Undergraduate Studies
General Education Requirements
History majors must meet the university and college general education requirements. History courses that will satisfy the university's state requirement are:
| HIST 1001 | American Civilization to 1865 (MOTR HIST 101) | 3 |
| HIST 1002 | American Civilization 1865 to Present (MOTR HIST 102) | 3 |
| HIST 1003 | African-American History | 3 |
| HIST 2001 | Creating Early America: European Empires, Colonial Cultures, and Native Nations, 1565-1776 | 3 |
| HIST 2003 | United States History: From Nation to Civil War | 3 |
| HIST 2004 | United States History: The Civil War Era, 1860-1900 | 3 |
| HIST 2005 | The Modernization of The United States | 3 |
| HIST 2006 | Recent United States History | 3 |
| HIST 2007 | History Of Missouri | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | From Sea to Shining Sea: The American Frontier 1763 - 1890 | 3 |
| HIST 2020 | History of Women and Social Movements | 3 |
| HIST 2023 | US Foreign Relations and Military History to 1900 | 3 |
| HIST 2024 | US Foreign Relations and Military History Since 1900 | 3 |
| HIST 2800 | History of American Economic Development | 3 |
Students may take any language that fulfills the college's foreign language requirement.
Majors may not take required history courses on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students enrolled in variable credit reading courses for 5 credit hours must complete a seminar paper.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in History
Students are encouraged to move from introductory courses at the 1000 to more advanced content-oriented courses at the 2000 level then to skill oriented courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels. Majors must complete at least 33, but not more than 45, hours in history with no grade below C-.
| 1000 Level | ||
| Select three courses at the 1000 level | 9 | |
| 2000 and 3000 Level | ||
| HIST 2999 | Introduction to Historical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select an additional two to five courses at the 2000 and 3000 level. | 6-15 | |
| 4000 Level | ||
| Select two to four of the following courses at the 4000 level. | 6-14 | |
| Inquiries in U.S. History | ||
| Inquiries in World History | ||
| Senior Seminar 1 | ||
| 1 | Students seeking a degree with distinction must enroll in this course. |
Undergraduate majors must complete a residency minimum of 15 hours of 2000/3000/4000 level History courses including 6 credit hours of 4000 level courses at UMSL.
Departmental Honors
Students majoring in history may be awarded departmental honors upon graduation if they have achieved the following: a) at least a 3.2 overall GPA; b) at least a 3.5 GPA for all hours attempted in history courses; and c) an outstanding research paper in the Senior Seminar as certified by the faculty member responsible for directing it.
Learning Outcomes.
The following learning outcomes are anticipated in the successful completion of a Bachelor of Arts in History
- Build Historical Knowledge.
- Develop Research Skills.
- Recognize that knowledge is complex, sometimes ambiguous, and subject to ongoing reexaminations.
- Apply the range of analytical skills to evidence that is often incomplete, complex, and contradictory.
- Create historical arguments and narratives.
- Use historical perspective as central to active citizenship.
Minor in History
Students may minor in history by taking 19 hours of history courses as follows:
- Three courses numbered 1000 -1999 (9 credits)
- Three courses numbered 2000-3999, including History 2999 (10 credits)
No course in which a grade below a C- is received shall count toward a minor.
The Minor in History of Science and Technology
The Minor in History of Science and Technology (HST) is an interdisciplinary program requiring a minimum of 18 credits in HST.
All required courses must be completed with a "C" or higher. The satisfactory/unsatisfactory option may not be used. No transfer courses may be used towards the HST Minor. A minimum of 12 hours must be taken at 2000 and above with 9 of those hours being at 3000 or above. Courses in the upper division may satisfy requirements for the student’s major, consistently with the major’s requirements.
Requirements
| Logic or Methodology | ||
| Select one of the following in either logic or methodology: | 3 | |
| Practicum In Cultural Research Methods | ||
| Laboratory Methods In Archaeology | ||
| Introduction to Historical Inquiry | ||
| Formal Logic | ||
| Advanced Formal Logic | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| History | ||
| Select two of the following in history of science and technology: | 6 | |
| History Of Economic Thought | ||
| Religion, Philosophy & Science in History: Introduction to The Intellectual History Of The West | ||
| Introduction To Transportation | ||
| History Of Aviation In American Life | ||
| Urbanization And Transportation | ||
| Inquiries in World History | ||
| Topics In History And Philosophy Of Science | ||
| Conceptual and Historical Foundations of Psychology | ||
| Science | ||
| Select 9 credit hours in the mathematical, physical, life, behavioral, or social sciences 2 | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
| 1 | Note: HIST 4143 is offered under different topics; only the specific topic listed here counts as HPST. |
| 2 | The science courses must be in addition to those satisfying the Gen Ed requirements and conditional upon their acceptance by the HST undergraduate advisor. |
Prerequisites:
Some courses required by the Minor in History have prerequisites. (It should be particularly noted that all 3000 level History courses require HIST 2999.) Some students may satisfy prerequisites by virtue of their prior curriculum. When this is not the case, students are responsible for either satisfying the prerequisites by adding courses to their curriculum or obtaining a waiver from the instructor.
Alternative courses to satisfy the History requirements:
Some courses may satisfy the History requirement even though they are not listed as such, depending on what their content is. These include variable content courses, courses at the Honors College, and history of philosophy courses. If a course that deals with some aspect of History and should satisfy a requirement is not listed among those satisfying the requirements, you may do the following:
- Obtain the description of what the course will cover.
- Write a very short explanation of why the course ought to count toward satisfaction of the requirement, by showing how it deals with the relevant aspect of History.
- Submit both to the History undergraduate advisor for approval.
Bachelor of Liberal Studies Option:
A minor in history may be combined with a minor in the Philosophy of Science and Technology and a capstone to form a Bachelor of Liberal Studies. The relevant capstones are either HIST 4999 or PHIL 4491. Since students taking HIST 4999 must have taken HIST 2999, it is suggest such students use to satisfy the Logic and Methodology requirement. Students can use the same course to satisfy the Logic and Methodology requirement of both minors, but cannot use the same science courses. Also, a Bachelor of Liberal Studies program is easily combined, in turn, with a major in any science as a double major. This provides the student with a deeper historical and conceptual understanding of the science(s) he or she is studying.
Related Areas
Since history is a broad discipline, it can be combined with serious work in any other discipline. Courses in the humanities, social sciences, languages, and the natural sciences may complement the history program. Students should consult with faculty advisers to select courses suited to their individual interests.
B.S. Ed. in Secondary Education with Emphasis in History
The B.S. Ed. is a professional education degree designed for students who wish to pursue a teaching career in secondary schools. Much of the discipline-specific coursework parallels the B.A. degree in the discipline; however, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires specific coursework for teacher certification. Therefore, students interested in the B.S. Ed. should contact the advising office (OASIS) 314-516-5937 in the College of Education for discipline-specific requirements. Note: To obtain teaching certification, DESE requires a 3.0 GPA in the discipline and professional education coursework, as well as a 2.75 GPA overall.
B.A. in History with Master’s Level Coursework for Secondary Teacher Certification
In addition to the B.S. Ed., students may opt to complete a B.A. degree in their discipline as an undergraduate, followed by admission to the Graduate School for Master’s level teaching certification. The College of Education has a one-year accelerated program for post-graduate certification called Teach in 12, or students can choose a traditional path to certification. Graduate coursework for certification can apply towards a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, with additional coursework. Students interested in Master’s Level teacher certification should contact the advising office (OASIS) 314-516-5937 in the College of Education. Note: To obtain teaching certification, DESE requires a 3.0 GPA in the discipline and professional education coursework, as well as a 2.75 GPA overall.
Graduate Studies
The department offers the M.A. in History, the M.A. in Museums, Heritage, and Public History, and two Graduate Certificates: History Education and Museums, Heritage, and Public History. Certificates may be completed individually or as concentrations within the History M.A. or M.Ed. in Secondary Education or M.Ed. In Community Education. Qualified students may enter the MA through two different routes, either as graduates with a baccalaureate degree or as exceptional undergraduates via the 2 + 3 program.
