HIST Course Descriptions

History (2009-2010)

This course explores the impact of World Wars I and II on European society, with a special emphasis on the experiences of the ordinary person.

An examination through lectures and film of the lives of Canadian men and women who have played formative roles in developing the Canadian nation. Examples will be drawn from such areas as politics, religion, business and labour, social reform, arts and entertainment and sports.

An exploration of some of the questions and answers posed by thinkers on the human predicament from Renaissance and Reformation times to the modern period. Readings range from Luther to J.P. Sartre, Shakespeare to Marx and Freud.

This course explores the politics, culture, media, race relations, and gender relations of the United States after 1945 through the lens of rock and roll.

This course will introduce students to the ways in which historians have examined Canada's military experience in this century. Beginning with the Boer War, and continuing through the two World Wars and the post-war era, students will examine the political, social, as well as military effects of war on Canada.

This course will examine some of the methods of genealogy within the context of the economic, social, religious and political forces that have shaped families and their histories in Canada.

This course will survey the emergence and development of the western world, from prehistory to 1715. Complementing the chronological and narrative overview of western culture and civilization will be thematic surveys of developments in the arts and humanities, science and socio-political structures.

This course will survey the emergence and development of the western world from the 17th century to the present. Complementing the chronological and narrative overview of western culture and civilization will be thematic surveys of developments in the arts and humanities, science and socio-political structures.

This course examines the role of individuals in the growth of business in Canada. While there will be general examination of Canadian economic development, the principal focus will fall upon leading Canadian business persons and their interests and innovations. The relationship to the state of business, the place of education, and the impact of immigration are other topics that the course will consider.

This course examines the role of empires in modern history. It will examine how empires were formed, how they functioned, how they were resisted, and how they collapsed. While the focus will be on the European empires, we will also assess other examples, including the empires of the Ottomans, the Japanese, the Chinese, and the United States.

This course examines the historical events and cultural assumptions that led to the European phenomenon of crusading, or holy war, between 1095 and 1453.

This course will explore the social, cultural, and military impact of the Civil War and World Wars I and II on American society.

This course will introduce students to the history of the twentieth-century world, through an exploration of the changing nature of relationships between different parts of the globe.

An introduction to issues in modern cultural history through the study of selected narratives and documentary films with supplementary reading, lectures and discussions.

Beginning with Columbus, this course introduces the history of early America as it was shaped by the encounters between colonizers and colonized. Particular attention is paid to the varied nature of these encounters and their contested interpretation by historians and others.

This course considers the historical impact of sport in North American society. It traces the history from individual play through amateurism to professionalism and big business. It examines sport's role within local, national, and international communities and its relationship to class, gender, leisure, race and politics.

During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), Britain experienced profound change with the expansion of its population, industry and empire. Poverty, gender and racial discrimination persisted in spite of a marked expansion in political rights. This course will address both progressive and regressive forces during this era, focussing on issues of culture, politics, imperialism, and society.

This course deals with the history of organized labour in Canada with an emphasis on prominent labour leaders, major industrial disputes and labour's role in politics. It will also evaluate the development of the Canadian industrial relations systems.

Starting with Amerindian medicine, the course will examine topics such as the rise of the medical and nursing professions, changing public attitudes to health and disease, and the evolution of the Canadian health insurance system.

An historical introduction to law in the Ancient world. Babylonian, Assyrian, Hittite and Roman law, legal practices and concepts will be examined.

A survey of the main stages in the transition of Britain from a remote province of the Roman Empire to a prominent state in post-Reformation Europe. Within the chronological framework, political and constitutional as well as ecclesiastical and social developments will be examined.

This course introduces students to the history of Western popular culture and may include the study of popular literature, spectacle and performance, witchcraft, crime, sexual attitudes, consumption, sports, advertising and the media.

This course will examine women's social, political, cultural, and economic position in the United States from 1920 to the present. We will study the evolving understandings of women's "proper place" in society, which has varied based upon race, class, ethnicity, and region. We will consider women's daily lives and the forces that brought women into the public sphere. Topics covered will include women's political activism, legal position, sexuality, and paid and unpaid labour.

