Undergraduate Course Descriptions


Senior Courses

Senior students without credit in a 100 level history course are eligible to enrol in 200 level courses. Junior students enrolled in a 100 level course may also enrol in certain 200 level courses with permission of the Department. Senior students taking history courses as electives may only enrol in 300 level courses with permission of the Department. Courses that count toward the European history requirement are marked (E).

HI201 Early Modern Europe, 1450-1789 0.5

A study of the foundations of modern Europe, exploring such topics as the scientific revolution, the rise of democracy, the growth of the absolute state, mercantilism and the Enlightenment. (E)

Exclusion: HI251; Not available to students in Honours History.

HI202 History of Modern Europe 0.5

A study of Europe from the French Revolution to the eve of World War I, a period of revolution in politics, economics, science and the arts. The course will explore the important issues of this formative period. (E)

Exclusion: HI252; Not available to students in Honours History.

HI205 History of Imperial Russia, 1703-1917 0.5

An examination of Imperial Russian history from Peter the Great to the empire's dramatic collapse after 1900. (E)

HI206 History of Soviet Russia 0.5

A study of Soviet Russia from its origins in the 1917 Revolution to its demise in 1991. Special attention will be given to issues of continuity and change in twentieth century Russian history. (E)

Exclusion: HI215, HI216.

HI208 The United States, 1607-1865 0.5

A survey of the American experience from its colonial beginnings to the end of the Civil War. The course will concentrate on the initial encounter with the North American environment, the nature of colonial society, the American Revolution, 19th century westward expansion and the institution of slavery.

HI209 The United States from 1865 to the Present 0.5

A survey of modern American development beginning with the post-Civil War industrial revolution and ending with a consideration of contemporary problems. The course will emphasize economic, social and political issues with special attention paid to the growth of entrepreneurial capitalism, American expansionism and the status of important minority groups.

HI210 German History in the 19th Century 0.5

This course covers German history from the Congress of Vienna to the end of the Bismarck era (1890). The emphasis is on German unification, the political and social systems of the Empire, its economic development and foreign policy. (E)

HI211 German History, 1890-1945 0.5

This course covers Wilhelmian Germany (1890-1918), its imperial aspirations, self-isolation and defeat in the First World War. It explains the destruction of the Weimar Republic, the rise of National Socialism and the nature of the "Third Reich.'' (E)

HI217 British Politics and Society, 1485-1714 0.5

Change and development in British politics, society and culture from the end of the Middle Ages to 1714. This course will pay particular attention to the Tudor foundation of the sovereign nation state, the English Reformation, the rise of a capitalist economy, the Puritan Revolution of the 17th century, and the establishment of Parliamentary supremacy. (E)

HI218 British Politics and Society, 1714-1914 0.5

A study of modern British society and culture from the 18th century to the outbreak of World War One. Particular attention will be paid to the origins and social impact of the industrial revolution and to the political leaders and popular movements whose efforts created British parliamentary democracy. (E)

HI220* History of French Canada 1.0

An economic, social and political history of French Canada from the first arrival of French explorers to the present.†

HI225 History of Ancient Greece 0.5

(Cross-listed as CL225.)

HI226 History of Ancient Rome 0.5

(Cross-listed as CL226.)

HI227 The Origins of Modern Japan 0.5

A study of the historical foundations of Modern Japan from the Meiji Restoration to the present with emphasis on political and economic history.

HI230* Canada: The Emergence of Colonial Societies to 1867 1.0

An investigation of the emergence of colonial societies and identities in New France and British North America. Problems of local development and imperial affairs will be considered, as well as the road to Confederation and the reasons why certain colonies did not join the Canada of 1867.†

Exclusion: HI291*, HI292.

HI232 A History of Sea Power to 1914 0.5

A study of the influence of sea power on history with special reference to the North Atlantic nation states.†

HI233 A History of Sea Power Since 1914 0.5

A study of the influence of sea power in the modern era with special reference to the two great wars of the 20th century.†

HI240* Canada: From Confederation to the Present Day 1.0

A study of the major elements of Canadian life: social, religious, cultural, racial, political, diplomatic, economic as they have evolved since Confederation.

Exclusion: HI291*, HI293.