The M.A. Degree
The Department of History offers two degrees: the Master of Arts in History and the Master of Arts in Museums, Heritage, and Public History. These options are described below.
Master of Arts in History
The History M.A. program offers study in U.S. History, World History, History Education, Public History and Cultural Heritage, and Museum Studies. All students receive disciplined advanced work in preparation for doctoral programs or advanced training leading to teaching or other careers. Students select one of two options for completing the Master of Arts degree: thesis or research papers. The first path requires a substantial master's thesis; this path emphasizes depth of knowledge and research competence. The second path requires several research papers. This path emphasizes breadth of historical knowledge. Both paths include a core of courses in history (see Core below). Students should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies to be sure that they have properly selected their fields of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet several departmental admission requirements in addition to the general criteria of the Graduate School. The applicant's undergraduate studies need not have been in history, but they must demonstrate high academic potential.Normally, only students with a 3.2 grade point average (3.35 for the online degree) in their undergraduate major are admitted; most successful applicants have higher grades.
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from former teachers, and a sample of their written work. The History Department bases its admission decisions upon the undergraduate transcript, the letters of recommendation, and the sample of written work. The deadlines for applications are March 15th for the Fall semester and October 15th for the Spring semester. Applications will be accepted after these deadlines but admission for the upcoming semester is not guaranteed.
Core
All candidates for the M.A. degree in history must complete a core of 26 hours of course work (excluding thesis credit), with no more than nine hours of history and related fields at the 5000 level. This 26-hour core must include seven courses at 3 credit hours each (21 hours in all), and one 5-credit-hour writing seminar consisting of a 2-credit-hour research paper supplement to a 3-credit-hour, 6000-level history readings course.
To earn the 26-hour core, candidates must complete HIST 6000 and select at least one field of study with a minimum of three courses (each at 3 credit hours or more.) Students may use the remaining hours to complete a second field.
In addition to this core, each candidate must select one of the two following degree options:
- Thesis Option--32 hours total
In addition to the core, the candidate choosing this option must enroll for 6 hours of thesis credit and submit an acceptable thesis. The thesis is based on original research in primary sources. Normally, theses do not exceed 100 pages of text. Candidates receive a grade for the thesis upon its approval by an advisory committee. The committee consists of professors selected by the candidate after consultation with the major professor. One member of the committee must be from the department but outside the candidate's general area of study, and one may be outside the history department.
The advisory committee conducts an oral examination on the thesis during the candidate's last semester of residence.
The committee decides whether the candidate shall pass, fail, or fail with the option to repeat the oral examination at a later date. Students may not take the oral examination more than twice. The second examination must be held no less than one and no more than two semesters following the date of the first examination. Summer session may be counted as a semester under this procedure, but students should be aware of the difficulties involved in assembling faculty committees during the summer.
Thesis candidates must demonstrate competence in one foreign language or in quantitative methods as applied to historical study. Candidates shall demonstrate foreign language competence by translating, with the use of a dictionary, 500 words in one hour. Normally a member of the history faculty will conduct this examination and choose the test for translation. Candidates shall demonstrate quantitative methods competence by satisfactory completion of either PSYCH 2201 Psychological Statistics or SOC 3220 Sociological Statistics, or their equivalent.
- Research Paper Option-36 hours total
To complete this option, the candidate must complete two 5-credit-hour seminars (each consisting of a 6000-level reading seminar plus 2 credit hours of supplementary work on a substantial research paper), in addition to the core. The candidate may choose a fourth field in addition to the three already represented in the core to complete this option.
MA in History with an emphasis in Museums, Heritage, and Public History
The MA in History with a Museums, Heritage, and Public History emphasis joins theoretical and practical study at an advanced level to prepare students for careers in museums, heritage institutions, historic sites and societies, and related organizations. The program works closely with cultural resources in St Louis, particularly the city’s many museums and historic sites. We focus on community engagement, the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study of material culture, interpreting and debating the past, new media and public education, and research in archival and material collections. Our graduates work in art museums, history museums, science centers, historic house museums, and other cultural institutions across the United States and internationally.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students for the Master of Arts in Museums, Heritage, and Public History must apply specifically for this program on the graduate application. Applications for the Master of Arts in Museums, Heritage, and Public History will be accepted only for the fall semester.
Prospective students must demonstrate high academic potential. Typically, the History department admits only students with at least a 3.2 grade point average in their undergraduate major; most successful applicants have higher grades. An undergraduate major in History is not required for admission to this program. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from former teachers and/or employers, and a sample of their written work. Applicants must also complete the Museums, Heritage, and Public History Supplemental Application, which includes a statement of career intent.
Admissions decisions are based on the undergraduate transcript, the letters of recommendation, the sample of written work, and the supplemental application.
Applications must be received by the university no later than February 1.
Program Requirements (34 hours)
All candidates for the MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History must complete the following core courses (20 hours):
| HIST 6000 | The Historian's Craft | 3 |
| HIST 6001 | Introduction to Public History and Cultural Heritage | 3 |
| HIST 6002 | Material Culture in Historical Context | 3 |
| or HIST 6134 | History Curatorship | |
| HIST 6131 | Museum Origins and Evolution | 3 |
| HIST 6142 | Readings in U.S. History | 5 |
| or HIST 6143 | Readings in World History | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Practicum in Public History and Cultural Heritage | ||
| Museums and Communities | ||
| Emerging Museum Practices | ||
| Total Hours | 20 | |
Candidates must also complete 10 credit hours of elective courses. These may include courses listed above, if not already taken for the core, or additional courses which may include the following:
| ANTHRO 4309 | Archaeological Field School | 3 |
| HIST/ART HS 5592 | The History of the Visual Arts in American Museums | 3 |
| ART HS 5593 | Museum Management & Curatorial Practice | 3 |
| HIST 6130 | Collections Management and Registration | 3 |
| HIST 6133 | Museums and History in the Digital Age | 3 |
| HIST 6137 | Museum Organization and Operations | 3 |
| POL SCI 6300 | Leadership and Management in NonProfit Organizations | 3 |
| P P ADM 6311 | Staff Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations | 1 |
| P P ADM 6312 | Legal Issues in Managing Nonprofit Organizations | 1 |
| P P ADM 6313 | Financial Issues in Managing Nonprofit Organizations | 1 |
Students may substitute other courses with approval of the Director of the Museums, Heritage, and Public History program. For courses outside the History Department, a maximum of six credits may be at the 3000 level. No 3000 level courses may be taken for graduate credit within the History Department.
Candidates conclude the degree with an internship or exit project represented by the course numbered HIST 6138 (4 credits). This capstone project will be customized to the interests and career aspirations of each student, as approved in advance by the Director.
In addition to these requirements, candidates for the MA in Museums, Heritage, and Public History are required to demonstrate either oral or written proficiency in one second language (in addition to English) by completing an appropriate language test. The test will be designed through consultation with the candidate and the faculty of the Department of Language and Cultural Studies.
The 2+3 B.A. and M.A. in History
The 2+3 B.A./B.S. – Ed and M.A. in History enables students of demonstrated academic ability and educational maturity to complete the requirements for both degrees in five years of full-time study. Because of its accelerated nature, the program requires the completion of lower-division requirements (15 hours) before entry into the three-year portion of the program. It also has prerequisites numbered 5000-5999 for graduate readings courses numbered 6000-6999. When all the requirements of the B.A/B.S. – Ed. and M.A. program have been completed, students will be awarded both the baccalaureate and master’s degrees. A carefully designed program can permit a student to earn both degrees within as few as ten semesters.
The combined program requires a minimum of 137 hours, at least 5 of which must be at the senior level (HIST 4999) and at least 32 of which must be at the graduate level (courses numbered in the 5000 and 6000 range). In qualifying for the B.A. or B.S. – Ed., students must meet all university and college requirements, including the requirements of the undergraduate major. In qualifying for the M.A., students must meet all university and Graduate School requirements, including satisfactory completion of at least 32 credit hours at the graduate level.
