Gannon University

ROBERT H. ALLSHOUSE, Ph.D., Director
FACULTY: Professor: Robert H. Allshouse. Associate Professors: Thomas Parthenakis, Suzanne Richard. Instructors in History: Michael J. Alexander, Geoffrey A. Grundy, John M. Vohlidka. Adjuncts in Geography: Lawrence Kessler, Susan Nelson. Adjuncts in History: Gene P. Veronesi.
 

Aims and Objectives:

We must probe the past if we are to understand the problems of the present as well as the identity of humankind. Without history, we have no knowledge of who we are or how we came to be; we are like victims of collective amnesia groping in the dark for our identity.

The history major is designed to enable the student to acquire a skilled and sustained sense of historical perspective as well as informed insight into historical method. But beyond this it seeks to develop those skills and attitudes of mind that distinguish the educated person: the habits of skepticism and criticism; of thinking with perspective and objectivity; of judging the good and bad and the in-between. It is hoped, in short, that the history major will lead the student to the attainment of life's greatest value: wisdom. To this end, the specific aims are to acquaint the student with the basic tools and methods of research and expression—both written and oral; and to develop in him/her the skills of analysis and synthesis for the evaluation of historical evidence with particular stress on sound writing and reading skills.

The Department of History offers courses covering the remote and recent periods of history and stressing American, and European, and non-Western history. Thirty-three hours of credits, twenty-one in the upper level courses, are required of majors. The History Seminar integrates the student's previous concentration in either American or European History, and is required for all majors. A minor in history may be obtained by completing fifteen credits, including LHST 111, HIST 221, 222, and six additional upper division history credits.

Career Opportunities

Because of its breadth, its concern with people and their institutions, and its essential connection with language, the study of history prepares a person for a considerable number of occupations and professions to which these qualities are essential. Thus, a concentration in history is an excellent, generally well recognized and often ideal way to prepare one for many vocations besides teaching. Moreover, those who wish to prepare for graduate or professional school will find that an undergraduate concentration in history, coupled with a sequence of courses dictated by special interests, is one of the most flexible preparatory programs for future study in many fields. Law schools in particular look upon a major in history as one of the best means to prepare for training in that profession.

Specific career opportunities exist in the areas of teaching (at all levels), public historian and archivist, library work, educational and public administration, museum work, social service occupations and urban planning. History is also an excellent preparation for most positions in the federal, state, and local governments. Specifically, government intelligence work and the foreign service demand preparation in history. Other areas include politics, public relations, advertising, banking, journalism, editing, fund-raising, and related fields.

History: Alternate Concentrations and Majors

The Gannon University – Duquesne School of Law, 3+3 Early Admissions Program has been designed for qualified students to earn an undergraduate and a law degree in six years rather than seven. Under the early admissions program students may receive a Bachelors Degree in History after three years of undergraduate work and the successful completion of the first year of full time study at the Duquesne School of Law. The student would then receive their Law Degree after successful completion of the second year at Duquesne School of Law. Qualified students may wish to pursue this option.

Students, who qualify for the Pre-Law 3+3 Early Admission Program in collaboration with the Duquesne School of Law, may choose to major in history and complete the B.A. requirements in three years. Refer to the Admissions section for a description of and qualifications for the Pre-Law 3+3 Early Admissions Program. This course of study offers 33 hours of upper division historical studies, an excellent preparation for law school.

In addition, the history program offers opportunities for internships and field work within the public and private museums, archives, libraries, and government agencies which incorporate an appropriate program of "hands-on" experiences. Ample opportunities are also available in study-abroad programs, on a summer or semester basis, whereby the student can study and experience history through a variety of opportunities and forums.

