Courses 

HISTORY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

HT 1133 Western Civilization I

This course surveys the development of western civilization from the Sumerians to the era of the Protestant Reformation.  Students will review the artistic, philosophical, religious, political, and scientific characteristics of the cultures surveyed in this course.  Fall, Spring.

 

HT 1143 Western Civilization II

This course surveys the development of western civilization and its interaction with major world communities and cultures from the Protestant Reformation to the end of the Cold War. Students will review the artistic, philosophical, religious, political, and scientific characteristics of the cultures surveyed in this course. Fall, Spring

 

HT 2233 United States History Before 1865

A study of Colonial America, the American Revolution, the Early National Experience, and the Civil War. Course objectives include a basic geographical understanding of the period and introductory development of historiographical and exam-writing skills.  Fall, Spring

 

HT 2243 United States History Since 1865

A study of Reconstruction, westward expansion, the development of political parties, American diplomacy, economic development, and the conduct of United States wars. Course objectives include a basic geographical understanding of the period and introductory development of historiographical and exam-writing skills.  Fall, Spring

 

HT 3033 Historical Research and Philosophy

This course reviews important philosophical principles and concepts associated with the mature study and practice of history while reviewing the corpus of historical study that students majoring in history have undertaken at Williams.  This course is also intended to sharpen the students research and communication skills.  This course is required of all history and BSE majors.  Spring, even years

 

HT 3323 The Emergence of Modern America: 1877-1919

An examination of the political, economic, constitutional, and social/cultural changes and developments in the United States from the end of Reconstruction through World War I. Emphasis is placed upon industrialization and urbanization, science and technology, westward expansion and relations with the Indian nations, economic and constitutional laissez faire, national politics, and progressivism. Course objectives include a geographical understanding of the period and the development of historiographical and critical- and exam-writing skills. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; HT 2243, or permission of the instructor . Spring, Odd Years

 

HT 3883 Twentieth-Century Europe

This course examines the history of Europe from the decade of the 1880's to the present.  Close attention is given to the origins and impact of the two world wars, the rise of fascism and communism, the end of colonialism, the beginning and end of the Cold War, and the decline of Soviet power. Spring, Even years

 

HT 3913 The Civil War

Students in this course consider the sectional conflict in the decade of the 1850's, the problems of the Northern and Southern governments during the war, the major military campaigns of the war, and the impact of the war upon the civilian population.  Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, HT 2233, or permission of the instructor. Spring, Odd Years

 

HT 3??3 Greco-Roman World

Students in this course consider the major contributions of the Greek and Roman civilizations to western civilization.  Beginning with the Emergence of Classical Greece and Alexander the Great, students will see the transition to the Roman Republic and Empire.  Cultural focus will be on political, philosophical, religious, artistic and literary contributions. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing, HT 1133, or permission of the instructor: Fall, Even Years.

 

HT 3933 History of Arkansas

This course reviews the cultural, social, economic, and political history of Arkansas from the preterritorial era to the present. Course objectives include a geographical understanding of the region and the development of historiographical and critical- and exam-writing skills. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; HT 2233, or permission of the instructor . Fall, Even Years, Summer

 

HT 4103 History of Islam

This course traces the rise and course of Islamic history with an emphasis on the life of Muhammad and the development of Islam=s theological, political and social structures.  The course also examines the Ottoman Empire, the Crusades and the vast and diverse geographical, religious, cultural and ethnic aspects of the modern Islamic world.  Fall, odd years

 

HT 4113 The American Republic:1787-1860

An analysis of the political, economic, military, constitutional, and social/cultural developments in the United States from the Philadelphia Convention through the antebellum period. Special emphasis is placed on the creation and development of the U.S. Constitution and its interpretation by the U.S. Supreme Court. Leading topics include development of the federal relationship, westward expansion and relations with the Indian nations, and African Americans and the institution of slavery, including the rise of the abolitionist movement and increasing sectional tensions. Course objectives include a geographical understanding of the period and the development of historiographical and critical- and exam-writing skills. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; HT 2233, or permission of the instructor . Fall, Even Years

 

HT 4443 Recent U.S. History: 1919-

A close examination of the political, economic, military, and social/cultural developments of the United States from the post-World War I period through the mid-twentieth century. Course objectives include a geographical understanding of the period and the development of historiographical and critical- and exam-writing skills. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; HT 2243, or permission of the instructor. Fall, Odd Years

 

HT 4??3 The American Revolution

An examination of the various factors leading to the American Revolution and in-depth analysis of the military, economic, political, and other difficulties faced by the newly-independent United States. Course objectives include a geographical understanding of the period and the development of historiographical and critical- and exam-writing skills. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; HT 2233, or permission of the instructor. Spring, Even Years

 

HT 4503 Directed Studies in History

This course is designed to provide the individual student with an intensive and rigorous reading program focused on a rather narrow topic in European history or United States history.  Course requirements will be established by the faculty supervisor.  Before enrolling the student must secure the approval of the appropriate instructor.  Prerequisite: HT 1133 and HT 1143 for European history; HT 2233 and HT 2243 for United States history.  On demand with the consent of the instructor

 

HT 4513 Special Studies in History

This course allows students to explore an important topic in a seminar setting.  Topics in special studies are selected by senior department faculty. On demand with the consent of the instructor

 

GEOGRAPHY

 

GE 3253 World Geography and Culture

A survey course designed to introduce the student to the major geographic regions of the world and the general physical, economic, and cultural aspects of those regions. Fall, Summer

 

GOVERNMENT

 

GT 2263 American Government

Initial focus centers on the Constitution and the organization, process, and function of the national government. The balance of the course concerns Federalism while working through various topics in United States History, including Judicial Nationalism, Nullification, Sectionalism, Due Process, the New Deal, and Civil Rights.  Fall, Summer