The semester they will complete 62 undergraduate credit hours, (including 15 credit hours of appropriate 1000-level coursework in the History Department and ART ED 5588) interested students should apply to the Graduate Director of the Department of History for admission to the 2+3 combined degree program in History. A cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher in history courses, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation from faculty are required for consideration. Students will be admitted to the 2+3 program under provisional status until they have completed 105 total credit hours toward their BA degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. After completion of the provisional period, and with the recommendation of the graduate director, and approval of the graduate dean, students can be granted full admission into the program. Students will not be admitted to the program, if they have accumulated more than 105 credits. Students in the 2+3 program begin to pay graduate credit hour fees once they exceed the 105 credit hour threshold. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher throughout the combined program. Students who officially withdraw from the 2+3 combined degree program will be awarded the B.A. or B.S. – Ed. Degree when they have successfully completed all the requirements for the degree.
Undergraduate History Requirements For Students in the 2+3 Program
The following requirements must be completed prior to enrolling in the 2+3 Program:
| Three 1000-level courses | 9 | |
| HIST 2999 | Introduction to Historical Inquiry (must receive a grade of C or higher ) | 4 |
| Two additional 2000-3000 level courses | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 19 | |
Once admitted to the program students must take the following courses:
Additional Undergraduate History Requirements For Students in the 2+3 Program:
HIST 4999, Senior Seminar (5).
Graduate History Requirements For Students in the 2+3 Program
- Three courses at the 5000-level for 9 credit hours.
- Five courses at the 6000-level for 17 credits beginning with HIST 6000 (students must take two of their three 5000-level courses prior to enrolling in HIST 6000), followed by at least three courses in a major field of study and one 5-credit course.
- In addition to this core, each candidate must select one of the two following degree options:
- Thesis Option –32 hours total
In addition to the fulfilling the requirements listed above, the candidate choosing this option must enroll for 6 hours of thesis credit and submit an acceptable thesis. The thesis is based on original research in primary sources. Normally, theses do not exceed 100 pages of text. Candidates receive a grade for the thesis upon its approval by an advisory committee. The committee consists of professors selected by the candidate after consultation with the major professor. One member of the committee must be from the department but outside the candidate’s general area of study, and one may be outside the history department.
The advisory committee conducts an oral examination on the thesis during the candidate’s last semester of residence.
The committee decides whether the candidate shall pass, fail or fail with the option to repeat the oral examination at a later date. Students may not take the oral examination more than twice. The second examination must be held no less than one and no more than two semesters following the date of the first examination. Summer session may be counted as a semester under this procedure, but students should be aware of the difficulties involved in assembling faculty committees during the summer.
Thesis candidates must demonstrate competence in one foreign language or in quantitative methods as applied to historical study. Candidates shall demonstrate foreign language competence by translating, with the use of a dictionary, 500 words in one hour. A member of the history faculty will conduct this examination and choose the test for translation. Candidates shall demonstrate quantitative methods competence by satisfactory completion of either PSYCH 2201, Psychological Statistics or SOC 3220, Sociological Statistics, or their equivalent.
- Research Paper Option
To complete this option, the candidate must complete two additional 5-credit hour seminars (each consisting of a 6000-level reading seminar plus 2 credit hours of supplementary work on a substantial research paper.) The candidate may choose a fourth field in addition to the three already represented in the core to complete this option.
- Thesis Option –32 hours total
Graduate Certificate in Museums, Heritage and Public History
The Graduate Certificate in Museums, Heritage, and Public History provides interdisciplinary professional and academic training for museum professionals and others who seek to develop their practical skills and knowledge to work in the heritage sector.
All those who wish to be considered for the Graduate Certificate in Museums, Heritage, and Public History should designate this certificate program on their application to the graduate school, submit three letters of recommendation and a writing sample, and complete the Museums, Heritage, and Public History supplemental application with their application for graduate work. Applicants who wish to pursue the Graduate Certificate in Museums, Heritage, and Public History normally must have a Master’s degree and a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Prospective students who wish to pursue the Graduate Certificate in Museums, Heritage, and Public History in conjunction with another graduate program should follow the normal application procedures for that program in addition to those for this certificate.
Admissions decisions are based on transcripts, the letters of recommendation, the sample of written work, and the supplemental application.
The program will accept applications twice per year, once for the fall semester and once for the spring.
Program Requirements (18 hours)
All candidates for Graduate Certificate in Museums, Heritage, and Public History must complete the following core courses (12 hours):
| HIST 6001 | Introduction to Public History and Cultural Heritage | 3 |
| HIST 6002 | Material Culture in Historical Context | 3 |
| or HIST 6134 | History Curatorship | |
| HIST 6131 | Museum Origins and Evolution | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Practicum in Public History and Cultural Heritage | ||
| Museums and Communities | ||
| Emerging Museum Practices | ||
| Students must also complete an additional 2 elective courses (6 hours) as approved by the Director of Museums, Heritage, and Public History. | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Graduate Certificate in History Education
The Graduate Certificate in History Education is designed for practicing teachers, instructional coordinators, and history educators in the community who are seeking to deepen their knowledge of history education. It offers history and social studies educators a program that integrates historical and educational knowledge, theory, and practice. The purpose of the certificate is to improve the practice of history education in schools and the community, to introduce history educators to research in the field, to deepen their historical knowledge, and to encourage sophisticated teaching and curriculum development built on research at the intersection of history and the learning sciences.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed this graduate certificate program, and other important information, please visit our Gainful Employment Disclosure website: http://umsl.edu/go/Bpa.
Admission Requirements
Applicants wishing to pursue the Graduate Certificate in History Education in conjunction with an MA degree or an MED should follow the normal application procedures for their respective Master’s level program. Applicants wishing to pursue the Graduate Certificate in History Education alone normally must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and should apply specifically for this certificate program and submit three letters of recommendation and a writing sample along with their application.
Program Requirements
All candidates for Graduate Certificate in History Education must complete:
| HIST 6013 | 3 | |
| HIST/TCH ED 6115 | Historical Thinking in Research and Practice | 3 |
Students must take an additional twelve credits at the graduate level in History or Education courses as approved by the Program Director.
Career Outlook for B. A. and M. A. graduates
Study and research in history sharpens organizational and writing skills important to success in a variety of fields. Men and women in business, education, law, banking, libraries, and foreign service all find it relevant to their careers. A growing interest in local history has created employment opportunities in museum, archival, and preservation work. Responses to a questionnaire sent to history graduates have indicated that alumni in a wide variety of fields are as conscious of and appreciative of their training in history as those who have chosen it as a profession. For more information on the national outlook for history majors, see the American Historical Association's Career Resources website.
Career Outlook for M. A. in Museums, Heritage, and Public History
According to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, there are more than 35,000 museums in the United States, employing more than 400,000 individuals. History museums constitute forty-eight percent of the total museums in the country; there are more than 16,800 historical societies and historic preservation organizations alone. While job requirements vary among individual institutions and specific professional roles, the MA degree offered by this program qualifies graduates for a wide range of careers in the museum and heritage field. Faculty and mentors in the Museum Studies Program provide students with placement assistance, counseling, and access to information on career opportunities. Our alumni are employed at institutions around the country, from Santa Fe to Philadelphia, Minneapolis to Dallas.
History Department Program Outcomes
The History Department offers a bachelor of arts and has identified what students will know and be able to do after completing the program. Explore this page to learn more about the opportunities the degree program provides. Click a shortcut to jump down to view the minor.
BA in History
Latina/Latino Studies Minor
B.A. in History
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Build historical knowledge.
- Gather and contextualize information in order to convey both the particularity of past lives and the scale of human experience.
- Recognize how humans in the past shaped their own unique historical moments and were shaped by those moments.
- Develop a body of historical knowledge with breadth of time and place—as well as depth of detail—in order to discern context.
- Distinguish the past from our very different present.
- Develop research methods.
- Recognize history as an interpretive account of the human past—one that historians create in the present from surviving evidence.
- Collect, sift, organize, question, synthesize, and interpret complex material.