Geography Component

The geography courses listed below provide service courses for Education, Social Studies and Social Science majors.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Liberal Studies/LHST 111: History of The West and The World
The most important ideas, issues, problems, and developments that mark the changing fortunes of the West’s interaction with the world from the Seventeenth Century to the present.
3 credits

HIST 110: Foundations of Western Heritage
The most important ideas, issues, problems, and developments that mark the changing fortunes of the West from the Ancient World to the end of the Wars of the Reformation (ca.1648).
3 credits

HIST 210: Ancient History
An analysis of intellectual, social, economic, and political developments of the Ancient World.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 220: Medieval History
An examination of the intellectual, social, economic and political ethos of the Middle Ages with emphasis on the period 1000-1350.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 241: English History to Elizabeth I
Celtic and Roman Britain, Christianity and the Norman Conquest, the role of medieval institutions, the Wars of the Roses, consolidation of a dynastic state. Nationalism and the Reformation provide the focus in the Tudor period.
3 credits

HIST 242: English History from 1603
Stuart despotism and the English Civil War, the Glorious Revolution and the Protestant succession. The forces of industrialization and the era of reform and responsible government. The effects of two world wars and depression upon England and the Empire.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 245: Tudor and Stuart England
A study of sixteenth and seventeenth century England beginning from the reign of Henry VII to the Glorious Revolution.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 251: Tsarist and Imperial Russia
The rise and fall of Kievan Russia, the Tatar Yoke, the rise of Muscovy, the Time of Troubles and the consolidation of Imperial power from Peter the Great to Nicholas II.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 252: 20th Century Russia
Emancipation, revolutionary movements, the Golden Age of Literature and the Russian Revolutions, the impact of two world wars and the responses of the Soviet government, Glasnost, Perestroika, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Post-Communist Russia.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 253: History of Modern Germany I
This course will examine modern German history from the Reformation to the end of World War One. We will explore a wide range of issues--politics, social change, warfare, religion, economics, gender, and race--that shaped Germany's development in this period from a lose collection of kingdoms and small states to the most powerful nation in Europe by 1914. Over the course of the semester, we will also consider the ways in which Germany's history fits within the broader context of European, Western, and World civilization.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 254: History of Modern Germany II
This course will examine modern German history from the end of World War One until German reunification. We will explore a wide range of issues--politics, social change, warfare, religion, economics, gender, and race--that shaped Germany's difficult path between democracy and authoritarianism. Over the course of the semester, we will also consider the ways in which Germany's history fits within the broader context of European, Western, and World civilization.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 261: History of Sub-Saharan Africa
This course explores sub-Saharan Africa from the indigenous empires to the post-colonial era in the 21st Century. It will give particular emphasis to the case of South Africa and its history, politics and culture from the earliest times to the end of the Apartheid system. Throughout the course we will examine both the durability and power of native African traditions, as well as the impact of European imperialism and white settlement in sub-Saharan Africa.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 287: The History of Science
The development of science from antiquity to the beginning of the 20th century. The methodology, uses and aims of science. The scientific revolution and its greatest figures from Copernicus to Newton.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 310: The Renaissance and Reformation
The development of humanism and the great intellectual, artistic and cultural achievements of the Renaissance in Italy and subsequently in northern Europe. The religious, social, political and economic factors underlying the division of Christianity, the great Protestant reformers, their life and work.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 312: The Baroque and Enlightenment Era: Europe 1648-1780
The major features of European cultural and political history from the Peace of Westphalia to the beginning of the French Revolution.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 313: The Age of Revolution
The major events of the eighteenth century emphasizing the Enlightenment, the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 420: History of the Contemporary World
A review of Western history from the Congress of Vienna to the present.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

American

HIST 221: History of the United States to 1865
The foundation of the English settlements, the American Revolution, the Early National Period, Jacksonian Democracy, Abolitionism, Expansion to the Pacific, the Civil War. Immigration and the role of minorities are emphasized.
3 credits

HIST 222: History of the United States from 1865 to the Present
Reconstruction, the development of the Industrial Revolution, Immigration and the role of Minorities, the Progressive movement, World War I, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Korean War, the Civil Rights Movement and the post Cold War era.
3 credits

HIST 225: Diplomatic History of the United States
(Cross-listed with POLI 343)
The growth of American foreign policy from its colonial origins to the breakthrough in the world arena and twentieth century world leadership and problems.
Prerequisites: HIST 221, 222
3 credits

HIST 231: American Colonial and Early Republic Era to 1828
An analysis of the main political, social, economic, and cultural developments From the Colonial Era through the Early Republic and Early National eras.
Prerequisite: HIST 221
3 credits

HIST 232: Nineteenth Century America: 1828-1896
The United States during the period of nation making through the Gilded Age. Emphasis is placed on Sectionalism, Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Gilded Age.
Prerequisites: HIST 221, 222
3 credits