HI245 The History of the Canadian Constitution, 1534 to the Present 0.5

An investigation of Canadian constitutional development from the age of French absolutism to the present. Main themes include political and constitutional liberty, religious toleration, Canadian self-government, the origins and expansion of the federal idea, the development of Canadian autonomy within the Empire-Commonwealth, and the Canada Act 1982.†

HI246 Canadian External Relations 0.5

A historical study of Canadian external relations from Confederation to present times.†

HI247* History of the Second World War 1.0

A history of the strategical, technological and intelligence aspects of World War II.

Exclusion: HI248, HI249.

HI248 The Second World War 0.5

A history of the Second World War emphasizing global strategy and military operations, 1939-1945.

Exclusion: HI247*.

HI249 The Impact of the Second World War, 1939-1948 0.5

The course examines the impact of the Second World War away from the front lines of battle by concentrating on the role of civilians in the conflict. An attempt will be made to focus on the most controversial issues in the social, political, economic and diplomatic realms that arose in the decade from 1939 to 1948.

Exclusion: HI247*.

HI251 Early Modern Europe, 1450-1789 0.5

A study of the foundations of modern Europe, exploring such topics as the scientific revolution, the rise of democracy, the growth of the absolute state, mercantilism and the Enlightenment. Normally required by, and restricted to, students registered in Honours History. (E)

Exclusion: HI201.

HI252 History of Modern Europe 0.5

A study of Europe from the French Revolution to the eve of World War I, a period of revolution in politics, economics, science and the arts. The course will explore the important issues of this formative period. Normally required by, and restricted to, students registered in Honours History. (E)

Exclusion: HI202.

HI292 History of Canada to Confederation 0.5

A survey of Canadian history from European contact to Confederation. Attention will be given to social developments as well as to economic and political issues.

Exclusion: HI230*, HI291*.

HI293 History of Canada Since Confederation 0.5

A survey of Canadian history from Confederation to the present. Attention will be given to social developments as well as to economic and political issues.

Exclusion: HI240*, HI291*.

HI302* Culture and Ideas in the Modern World 1.0

Selected themes in the history of ideas that have helped to shape the Western world from the Enlightenment to the present, including changing perceptions of nature, society, and the individual in response to scientific, industrial and political revolutions; the development of ideologies such as socialism, idealism and nationalism; cultural movements such as Romanticism; the intellectual and cultural impact of the two World Wars in the 20th century. (E)

HI303 A History of Socialism 0.5

A study of socialist movements in their historical contexts before World War II. Attention is given to early egalitarian movements and spokesmen, but the course concentrates on those socialist movements associated with the emergence of an industrial proletariat in 19th century Europe. (E)†

HI304 Fascism in Europe, 1919-1945 0.5

A comparative survey of the fascist movements of Europe from the end of the First World War through the Second World War. The course includes discussions of: the origins and nature of fascist thought; the ideologies, policies, organizations and social clienteles of the fascist movements; the behaviour of fascist leaders and parties in power; the Holocaust; and an assessment of the fascist legacy. (E)

HI305* New Dimensions in British Empire and Commonwealth History 1.0

An examination of the British Empire-Commonwealth. Attention will be given to the growth of empire, the institutional framework, the imperial biographies, and seapower and communications. Attention will also be given to native peoples, colonial economics, decolonization and the history of the Commonwealth ideal.†

Exclusion: HI307.

HI308 History and Culture of Ancient Mesopotamia 0.5

(Cross-listed as RE308.)

HI309 History and Culture of Ancient Egypt and Asia Minor 0.5

(Cross-listed as RE309.)

HI310 The Renaissance 0.5

A study of the period 1350-1525 with primary focus on the milieu in Italy and on the new individualism, developments in art, manners and thought. (E)

Exclusion: HI221, HI312*.

HI311 The Reformation 0.5

The rise of new religious ideas and the transformation of Roman Catholicism in the era of the Reformation will be considered. In addition, the rise of humanism, new scientific perspectives, and the political implications of religious change will be analyzed. (E)

Exclusion: HI222, HI312*.

HI312* Renaissance and Reformation Europe 1.0

A thematic course on 15th and 16th century Europe exploring such issues as the emergence of the state and international power politics; the rise of humanism; Renaissance art and thought; the social and political context of the Reformation. (E)

Exclusion: HI310, HI311.