- Practice ethical historical inquiry that makes use of and acknowledges sources from the past as well as the scholars who have interpreted that past.
- Develop empathy toward people in the context of their distinctive historical moments.
- Recognize that Historical knowledge is complex, sometimes ambiguous, and subject to ongoing reexamination.
- Welcome contradictory perspectives and data, which enable us to provide more accurate accounts and construct stronger arguments.
- Describe past events from multiple perspectives.
- Explain and justify multiple causes of complex events and phenomena using conflicting sources.
- Identify, summarize, appraise, and synthesize other scholars’ historical arguments.
- Apply the range of historical thinking skills to evidence that is often incomplete, complex, and contradictory.
- Consider a variety of historical sources for credibility, position, perspective, and relevance.
- Evaluate historical arguments, explaining how they were constructed and might be improved.
- Revise analyses and narratives when new evidence requires it.
- Create historical arguments and narratives and effectively communicate them.
- Generate substantive, open-ended questions about the past and develop research strategies to answer them.
- Craft well-supported historical narratives, arguments, and reports of research findings in a variety of media for a variety of audiences.
- Use historical perspective as central to active citizenship.
- Apply historical knowledge and historical thinking to contemporary issues.
- Develop positions that reflect deliberation, cooperation, and diverse perspectives.
Minor in Latina/Latino Studies
Students completing the minor in Latina/Latino Studies will be able to:
- Read, interpret evidence, and draw conclusions about the role and contributions of Latinxs to the history, culture, economy, language, politics, and social experiences of the United States;
- Communicate ideas about Latinxs, Latinx communities, and race, gender, class, and ethnicity in evidence-based presentations, writings, and new media;
- Apply a foundational understanding of Latinxs, Latinx communities, and complexities of race, gender, class, and ethnicity to new situations, questions, and concerns.
Sample Four Year Plan
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| INTDSC 10031 | 1 | HIST 1000 level: Non-European/American History | 3 |
| HIST 1000 level: US History | 3 | HIST 1000 level course | 3 |
| HIST 1000 level: European History | 3 | Foreign Language 1002 | 5 |
| Foreign Language 1001 | 5 | CORE - Mathematics Proficiency | 3 |
| CORE - First Year Writing | 3 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| HIST 2000-3999 level course | 3 | HIST 2999 | 4 |
| HIST 1000 level course | 3 | CORE - Communication Proficiency | 3 |
| Foreign Language 2101 | 3 | EXPLORE - Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Math & Sciences | 3 | Elective or minor | 6 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| HIST 2000-3999 level course | 3 | HIST 4143 | 3 |
| ENGL 3100 | 3 | HIST 2000-3999 level course | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Social Sciences | 3 | EXPLORE - Math & Sciences | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 6 | Elective or minor | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| HIST 4003 | 3 | HIST 4999 | 5 |
| EXPLORE - Math & Sciences | 3 | EXPLORE - Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 | Elective or minor | 7 |
| Elective or minor | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours: 120 | |||
| 1 | INTDSC 1003 is required only for first-time freshmen and transfer students with less than 24 college credits. |
PLEASE NOTE: This plan is an example of what a four year plan could look like for a typical student. Placement exam scores in math as well as the completion of coursework may change the plan. It should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. All requirements are subject to change.
Courses
HIST 1000 Selected Topics in History: 1-3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Special topics in history. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.
HIST 1001 American Civilization to 1865 (MOTR HIST 101): 3 semester hours
Evolution of the cultural tradition of the Americas from the earliest times to the mid-nineteenth century, with emphasis on the relationship of ideas and institutions to the historical background. Course fulfills the state requirement.
HIST 1002 American Civilization 1865 to Present (MOTR HIST 102): 3 semester hours
Continuation of HIST 1001 to the present. Course fulfills the state requirement. Either HIST 1001 or HIST 1002 taken separately.
HIST 1003 African-American History: 3 semester hours
A survey of African-American history from the beginning of the European slave trade to the modern Civil Rights era. This course meets the state requirement.
HIST 1007 Introduction to African and African American Studies: 3 semester hours
This course engages the historical, cultural, literary, artistic, and theoretical expressions of the peoples and cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora. Designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and literature in the of discipline of African and African American Studies, the course will include presentations from faculty members and local professionals on their particular disciplinary approach, their research, or professional life.
HIST 1010 U.S. Business History: 3 semester hours
This course explores key developments in the business and economic history of America from the founding to the present. It offers foundational knowledge of the history of American business, connecting it to key issues in American history.
HIST 1030 Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire: 3 semester hours
This course surveys ancient history in the near east, the Aegean, the central and western Mediterranean. Themes: politics and economy, war and society, culture, including art, literature, technology, religion and philosophy. The chronological span is from the Neolithic Period (7500-3000 B.C.) in the near east to the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century A.D.
HIST 1031 From the Middle Ages to the Age of Revolutions (MOTR WCIV 101): 3 semester hours
This course focuses on lectures and discussions based on the development of western European society and tradition from approximately 1000 to 1715.
HIST 1032 Topics in European Civilization: 1715 to the Present (MOTR WCIV 102): 3 semester hours
Lectures and discussions on the development of western European society and tradition from 1715 to the present.
HIST 1037 The Wonders of Greece: Introduction to Greek History and Culture: 3 semester hours
Same as ANTHRO 1037. Our democracy and culture have been heavily influenced by Greek civilization. This course will introduce students to the culture and civilization of Greece in order to provide a better understanding of our own society. The course will cover the political and military history, art, literature, philosophy, and science of Greece from prehistoric to modern times, with special emphasis on Greek civilization's enduring democratic and cultural ideals. The course will include screening of films and use of online resources.
HIST 1038 Byzantine History and Culture: 3 semester hours
Same as ANTHRO 1038. This course introduces the history of the Byzantine Empire from the fourth through the fifteen centuries. Covering more than a millennium of history, this course focuses on selected aspects of the empire’s history, while adhering to a basic chronological frame. We will examine religious developments (monasticism, theological controversy, the Catholic-Orthodox Schism); military and cultural interactions with neighbors (Crusaders, Islam); and Byzantine culture, particularly art, literature, and architecture.
HIST 1041 East Asian Civilization: 3 semester hours
The development of Asian civilization from earliest times to the Manchu conquest.
HIST 1042 East Asian Civilization: 3 semester hours
Continuation of HIST 1041 with emphasis on the Asian response to the Western incursion. Either HIST 1041 or HIST 1042 may be taken separately.
HIST 1051 Latin American Civilization: 3 semester hours
A survey of selected topics important in the development of Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the twentieth century.
HIST 1052 Mexican Civilization: 3 semester hours
This course will focus on the history and culture of Mexico from the Aztecs to the mid-twentieth century. Among the topics to be covered are: the Aztecs, Cortez and the Conquest of Mexico, colonial institutions and culture, the obtaining of political independence, disorder and dictatorship in the nineteenth century, the Mexican Revolution, contemporary Mexico. This course meets the non-Euro-American requirement.
HIST 1061 African Civilization: from the Beginning of Humanity to the End of the Slave Trade: 3 semester hours
Introduction to cultural history from the emergence of early humankind to the abolition of the Atlantic slave trade. This course fulfills the Cultural Diversity requirement.
HIST 1062 African Civilization II: From Colonies to Nations: 3 semester hours
Survey of African initiative and response in the period spanning the loss and reassertion of independence. Either HIST 1061 or HIST 1062 may be taken separately.
HIST 1075 World History to 1500: 3 semester hours
A survey of the history of humankind to 1500 including the beginnings of civilization Mesopotamia, Africa, Asia and the Americas, the rise of Classical civilizations and the development of major transnational social, economic, political and religious networks.
HIST 1076 World History Since 1500: 3 semester hours
A survey of the history of humankind since 1500, emphasizing the growing interdependency of regional economic, political, and social systems. Topics will include imperialism, industrialization, and globalization.