This course will focus on the interrelationship of women and Canadian society through an examination of women's private and public lives.

An exploration of westward expansion in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries and its impact on American popular imagination. Themes will include explorations, indigenous peoples, labor, women, violence, and frontier culture.

The Vietnam War, the longest war in U.S. history, was fought on two fronts, by American G.I.s abroad and anti-war protesters at home. Those two subjects, as well as a history of the war from Vietnamese perspectives, will be the focus of this course.

The "race problem" has appeared on the Canadian public agenda, but the issue is not of recent origin. This course will examine Euro-Canadian attitudes and practices toward non-European minorities from pioneer times to the present and will set racial policies in the context of the evolution of a Canadian national identity.

An examination of the Holocaust in the context of the history of modern racism. Study topics will include historic anti-Judaism, scientific racism and the development of modern antisemitism, Nazi 'race' ideology, wartime policies from ghetto to genocide, resistance movements, Nuremberg trials, Holocaust denial, universal lessons from the Holocaust.

This course will examine the role of foodstuffs and foodways in world history, with an emphasis on Canada in the 20th century. Themes such as colonialism, immigration, ethnic identity, religion, gender, famine, and political policy will be examined to explore how food, and its associated habits and customs, has been central to the evolution of cultural patterns of the past.

The Canadian experience in World War II is still a subject of considerable debate. This course will employ lectures, films and discussion groups to examine the war's impact on the social, economic, political and military life of the country from 1939 to 1945.

This course will examine the causes and consequences of the French Revolution and the impact of Napoleon's reign in France and Europe.

This course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the modern Middle East, including North Africa, the Levant Region, and the Arabian Gulf.

This course examines the evolution of the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean communities in Canada as well as their significance for Canadian economic, social, and political life in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

A survey of individuals and groups that have created popular movements for peace globally and locally throughout history. The scope will be international, with a particular focus on the nineteenth and twentieth century movements. The choice of peace movements will allow for a contrast in comparison of ideology, strategy and impact.

An examination of the role played by the Church in the social, political, and economic life of Canada from 1867 to the present.

The development of Christianity in its Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant traditions from the time of Christ to the present.

A study of the laws and legal procedures of the Middle Ages. The course examines the relationship between legal procedures and institutions and the medieval societies that produced them.

A study of the civilizations of the Ancient Near East focusing on Mesopotamia (Sumer and Akkad, the Babylonian Dynasty and the Third Dynasty of Ur), Hatti, Assyria, Egypt and Persia.

Some of the topics studied in this course include: the three stages of warlordism, the May Fourth Movement and the structure of society in the People's Republic of China.

A survey of ancient Greek history, from the Bronze Age to Alexander the Great, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.

This course will examine the impact of industrialization on European society between the late 18th century and the present. It focuses on the changing nature of the workplace and the workforce and the resulting impact on the family.

An examination through lecture and film of print journalism, broadcasting, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the National Film Board, Wartime propaganda, the Canadian music industry, and the other diverse forms of media.

This historical survey of a region encompassing the contemporary Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, and parts of Serbia, Romania and Germany is crucial for understanding important contemporary developments. The focus will be on how East Central Europe was shaped by an orientation toward Western Christianity, confrontations with the Islamic empire of the Ottoman Turks, the experience of multiethnicity, and Habsburg subjugation.

This course covers Mennonite origins, teachings, migrations, settlement patterns, divisions, leaders, institutions, and religious and social practices, indeed all facets of Mennonite history in various national settings.

This course will examine the social, economic, cultural, and diplomatic aspects of Canada's relationship with the United States, from the time of the American Revolution to the present.

This course will provide a collegial learning setting within which students will be introduced to techniques of historical writing and research, and some examples of the best of recent historical scholarship.

A survey of ancient Roman history, from the Republic to the Empire, emphasizing particularly its political and military aspects.