HI314 Contemporary Europe 0.5

A history of Europe since 1945, with the focus on political, economic, social, cultural and international developments. Topics will include the impact of the Second World War, the Cold War, the search for European unity, the collapse of the Soviet Union and its effects, the reunification of Germany, security arrangements, demographic changes, economic development, social policies, and intellectual and cultural trends. (E)†

HI315 East Central Europe in the 20th Century 0.5

This course examines selected historical developments in the history of the Baltic states, Poland, Czechoslovakia and the Balkan countries. (E)†

HI316 Europe and the New World, 1450-1660 0.5

This course will examine the intellectual, social, economic, religious, and political forces prompting the exploration of the New World of the Americas. The impact of the encounter between the peoples of the New World and the Europeans will be studied. (E)†

HI317 Seminar in Greek History 0.5

(Cross-listed as CL317.)

HI318 Seminar in Roman History 0.5

(Cross-listed as CL318.)

HI319* The Medieval Foundations of England, 400-1535 1.0

This course will study the political, constitutional, social and economic evolution of England between the disintegration of Roman imperial government in the 5th century and the breach with the Roman Papacy in 1535. In these 11 centuries, the foundations of English society were laid, foundations on which Henry VII was to place the first tentative bricks of the modern state. (E)†

HI321 Social History of Pre-Industrial Canada 0.5

An examination of the social, cultural and demographic changes affecting Canada's peoples from the l740's to the 1880's.

HI322 Social History of Modern Canada 0.5

The development of Canadian society in the 20th century. The course examines the changing socio-economic framework within which Canadians have lived, and focuses on specific problem areas such as the immigrant experience, social reform movements, the history of women and the emergence of the welfare state.

HI323 Social History of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, 1780-1850 0.5

An examination of the origins, character and consequences of the transformation of British society between 1780 and 1850. The course will pay particular attention to the relationship between industrial change and new patterns of living including new forms of work and leisure, alterations in family structure and sex roles and developments in popular ideology, political protest and reform. (E)

HI324 English Government and Society, 1558-1660 0.5

This course examines the century of rapid population growth, economic expansion and social change from the accession of Elizabeth I to the restoration of Charles II. The course will focus on the problems created for government by this period of social upheaval. (E)

HI325 History of Gender Roles up to the Industrial Revolution 0.5

A study of the evolution of the relationships, roles and occupations of the sexes from Biblical times to the Industrial Revolution. Particular attention will be placed on the roles and responsibilities of women within this context.†

HI326 History of Gender Roles from the Industrial Revolution to the Present 0.5

A study of the evolution of the relationships, roles and occupations of the sexes within the context of the rapidly changing economic, social and political environment of Europe and North America from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Particular attention will be placed on the roles and responsibilities of women within this context.

HI327 Quebec in the 20th Century 0.5

An investigation of social, economic and political changes in Quebec during the 20th century.†

HI329* The Making of the Third World: Historical Origins and Development 1.0

The peoples of Asia, Latin America and Africa have developed a shared identity out of a common history of resistance to colonialism. With particular attention to the period 1870-1970, the course explores the creation of a world divided by wealth and power, the rise of colonialism, the process of decolonization in the context of the Cold War, and the ideology and legacy of revolutionary guerrilla warfare.

HI330 Slavery in the United States 0.5

A history of African-Americans from their arrival in Virginia in 1610 to the abolition of slavery in 1865. The course will concentrate on such topics as the slave trade, the origins of racial prejudice, and the development of a distinctive black identity.

HI331 African-Americans in the 20th Century 0.5

A study of black history in the United States from the Civil War to the present. The course will emphasize the importance of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois, the northern migration of blacks to industrial cities, and the development of the modern civil rights movement.

HI332 The Foreign Relations of the United States in the 20th Century 0.5

A history of U.S. Foreign Relations from the Spanish-American War to the present.

HI333 Sport and Society in the United States from 1865 to the Present 0.5

An examination of the impact of organized athletics on modern American society and culture.

HI334* American Society and Politics since the 1930's 1.0

An examination of the political, economic, social and cultural history of the United States from the Great Depression to the present.