HIST 1111 Reacting to the Past: 4 semester hours
Reacting to the Past is a series of historical simulations built around key moments and texts from the past. In each simulation, students are assigned a role and develop that character. The course offers students a rigorous academic experience in which they conduct historical research, speak, and write extensively. Because this course requires extensive writing, it fulfills the requirement for Freshman Composition.
HIST 1776 History of American Leadership: 3 semester hours
An introduction to the study of leaders in America that will cover different categories of political, cultural, social, and intellectual leadership and achievement. Crucial to the understanding of these categories is the question: how did leaders find their gift in becoming who they were and what leadership traits can be identified in the different categories under scrutiny.
HIST 1999 Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present: 3 semester hours
Same as INTDSC 1999. An introduction to the humanities, social science, and science disciplines through a sweeping overview of natural and human history from the Big Bang to the present. Course will include lectures from faculty in various Arts and Sciences units, films, and group discussions.
HIST 1999A Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present: 6 semester hours
Same As INTDSC 1999A. An introduction to the humanities, social science, and science disciplines through a sweeping overview of natural and human history from the Big Bang to the present. Course will include lectures from faculty in various Arts and Sciences units, films, field trips, and group discussions.
HIST 2000 Selected Topics in History: 1-4 semester hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Special topics in history. The course may be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor.
HIST 2001 Creating Early America: European Empires, Colonial Cultures, and Native Nations, 1565-1776: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. This content-rich course explores the transatlantic migrations and Indian interactions that laid the foundations of the American nation before 1776.
HIST 2002 Introduction to Latina/Latino Studies: 3 semester hours
One of two mandatory courses in UMSL's new Latina/Latino Studies Program, this course introduces the experiences and conditions of U.S. Latina/Latinos of Caribbean, Latin American, and, especially, Mexican decent. Students examine how people from Hispanic- and Indo-America are both incorporated into American culture, history, and occupational life and often marginalized as either outsiders or foreign. The course studies how historical forces push and pull people from Latin America to the United States, where they create new U.S. ethnic, racial and local identities. Using films, novels/memoirs, music, and art as windows, students will identify patterns of identity formation, ethnic culture, community politics, labor struggles, and social mobility, and will map the heterogeneous mosaic of Latin American and Caribbean diasporas and communities.
HIST 2003 United States History: From Nation to Civil War: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. The "Era of Good Feelings"; the Age of Jackson; manifest destiny; the political and social developments of the antebellum period relating to the growth of sectionalism and the developing antislavery crusade.
HIST 2004 United States History: The Civil War Era, 1860-1900: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. The Civil War, Reconstruction, industrial and urban expansion and their impact on American life.
HIST 2005 The Modernization of The United States: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Studies in the economic, political and social development and crises of the maturing industrial United States between 1877 and 1940, and the growing importance of foreign relations.
HIST 2006 Recent United States History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. The economic, political and social developments and crises of post-industrial United States. The role of foreign affairs in American life.
HIST 2007 History Of Missouri: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Lecture and readings. Seventeenth-century Spanish and French explorations and interaction with the Indians; settlement and organization of the Louisiana territory; lead mining and the fur trade; the Louisiana Purchase; the Missouri territory; the struggle for statehood and slavery; antebellum politics; banking and internal improvements; westward expansion; Civil War and reconstruction; postwar agrarian politics, industrialization; Irish, German, and southern European immigration; the Progressive reforms--Political and economic changes; and twentieth-century social changes and political developments. Course satisfies the state requirement.
HIST 2008 History of St. Louis: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or the consent of the instructor. This course will provide an overview of the history of the St. Louis metropolitan region from its founding in 1764 to the present. Main topics will include: the St. Louis region before the Europeans, forces leading to the founding of the city, St. Louis as an "urban frontier", the Age of Steam on water and rail, the questions of slavery and the Civil War, St. Louis in the Gilded Age, the World's Fair, early efforts at city planning, impact of the automobile, St. Louis during the Depression and World War II, post-war suburbanization, urbal renewal St. Louis style, school desegregation, the Schoemehl years, the emergence of St. Louis "Edge Cities", and St. Louis 2004.
HIST 2010 From Sea to Shining Sea: The American Frontier 1763 - 1890: 3 semester hours
This is a history of the colonization of the Great West, from the end of the French and Indian War to the official closing of the frontier in 1890. The westward movement will be examined as a major factor in explaining American development.
HIST 2012 The Indian in American History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. Investigates Native American encounters with non-Indian peoples between 1600 and 1900, analyzing how traditional Indian cultures changed to meet a variety of new challenges introduced to North America by Europeans and Africans. The approach will be interdisciplinary and ethnohistorical with emphasis placed on case studies of important native nations at key turning points in their history.
HIST 2013 The Rise and Fall of American Cities: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. The physical and spatial growth of U.S. cities from colonial times to the present with special attention to the impact of industrialization, public policy, and advances in transportation technology.
HIST 2015 Topics in African-American History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Will explore a salient topic in African-American history. Such historical documents as personal narratives, letters, government documents, and autobiographies as well as monographs, articles, and other secondary sources will be used to explore topics such as slavery and slave culture in the United States; blacks and America's wars; the African-American intellectual tradition; or, African-Americans and the Great Migration.
HIST 2017 African-American History: From Civil Rights to Black Power: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. A seminar on the activities, ideas, movement centers, and personalities that created the Civil Rights and Black Power movements in the U.S. from the 1950's through the 1970's. Some familiarity with the broad contours of U.S. History is presupposed. Special attention will be devoted to the roles of the African-American masses, college students, and women, and to the points of conflict, cooperation, and intersection between African-America and the larger American society.
HIST 2020 History of Women and Social Movements: 3 semester hours
Same as GS 2020. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course explores the history of women and social movements in the nineteenth and twentieth century United States. It considers social and political movements such as abolitionism, women's suffrage, progressivism, the labor movement, the civil rights movement, and second wave feminism.
HIST 2021 War and Violence in Modern Times: 3 semester hours
Same as MVS 2021. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course examines the connections between warfare and resistance, gangs and poverty, and state and non-state officials as enactors of violence. It explores the effects of war and violence on the poor in Brazil and the United States, prisoners of war in Asia, and resistance fighters in Latin America.
HIST 2022 The Automobile and American Life: 3 semester hours
This course uses the automobile as a window into 20th-century American life. It examines the influence of automobility on patterns of work and leisure; on struggles over gender, race and ethnicity; on individualism, consumerism, and government regulation. It also surveys mass automobility's effects on our physical and natural environments and looks at future prospects of automobility in the information age.
HIST 2023 US Foreign Relations and Military History to 1900: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. This course surveys the development of American land and sea power from the start of the colonial era to 1900. It emphasizes the interrelationship between U.S. foreign and military policies.
HIST 2024 US Foreign Relations and Military History Since 1900: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. This course surveys the development of American land, sea, air, space, and cyber power from 1900 to the present. It emphasizes the interrelationship between U.S. foreign and military policies.
HIST 2028 Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n Roll: The 1960s in Song, Fashion, Dating, and Protest: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course examines the turbulent 1960s and the period's identification with sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll by looking historically at drugs, music, and changes in gender roles. It uses these histories to explore the cultural and political movements of the 1960s (1955 through 1973)-civil rights, black power, new left, antiwar, and feminist movements-along with the emergence of the counterculture, hallucinogenic drugs, the sexual revolution, and the whole hip scene. The class is discussion-based. There is a mid-term exam and several assignments, including a class presentation and papers on readings, music, and movies.
HIST 2030 History of U.S. Immigration: 3 semester hours
This course examines the history of free and forced newcomers to the U.S. and their descendants, including the conditions that they faced upon arrival and their subsequent struggles for political, social, and economic rights and freedoms. It explores the legal foundations that grounded the admission of certain newcomers and the exclusion or marginalization of others and how these shaped the experiences of these populations.
HIST 2063 African Diaspora to Abolition of the Slave Trade: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Comparative in scope, the course examines major themes in West and Central Africa and their impact on the history of Africans in the Atlantic diaspora up to 1800. Themes include: slavery, multi-racialism, economics of the South Atlantic system, political dimensions and the social transformation from heterogeneous crowds to new and homogeneous communities. Linkages between Africans and their descendants in the Atlantic communities of Latin America, the Caribbean, as well as North America will be stressed. This course fulfills the Cultural Diversity requirement.