This course examines the major themes in pre-Confederation Canadian history including the rise and fall of New France, the creation of British North American societies in the Maritimes and Upper Canada and economic and political development.

This course examines Confederation, the rise of political parties, Canadian external relations, western discontent, the impact of both world wars and political and economic changes in Canada since 1867.

This historical survey focuses on the emergence of the United States as a nation. The topics explored may include indigenous peoples, slavery, race, gender, labour, immigration, urbanization, culture, sectionalism, politics, and ideologies.

This course begins in the aftermath of the Civil War and ends at the present day. Topics may include major social movements, the place of the United States in world politics, immigration and imperialism, and the economy.

The political, cultural, economic and ecclesiastical development of Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire to the end of the High Middle Ages.

This course examines European life in the Early Modern Period (1450-1700) and investigates the social, political, religious, and intellectual changes during the Renaissance, the Reformations, and the era of explorations.

This period marked the emergence of modern-day Europe. The course will focus on the way in which European society, politics and culture changed and why. It will also examine the continent's descent into dictatorship and two world wars.

Western Europe since the end of World War II. Focus will be on the Cold War, political and social movements.

An introduction to the social, economic and political history of the countries of Eastern Europe since 1945. Topics may include the implementation of Communism, daily life, the secret police, women, opposition, and revolution.

This course assesses the transformation of the British Empire from its position of comparative strength in the mid-nineteenth century to de-colonization and the emergence of the Commonwealth after the Second World War. Topics of study include systems of power and control, the impact of Empire at home, and the manner in which imperialism influenced colonial subjects.

This course examines the Canadian Legal system from colonial time to the present with particular emphasis on such themes as law and the economy, courts and judiciary, the legal profession, family and criminal law, women and the law and civil liberties.

This course examines the Soviet experience during World War II. It will consider such themes as the impact of totalitarian state systems and radical ideologies on the war; racial genocide; the wartime economy; resistance and collaboration; relations with the Western Allies; and the specific problems of a multiethnic state at war.

This course examines the history of foreign relations of the United States from the "Age of Imperialism" through the "War on Terror." Topics will include the Great War, Wilsonianism, World War II, the Cold War, human rights, and post-9/11 U.S. foreign policies.

One or more term courses will be offered from time to time as announced by the History Department. Topics will be dependent upon special research and/or instructional interests of faculty.

This introduction to historiography traces the relationship between history and other human sciences (anthropology, economics, literature, philosophy, and sociology) since the nineteenth century. In addition to strengthening critical skills, it offers interdisciplinary perspectives on problems of objectivity, documentary evidence, forms of story-telling, and causal explanations.

An exploration of the impact of social crises on late medieval religious modes of expression. Topics will include the Great Famine, the Black Death, the Avignon Papacy and Western Schism, the development of heretical movements, and the eventual disintegration of European religious unity.

A study of the social, historical, and rhetorical dimensions of collective action. Topics may include health and welfare movements, civil rights and anti-war protests, and environmentalism.

This course examines the international relations of the great powers from the rise of Wilhelmine Germany in the 1890s to the first steps of European integration in the early 1950s. Attention will be paid to the formation of foreign policy, alliances, leadership, war-making, and peace-making.

This course examines how people living in the United States during the twentieth century conceived of American identity. Examples will be drawn from politics, culture, race and gender relations, and U.S. foreign policy.

This course will consider the history of private interactions between family members in the United States, as well as the American family's relationship to public forces such as politics, the law, social movements, and the economy. Other topics covered in this course include changing conventions of courtship and dating, marriage, divorce, parenthood, and childhood.

This course will explore the Civil Rights movement in the United States from the 1950s to the 1970s. Topics will include the origins and evolution of the movement, tactics, key figures, and the role of the federal government.

This course will trace the history of the Russian Revolution from 1861 to 1924. It will examine the root causes of the Revolution, the rise of the Bolshevik Party and its seizure of power, and the ensuing civil war, culminating in the establishment of a communist dictatorship.

