in depth with a view towards either graduate study or the President's Showcase for Undergraduate Research.

HST 451: The Enlightenment (3 units)

This course focuses on Europe and America in the 18th century through the French Revolution to the fall of Napoleon; the expansion of education, science and philosophy; the growth of the middle class and the beginnings of industrialism.

POL 490: Internship (3 units)

Internship in Politics. During you r Junior year (in most cases) an internship will be arranged at a local law firm, with the city, or in some capacity to get hands on pre-professional experience.

SOC 316: Ethnic and Minority Relations (3 units)

An analysis of ethnicity in contemporary urban society including relationships between subcultural communities and the larger society. Factors and processes in the formation of minority groups will be examined as well as strategies for changing dominant-minority patterns.

ENG 341: American Literature 1 (3 units)

A survey of American literature from its beginning to 1850. Includes journals, diaries, sermons and pamphlets. Emphasis on the writings of Irving, Hawthorne, Poe and Melville. Prerequisite: ENG 201.

ENG 342: American Literature 2 (3 units)

A survey of American literature from 1850 to 1945. Literary movements such as Realism, Naturalism, as well as the roots of modern American literature emphasized. Prerequisite: ENG 201.

ENG 441: Major American Writers (3 units)

Extensive reading and in-depth study of one or more significant American authors with special attention to their themes, literary techniques and traditions. Prerequisites: ENG 201, 271, 281 and 341 or 342 or consent of instructor.