HIST 2064 African Diaspora in the Age of Migration: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Comparative in scope, this course uses a comparative methodology to examine the major themes in West and Central Africa and their impact on the history of Africans in the Atlantic diaspora after 1800. This course fulfills the Cultural Diversity requirement.
HIST 2066 Women and Gender in African History: 3 semester hours
Same as GS 2066. This course will explore the history of Africa, highlighting African women's lives, experiences, and agency, and questioning the application of Western concepts of gender to an African setting.
HIST 2067 African History through Fiction and Film: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course will examine modern African history with literature and film, focusing on works that have poignantly captured important events in African history-slavery, colonialism, independence, and more.
HIST 2082 Christianity: From Jesus to Martin Luther: 3 semester hours
The purpose of this course is to orient students in the scholarship about the Christian Church in the Western tradition as an institution. Open discussion is encouraged, and all traditions will be respected in the interest of expanding our knowledge of the past as well of as the living communities today.
HIST 2083 Europe in Early Middle Ages: Paganism to Christianity: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. The end of the Roman Empire as a universal entity; the successor states of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe; the emergence of a Western Christendom under the Franks; the development of feudal states; the Gregorian reforms; the Crusades; the revival of education and learning in the twelfth century.
HIST 2084 Crusades and Plagues: Europe in the High and Late Middle Ages: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Medieval society at its political, economic, and intellectual zenith; the crisis of the later Middle Ages; the Papal schism and the development of national particular churches within Catholicism; and the rise of estate institutions.
HIST 2085 Medieval England: From Arthur to Richard III: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. A brief summary of the Anglo-Saxon heritage and the impact of the Norman Conquest, followed by an investigation of the institutional, social, and legal evolution of the realm of England. English development will be viewed in its European context.
HIST 2086 Reformation of Europe: Beyond Religion: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. Religious, intellectual, political, and socioeconomic developments of the sixteenth century.
HIST 2088 Europe and the Renaissance: Not Just for Painters Anymore: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing or consent of the instructor. The Italian and Northern Renaissance as a distinct age; political, socioeconomic, intellectual, religious, and artistic movements attending the decline of medieval society, and the transition to the early modern period.
HIST 2089 Religion, Philosophy & Science in History: Introduction to the Intellectual History of the West: 3 semester hours
Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. An examination of some of the most important ideas and debates that shaped the Western world. Topics include Platonic versus Aristotelian models of the universe, Medieval synthesis and the challenge of Renaissance naturalism, the Scientific Revolution, the political ideas of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, romanticism, Marxism, Darwinian evolution, Freudian psychology, existentialism, structuralism and poststructuralism.
HIST 2090 Europe in the Eighteenth Century:From the Glorious Revolution to the Napoleonic Era: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. This course offers intensive study of Europe in the period between the Glorious Revolution in England in 1688 and the fall of Napoleon in 1815. Particular emphasis will be placed on the theme of the rise of the modern. Specifically, the course will examine the struggle by intellectuals, politicians, and military figures to move Europe forward from the old regime system. Particular emphasis will be placed on the works of Voltaire, Rousseau, Locke,and Paine.
HIST 2095 History of Ireland: 3 semester hours
This course will explore Irish history from medieval to modern times. Topics will include issues of land, settlement, immigration, and modernization.
HIST 2102 Introduction To Gender Studies: 3 semester hours
Same as GS 2102, SOC WK 2102, POL SCI 2102, and SOC 2102. This core class is required for all Gender Studies Certificate earners. This class introduces students to cultural, political and historical issues that shape gender. Through a variety of disciplinary perspectives in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, the course familiarizes students with diverse female and male experiences and gendered power relationships.
HIST 2105 Sex in America: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing or consent of the instructor. Dissected, categorized, evaluated, feared, and enjoyed: sex in America's past, including our current obsession with it, is the primary concern of this course. Why and how have sex and sexuality become so central to identities, culture, politics, and now, our history? This course explores the complex and often hidden history of sex in the United States. It uses sex to examine big political ideas of citizenship, democracy, and cultural inclusion.
HIST 2116 History of Greece and The Balkans: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course is designed to introduce students to the history of the Balkans with particular emphasis on Greece. Although a part of the course will deal with nation building and nationalism, we will also examine the broad historical trends that have shaped the distinct cultural, social, and political developments in the region from the late 18th century until the end of the 20th century.
HIST 2117 Greek History and Culture: 3 semester hours
Same as ANTHRO 2117. Greek civilization has had a deep impact on contemporary society in art; social, political, and economic organization; philosophy; law; medicine; and science. This course covers major aspects of Greek history and culture from antiquity to the present. It considers the major political and military events of Greek History, as well as important aspects of Greek culture, including sports and the history of the Olympic Games, literature, philosophy, and mythology.
HIST 2118 Modern Greek History and Culture: 3 semester hours
Same as ANTHRO 2118. A history of Modern Greece, from the fall of Constantinople (1453) to the present, with an emphasis on social, cultural, and political developments. The course will provide a chronological framework of events and it will utilize art, literature, and folklore, along with traditional historical sources, to gain a better understanding of the richness of modern Greek history and culture.
HIST 2160 Introduction to American Studies: 3 semester hours
Same as ENGL 2160. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course introduces students to the multidisciplinary nature of American Studies and is a required course for those who wish to complete the minor in American Studies. It reviews the discipline from its origins in the 1930s, and it introduces students to St Louis' rich resources for American Studies.
HIST 2219 United States Labor History: 3 semester hours
Examines the history of work and the working class in the United States. It focuses on the transformation of the workplace, the evolution of working class consciousness and the development of the labor movement, the role of race, gender and ethnicity in uniting or dividing the working class, and the nature of labor's relations with other social groups in the political arena. Particular emphasis on the political and economic conditions and strategies of periods when working class power was growing.
HIST 2770 Introduction to Transportation: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. Introduction to Transportation provides an overview of the transportation sector, including history, providers, users, and government regulation. The importance and significance of transportation modes of rail, water, motor, air, and pipeline: the demand and supply of transportation, and the managerial aspects of these modes of transport will be covered in the course.
HIST 2773 Urbanization and Transportation: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. Course provides an overview of urbanization and transportation in the United States. Besides examining the history of urbanization and transportation, this course offers comparisons between contemporary international urban areas for the purpose of placing the US experience in context. Additionally, the course covers key issues surrounding the planning, development, and consequences of infrastructure facilitating the movement of people and freight in the urban setting, such as financing, transport technologies, political policies, economic growth, and demographic trends.
HIST 2800 History of American Economic Development: 3 semester hours
Same as ECON 2800. Prerequisites: ECON 1000 or ECON 1001 or consent of instructor. Uses economic concepts to explain historical developments in the American economy, beginning with the hunter gatherers who crossed the Bering land bridge around 12,000 BC. Main topics include the Native American economies, European exploration and conquest, the colonial economies, indentured servitude, the American Revolution, the US Constitution, westward expansion, transportation, the Industrial Revolution, state banking and free banking, slavery, the Civil War, post-bellum agriculture, the rise of big business and antitrust, banking panics, the Federal Reserve Act, the First and Second World Wars, the New Deal, and the growth of government in postwar economy.
HIST 2999 Introduction to Historical Inquiry: 4 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor. This course is designed to develop historical thinking skills. Emphasis will be placed on reading of historical sources, exploring the rhetoric of history, identifying perspectives in historical sources, and the process of formulating historical questions. Other topics covered will include proper citation procedures and historiography. The course is writing intensive and will involve primary source research at libraries and archives.
HIST 3000 Selected Topics in History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Special topics in history to be determined by the field, availability of instructors and interest of students. The course may be repeated for credit with the consent of the instructor.
HIST 3031 Modern Japan: From the Meiji Restoration to the Present: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or consent of instructor. The economic, social, and political development of modern Japan.