HI335 The United States in Latin America Since 1898 0.5

An examination of how the United States has shaped the politics, economics, culture and society of selected Latin American countries since 1898. Topics may include neo-colonialism, military intervention, foreign aid, cultural imperialism, missionaries, counter-revolution, mass media, underdevelopment and trade relations.

HI336 The History of Modern Latin America 0.5

This course explores major themes in modern Latin American history since the early 1800s. Topics may include early national political struggles, the rise of neocolonialism, indigenous peoples, gender relations, slavery, populism, dependency, underdevelopment, guerrilla warfare, revolution and neoliberalism.

HI337 Canadian Business History 0.5

An examination of business activities in Canada since the 15th century: trading in commodities such as fish, fur, lumber, wheat; the contributions of individuals and families; the development of institutions in finance and commerce; the nature and role of state enterprises; the impact of state intervention.†

HI338 Canadian Labour History 0.5

A study of the development of the trade union movement in Canada and the role of organized labour in politics.

Exclusion: HI243.

HI339 History of Ontario Since 1791 0.5

A study of Ontario as a colony, province and region.

HI341 Canadian Military History 0.5

A study of selected aspects of Canada's military experience.†

HI344 Native Peoples of the Eastern Woodlands 0.5

The Indians of Newfoundland, Labrador, the Maritime colonies, Quebec and Ontario, in transition from the 15th century to the present. The principal focus will be on the ethnohistory of these peoples, and their responses to explorers, traders, missionaries, government officials and other Indians.

HI345 Native Peoples of the Plains, Pacific Coast and Northern Canada 0.5

The Indians of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, in transition from the 18th century to the present. The principal focus will be on the ethnohistory of these peoples, and their responses to explorers, traders, missionaries, government officials and others.

HI346 Directed Studies 0.5

A study of selected historical themes reflecting the research interests of members of the Department.

Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.
Irregular Course

HI347 Topics in Military History 0.5

An intensive study of selected topics in modern military history.

Irregular Course

HI348 History of International Relations, 1789-1890 0.5

This course analyses the rise to worldwide ascendancy of the European International system from the origins of the French Revolution to the fall of Bismarck. It will focus on the rise and fall of the Great Powers and on the systematic evolution of international relations in Europe. (E)

Exclusion: HI342*.

HI349 History of International Relations, 1890-1991 0.5

This course analyses the intensifying economic and strategic struggle among the Great Powers which led to the two World Wars and the Cold War. It will focus on the stages by which the European system became absorbed into a global system, the revolutionary challenges to the status quo and the responses to them. (E)

Exclusion: HI342*.

HI350 Culture and Ideas in Russian History 0.5

An examination of selected aspects of Russian intellectual history in the Imperial and Soviet periods. Topics may include the rise of Populism, Marxist-Leninism-Stalinism and dissent in the post-Stalinist era. (E)

HI351 Social History of Russia 0.5

An examination of selected aspects of Russian social history in the Imperial and Soviet periods. Topics may include industrialization, collectivization, and the transformation of post-Stalinist society. (E)

HI353 The French Revolution and Napoleon, 1789-1815 0.5

An examination of social, political and cultural change in France and Europe during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic era. (E)

Exclusion: HI213.

HI354 France in World War II: Origins and History of the Vichy Regime 0.5

An examination of France in the 1930s and 1940s with an emphasis on the defeat of 1940, the German occupation, and French collaboration and resistance. (E)

Exclusion: HI214.

HI356 History of Modern Education 0.5

A survey of the rise of modern education and training systems in Europe and North America since the Enlightenment, and their export to other parts of the world. Topics will include: evolving pedagogical theory and techniques, the growth of state-sponsored education (universities, colleges, institutes and adult education programs), the professionalization of teaching, the role of private and corporate education, and international agencies involved in education.

HI398 Methods and Philosophy of History 0.5

A critical analysis of history as a discipline including an explanation of the nature and purpose of history. An assessment of historians' methods and explanations, and a study of various philosophies of history. Particular attention will be paid to recent trends in historical methodology.

Prerequisite: Registration status: Third or Fourth Year Honours History (or permission of the Department).



Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Courses
History

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Official electronic version updated on November 17, 2000

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