This seminar introduces students to the history of Western sexuality. The course focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries.

An advanced course, with a detailed analysis of topics in the history of race relations. Special attention will be paid to revolutionary developments since World War II, and to the emergence of modern human rights policies. Topics will be examined through assigned readings, lectures and films.

A study of the common law of England from its introduction in the 11th century to the 15th century. Original documents and court cases will be examined.

A study of French society and the four revolutions that influenced it with particular attention to social and institutional forces.

European society amidst the dramatic changes of the 19th century. Emphasis is given to the impact of the French and industrial revolutions on class, the family, religion, and living conditions.

This course will examine the nature and impact of Nazi occupation on Western and Eastern Europe preceding and during World War II and the responses of the people occupied.

A study of 16th century Anabaptism -- a religious Reformation movement dissenting from both Protestantism and Roman Catholicism -- its origins, its social, political, and theological content; and its relationship to such independent dissenters as Sebastian Franck.

Immigrants and immigration have always been central to Canadians' perceptions of themselves as a country and as a society. This course will examine the immigrant experience and Canada's changing policies and attitudes toward immigration and immigrants from New France to the present.

This course examines the history of Russia and the Soviet Union from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Topics include: origins and nature of the Russian Revolution, communist society, Stalinism, the Cold War and impact of the communist experience on contemporary Russia.

An examination of the social, economic and political history of Nazi Germany. Topics may include the rise of the Nazis, the secret police, war, population policies and mass murder, culture, and women.

A focus on social and economic determinants of Irish History from the Penal Era to the 19th century struggle for Catholic emancipation and the Great Famine.

An exploration of the political, social and cultural history of Ireland from the Famine to the end of the 20th century including the formation of the Irish State, the Republic and the "Troubles".

A topical consideration of key themes, approaches, and chronologies in the history of society in Canada.

A study of the major 16th-century reformers and their intellectual background in humanism and late medieval scholasticism. Special attention will be given to the Lutheran and Reformed traditions and their ideological, social, and political expressions.

The idea of "northerness" is central to our national identity, yet few "southern" Canadians have an appreciation of the historical development of Northern Canada. This course will focus on political, social, cultural, and environmental histories and will introduce students to major themes in Canadian Northern history, from pre-contact to the creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999.

A topical examination of major political and social developments over this eighty year period. These include Irish immigration, Confederation, the Riel rebellions, social reform, the development of labour and business, and the Boer and First World Wars.

The course will examine the emergence of Ontario as an industrial giant and the development of its hegemony in Canada. An emphasis will also be placed on the sources and methods of local historical research.

Lectures, tutorials and independent research will provide a decade-by-decade examination of the central social, political and economic themes that have helped characterize 'modern Canada'.

An analytical and historical examination of Canadian foreign policy in the international system. Domestic sources of Canadian foreign policy and international sources of Canadian foreign policy are examined in detail.

The course focuses on the history of environmental issues such as pollution and water management and social problems in health, education, welfare and culture.

One or more term courses will be offered from time to time as announced by the History Department. Topics will be dependent upon special research and/or instructional interests of faculty.

Study in a limited field under tutorial guidance. A high standard of written work will be expected.

Study in a limited field under tutorial guidance. A high standard of written work will be expected.

Selected themes in the historiography of the study of the Reformation.

Selected themes in the historiography of European history.

Research seminar in particular topics related to the study of European history.

Selected themes in the historiography and methodology of medieval European history.

Research seminar in particular topics related to the study of European medieval history.

Selected themes in the historiography of Canadian history.

Research seminar in particular topics related to the study of Canadian history.

Selected topics in the historiography of the study of 'race' in modern history.

Research seminar in particular topics related to the study of 'race' in modern history.

Selected topics in the historiography of American history.

Research seminar in particular topics related to the study of American history.

May substitute for either a 4th year 'A' or 'B' History seminar, and can be either a readings or research seminar. The topic is determined by the individual faculty member supervising the seminar, in consultation with the student.