HIST 3032 Modern China: From the Decline of the Qing Empire to the Global Age: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or consent of instructor. The economic, social, and political development of modern China.
HIST 3033 Modern History of the Asian Pacific Rim: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of the instructor. A course on the modern history of the broad economic region of East and Southeast Asia as well as the region's interaction with the United States. The course is designed for students who need to understand the political and economic dynamics of the countries around the Pacific Basin and the historical roots of various problems.
HIST 3034 History of Technology and Environment in China: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Course explores how the Chinese used technology to manage the economy, environment and disasters which paralleled developments in the West. Discussions on the political function of Chinese science and technology, and on its continued influence on Chinese culture and society.
HIST 3041 Topics in American Constitutional History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Origins and development of the principal institutions and ideas of the American constitutional systems; the role of the constitution and the Supreme Court in the growth of the nation; important Supreme Court decisions; great American jurists and their impact upon the law; historical background to current constitutional issues.
HIST 3043 History of Crime and Justice: 3 semester hours
Same as CRIMIN 3043. Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor. The analysis, development, and change in philosophies and responses to crime. Emphasis on major forms and definitions of crime, the emergence of modern policing, the birth of the prison, and the juvenile court system.
HIST 3051 Latin America: From Conquest to Independence: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of Instructor. Latin America from the pre-Columbian Civilizations to 1808, stressing social, political, and economic institutions in the Spanish colonies. This course satisfies the Cultural Diversity requirement.
HIST 3065 From Ivory to Oil: Mining and Extraction in African History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on mining and its effects on economic and human development in twentieth century Africa. It examines specific case studies - oil, diamonds, uranium, copper, ivory, and more - to understand how African states and economies have been affected by the so-called "resource curse," and why.
HIST 3092 Europe, 1900-1950: War and Upheaval: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of the instructor. The impact of World Wars I and II and the search for equilibrium.
HIST 3093 Europe, 1950-Present: Peace and Prosperity: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent of instructor. A survey of the main social, economic, political, military, and cultural trends in Europe since the outbreak of World War II.
HIST 3097 Spain: From Superpower to Napoleon's Puppet: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. A survey of Spanish history from the fifteenth century, emphasizing its period of imperial greatness and examining the effects of empire on national development.
HIST 3999 Internship: 2-6 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of supervising instructor and institution offering the internship. This supervised practicum in a museum, historical agency, and other institution offers an opportunity for hands-on experience in public history. This elective course supplements but does not replace the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in history. May not be taken for graduate credit.
HIST 4001 Special Readings: 1-10 semester hours
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Independent study through readings, reports and conferences.
HIST 4002 Collaborative Research: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Faculty-student collaboration on a research project designed to lead toward the publication of a jointly-authored article. The faculty member will direct the research.
HIST 4014 World History for the Secondary Classroom: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: TCH ED 3310 or consent of the instructor. This course is required for Social Studies certification. Adapts the themes and subject matter of World History to the secondary classroom and trains teachers in techniques particularly designed to maximize the use of primary sources, foster critical inquiry, and encourage knowledge of subject matter. Particular emphasis will be placed on defining the broad and connecting themes of World history, on expanding bibliography, and on choosing methods of inquiry for use in an interactive classroom. Cannot be counted towards the minimum 39-hour history major requirement, but can be counted towards the 45 hour maximum and for Social Studies Certification. Not available for graduate credit.
HIST 4142 Inquiries in U.S. History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: HIST 2999. This course will develop historical thinking and writing skills through investigation in topics in National History.
HIST 4143 Inquiries in World History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: HIST 2999. This course will develop historical thinking and writing skills through investigation in topics in World History.
HIST 4999 Senior Seminar: 5 semester hours
Prerequisites: HIST 2999, consent of department and presentation of three examples of formal written work submitted in prior upper-division courses in history. Studies in historical methodology and historiography. Directed readings, research, and writing leading to the production of an original piece of historical scholarship. An exit interview is required. Senior seminar is required of all history majors. May not be taken for graduate credit.
HIST 5000 Advanced Selected Topics in History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Special topics in history. The course may be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor.
HIST 5142 Advanced Inquiries in U.S. History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course will develop historical thinking and writing skills through investigation in topics in United States history.
HIST 5143 Advanced Inquiries in World History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course will develop historical thinking and writing skills through investigation in topics in World history.
HIST 5592 The History of the Visual Arts in American Museums: 3 semester hours
Same as ANTHRO 5592 and ART HS 5592. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing and consent of instructor. This course is an introduction to selected topics in the history of museology, focusing on art and anthropology museums as sites for the interpretations of art and culture, and as contested meeting grounds for various views of history and culture.
HIST 6000 The Historian's Craft: 1-3 semester hours
This course will introduce incoming students to graduate work, both in the field of history generally and to the M.A. program at UM-St. Louis in particular. It will familiarize them with the fields of historical study and the UMSL faculty who teach them, protocols of the profession, and methodologies of historical research, writing, and analysis. It will also help students learn about and prepare for careers outside the academy and/or Ph.D. programs in the field. Students may be required to attend colloquia off campus.
HIST 6001 Introduction to Public History and Cultural Heritage: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. This seminar will introduce students to the theory and practice of public history and cultural heritage. Readings will acquaint students with these fields of study and offer commentary on a variety of strategies for making the past relevant for contemporary audiences.
HIST 6002 Material Culture in Historical Context: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. This course will present various theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of material culture. It will explore how the interpretation of objects has contributed to the understanding (or misunderstanding) of past and present cultures. The course will also examine contemporary museum practice in the display of material culture. Students will be expected to make on-site observations at different types of local museums, and will conduct research into a category of material culture that appeals to their individual interests.
HIST 6003 Economics of Museums and Heritage: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of the instructor. This course introduces students to the financial history of museums and heritage, explores debates about economic strategies for museums and heritage, and empowers museum professionals to work effectively with the chief financial/administrative officer of their museum or heritage site. Topics include: government policies toward museums and heritage, the economics of blockbuster exhibitions, debates concerning collections as an economic resource for museums and cities, daily financial management, best practices for using financial resources to achieve institutional mission and priorities, long-term strategic planning, the history and development of public-private partnerships, cultural philanthropy and donations.
HIST 6004 Writing for Museums: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of Museum Studies program director. This course will develop skills for professionals working in museum settings who need to communicate effectively with multiple audiences through various platforms. Topics will include writing for proposals, object descriptions, interpretive texts, and digital storytelling.
HIST 6014 World History for the Secondary School Classroom: 3-6 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. The intent of this course is to adapt the themes and subject matter of World history to the secondary classroom and to train teachers in the methodology of the Socratic symposium, techniques designed to maximize the use of sources, foster critical inquiry, and encourage knowledge of subject matter. Particular emphasis will be placed on defining the broad and connecting themes of World history, on expanding bibliography, and on methods for choosing primary sources for use in an interactive classroom.
HIST 6101 Readings in American History to 1865: 3-5 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Directed readings and writing on selected topics and areas in American history to 1865.
HIST 6102 Readings in American History Since 1865: 3-5 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Directed readings and writing on selected topics and areas in American history since 1865.
HIST 6115 Historical Thinking in Research and Practice: 3 semester hours
Same as TCH ED 6115. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing or consent of instructor. In this hands-on course, students examine current research and effective teaching strategies that facilitate historical thinking while also broadening content knowledge. Students further design, implement, and assess educational materials and practices that foster historical thinking, reading, and writing.
HIST 6116 Historical Thinking in Theory and Practice II: 3 semester hours
Same as TCH ED 6116. Prerequisites: HIST 6115 / TCH ED 6115 or consent of instructor. Building upon HIST 6115 / TCH ED 6115, this course emphasizes the design, implementation, and assessment of teaching materials and practices that foster historical thinking and reading. In this hands-on, action research course, students will focus on their own teaching materials and practices to improve their capacity to teach and assess students' historical thinking.
HIST 6121 Directed Readings: 1-3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of a member of the Doctoral Faculty. Directed research at the graduate level.