HIST 236: History of the Women’s Movement in America
An analysis of women’s history in America from the Colonial Era to the present. Focus will be on women’s experiences in family life, economic life, public life, and the complex interaction of biological, economic, political, and ideological factors in each historical period.
Prerequisite: HIST 222
3 credits

HIST 237: American Social-Intellectual History
(Cross-listed with POLI 351)
Social and intellectual developments from the Colonial Era to contemporary times. Special focus on religious history, education, reform movements, literary trends, and progress in science and technology.
Prerequisites: HIST 221, 222
3 credits

HIST 239: The Black Experience in America
This course provides an analysis of Black American History from the sixteenth century to the present, with special emphasis on the African background, the slave trade and slavery during the Antebellum Period, Black Americans’ fight for freedom against segregation and discrimination, and Black American contributions to the political, social, economic, educational and cultural growth of the American nation
Prerequisite: HIST 221
3 credits

HIST 271: History of Latin America
The Age of Discovery, the conquest and settlement and colonial development of the Iberian Empires, the impact of the Enlightenment, the Age of Revolution, and the struggles of developing nation states.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 282: American Military History
The development of the American military experience as it changed from the limited warfare of the 18th century to the total war of the 20th Century, and the global terrorism of the 21st Century.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 285: History of Canada
A survey of Canadian History from the earliest period to the present. The Amerindians, European Exploration, New France, Anglo-French struggles, Upper and Lower Canada, Confederation, immigration, western settlement, and industrialization in the 20th Century are the main topics.
Prerequisite: LHST 111
3 credits

HIST 325: Contemporary American History
Analysis of the major political, social, economic, and cultural trends in American history from World War II to the present. Special emphasis will be focused on national politics, international relations, and social economic trends from the Harry S. Truman to the George W. Bush administrations.
Prerequisite: HIST 221 or 222
3 credits

HIST 379: Internship with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
To be served at one of the more than 50 museums and historic sites operated by the Commission. The focus of each internship will be determined on the basis of the interests of the student and the resources of the Museum. Internships are for a minimum of ten weeks or longer. They coincide with the fall, spring or summer semesters. Six to 12 credits depending on the length and type of internship will be awarded. Housing may be available at some of the sites, but ordinarily students will be expected to make their own arrangements.
Prerequisites: Open only to Junior, Senior or Graduate students.
(Anthropology/SOCI 292; HIST 221, 222 are required)
6-12 credits

HIST 390-392: Special Topics
Selected topics in History.
3 credits

HIST 393: Commonwealth of Independent States/Study Tour
This course provides students with a first-hand experience in several states of the post-Soviet Union. Emphasis is placed on the enduring legacy of history, particularly since the emergence from communist rule. In addition to classroom orientation lectures, students will visit museums, churches, monasteries, universities, hospitals, and various state and private enterprises. Every effort will be made to accommodate the particular interests of individual students.
3 credits

HIST 394: History of Greece/Study Tour
The course provides an analysis of the History of Greece from the Ancient Era to the Present, with special emphasis on Ancient and Byzantine Greece, and less emphasis on the Ottoman Period and Modern Greece. The course has two components: classroom lectures on the history and culture of Greece and a study tour to Greece where the class tours archeological sites, museums, churches and monasteries. The class enrollment is open only to those who will undertake the study tour.
3 credits

HIST 395-399: Independent Study
3 credits

HIST 400: Senior History Seminar
Selected research topics in history. Emphasis is placed on historiography, methodology and the utilization of primary sources and archival materials.
3 credits

GEOG 201: World Geography
A presentation of the basic facts and ideas about world regions, focusing on individual countries and areas, including physical and cultural material.
3 credits

GEOG 211: Geography of U.S. and Canada
A presentation of the basic facts and ideas about regions in the United States and Canada, including physical and cultural material.
3 credits

GEOG 221-241: Regional Geography/Special Topics
Specialized geography courses focusing on various nations and regions of the world.
3 credits

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History Curriculum
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)

*History majors must take at least 9 credit hours of foreign language. If, however, majors begin at the introductory level the total credit requirements are 12.

  HISTORY MINOR
Completion of the following courses (18 credits) will satisfy the requirements for the minor in History.

ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURE MINOR
For a description see The Archaeology and Culture section in this catalog.
 

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