HIST 6122 Collaborative Research: 3-6 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing and consent of instructor. Faculty-student collaboration on a research project designed to lead toward the publication of a jointly-authored article. The faculty member will direct the research.
HIST 6123 Thesis Seminar: 1-6 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Thesis research and writing on a selected topic in history.
HIST 6124 Graduate Internship: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of supervising instructor and institution offering the internship. Supervised practicum in a museum, historical agency, and other instituion offering an opportunity for hands-on experience in public history.
HIST 6125 Practicum in Public History and Cultural Heritage: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. In collaboration with a designated community partner, students will research and interpret the past for contemporary audiences. The course will combine traditional classroom sessions with hands-on training.
HIST 6126 Museum Studies Internship: 1-4 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Professionally-supervised work experience in a museum setting. Requires a minimum of 50 hours of on-site attendance per credit hour and submission of a final paper.
HIST 6127 Museums and Communities: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of the Director of Museum Studies. As museums and heritage institutions have sought to attract new audiences, they have tried to re-present their collections with new stories, address topics of concern to the denizens of their cities, and provide a broader range of programming than ever before. This course considers how to identify community characteristics and needs, create entry points for multiple audiences at museums, and build strong, long-term relationships with local partners. We consider difficult histories, conflict, and strategies to create space for diverse perspectives; the role of communications technologies in soliciting participation and promoting dialogue; and networks and the organizational skills for community development. Students will examine case studies of community-based museum programming, and develop an engagement strategy around an exhibit.
HIST 6129 Emerging Museum Practices: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate students in Museum Studies or Public History or consent of the Director of Museum Studies. This course examines emerging trends and models in the museum field. The museum's educational role in society is quickly changing. Learning is not only more collaborative but also more accessible beyond the walls of the museum. Through readings, activities, and exercises, students will explore the mechanics of partnerships with cultural organizations, creative individuals, and the local community, while considering how museums should function in society today. We will examine interdisciplinary programming via collaboration with the creative class; creating social/participatory experiences; making collections personally relevant to audiences; and engaging in the sharing city. We pay particular attention to the museum's responsibility to civic duty and sustainable practices.
HIST 6130 Collections Management and Registration: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of Director of Museum Studies Program. Most of the institutions that we call museums collect objects. A collecting institution requires a collections manager or a registrar to track, manage, and insure the safety of its objects, whether it collects art, artifacts, specimens, or live organisms. This course covers collections care and management from acquisition to evaluation, documentation, care, storage (or maintenance), loans, exhibitions, contracts, risk preparedness, and policy-making. It focuses on the practical knowledge and skills needed for collections management and registration. While much of the course material is drawn from historical, ethnographic, and art collections, the basic principles apply broadly to all collecting institutions.
HIST 6131 Museum Origins and Evolution: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of Director of Museum Studies Program. This course traces the social and cultural history of museums from their origins in curiosity cabinets, princely collections, freak shows, and exhibitions, through their late 19th and early 20th century institutionalization, to present-day developments such as blockbuster exhibitions, community collaborations, masterpiece architecture, and the spread of museal and heritage institutions around the globe. Topics include colonialism, modernity, and the production of taxonomical knowledge; museums and nationalism; theories of culture, patrimony, and ownership; manufacture, marketing, and museums; the relationships between museums and academia; identity politics and culture wars; community-based initiatives; and virtual and digital museum spaces.
HIST 6132 Digital Video for Museums and Community History: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of Director of Museum Studies Program. This course covers basic production and post-production in digital video, and examines how digital video has been and can be used for community history projects and museum installations. Students will learn basics of shooting, lighting, sound, scripting, and non-linear editing; interviewing and observational footage; and produce a series of documentary shorts. Readings will include the special characteristics of the cinematic medium and case studies of digital video for community-based research, advocacy, and museum audiences.
HIST 6133 Museums and History in the Digital Age: 3 semester hours
This course introduces and explores the key issues, analyses, critical debates, opportunities and potential drawbacks for museums and public historians using digital media to engage with communities. Students will gain facility in implementing digital strategies for museum and public history initiatives, including how to plan, manage, and assess the success of media projects.
HIST 6134 History Curatorship: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of instructor. Principles and practices of curatorship, with a focus on historical collections. Curatorial responsibilities for object care. Role of curator in exhibit research, design, and implementation. Issues of inclusivity and shared authority. Historical shifts in curatorial practice, collecting, and museum missions.
HIST 6136 Foundations In Museology II: 3 semester hours
Same as ART HS 6036 and ANTHRO 6136. Prerequisites: HIST 6135 and consent of Director of Museum Studies Program Audience-centered approaches to museology; visitor research and learning theory; philosophical and practical considerations in museum planning; the physical design of museums; creativity; exhibit and program development; collections and curation; the challenge of diversity; the future of museums.
HIST 6137 Museum Organization and Operations: 3 semester hours
Same as ART HS 6037 and ANTHRO 6137. Prerequisites: Consent of Director of Museum Studies Program. This course looks at museum organization and operations in the 21st century. As museums become more focused on visitors, communities, and private donors, their structures, staffing, and practices have changed. This course introduces students to the wide range of museum professions, the evolving function of museums, the effects of new technologies, and the challenges of administration and funding in constrained economic circumstances. The course includes scrutiny of ethical issues such as disputed collections, intellectual property rights, organizational conflicts, and community collaboration and planning.
HIST 6138 Museum Studies Master's Project: 5 semester hours
Same as ART HS 6038 and ANTHRO 6138. Prerequisites: Consent of Director of Museum Studies Program. Research and writing/exhibit development on a selected topic.
HIST 6142 Readings in U.S. History: 3-5 semester hours
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Directed readings and writing in selected topics and areas in United States History.
HIST 6143 Readings in World History: 3-5 semester hours
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Directed readings and writing on selected topics and areas in World History.
HIST 6145 Topics in Environmental History: 3-5 semester hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course is an interdisciplinary examination of the interactions people have had with the land and sea, the biophysical environment, over time. Satisfies the elective requirement outside the Biology Department for the Tropical Biology and Conservation Graduate Certificate Program. May be repeated provided the topic is different.
HIST 6152 Directed Readings in U.S. History: 1-3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of a member of the graduate faculty. Directed readings and research at the graduate level.
HIST 6153 Directed Readings in World History: 1-3 semester hours
Prerequisites: Consent of a member of the graduate faculty. Directed readings and research at the graduate level.
Laura M. Westhoff
Associate Professor and Chair
Ph.D, Washington University
Laura Miller
Eiichi Shibusawa-Seigo Arai Endowed Professor of Japanese Studies and Professor of History
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Kevin J. Fernlund
Professor
Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Andrew J. Hurley
Professor
Ph.D., Northwestern University
Certificate in Public History and Cultural Heritage
Deborah Cohen
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Priscilla Dowden-White
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Indiana-Bloomington
Minsoo Kang
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Kara Moskowitz
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Emory University
Peter Acsay
Associate Teaching Professor
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
John Hoover
Adjunct Professor and Direcor, St. Louis Mercantile Library
M.A., University of Missouri-Columbia
Robert Bliss
Founders Professor
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jay Rounds
Founders Professor
Ph.D., University of California-Los Angeles
Mark A. Burkholder
Curators' Professor Emeritus
Ph.D, Duke University
John R. Gillingham
Curators' Professor Emeritus
Ph.D, University of California, Berkeley
Richard H. Mitchell
Curators' Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Gerda W. Ray
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Blanche M. Touhill
Professor Emeritus and Chancellor Emerita
Ph.D., St. Louis University
Jerry M. Cooper
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin
Paul Corby Finney
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Harvard University
Louis Gerteis
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Steven C. Hause
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Washington University
Charles P. Korr
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
William S. Maltby
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Duke University
Steven W. Rowan
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D. , Harvard
Carlos A. Schwantes
Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Michigan
J. Frederick Fausz
Associate Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., William and Mary
Winston Hsieh
Associate Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., Harvard University
John A. Works Jr.
Associate Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin