History

The Department of History is concerned with both the social milieu and the individual’s desire for a satisfying life. The courses are intended to contribute to an understanding of the present by acquainting students with significant historical data; promoting understanding of social, cultural, and political development; providing a perspective from which to view political, social, and religious issues; promoting an appreciation of possible contributions of religious faith to society; and developing basis and skills for criticism, evaluation, and interpretation.

For personal needs, courses are intended to aid in the development of habits, attitudes, and capacities that contribute to students’ satisfactory adjustment to their work, social situation, and faith. Courses in the department provide background for further work in the social sciences, for teaching or graduate studies, or for professions such as law, journalism, and the ministry. The department provides opportunity for appreciation of cultural pursuits; encouraging tolerance and sympathetic understanding in the areas of personal, social, and intercultural relations; equipping for good citizenship; and encouraging an intelligent, Christ-motivated nonconformity.

Courses

HIS200L • American Civilization (fall, spring) 3 credits

A survey of American history from early Native American communities to the present. Examination of major social, cultural, economic, political, and religious change over time in the American experience. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS201U • Asian Civilizations (occasionally) 3 credits

History of cultures and societies of Asia. Religion, economic development and trade, and family, social, and political organization. May focus on East Asia (China and Japan), South Asia (India and its neighbors), or Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, etc.). Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS204U • African Civilizations (occasionally) 3 credits

The peoples and cultures of Africa. African social structures, religions, government, warfare, technology, and the arts. Traditional African societies, the impact of Western colonialism, the rise of nationalism, and contemporary issues. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS205U • History of China, Korea, and Japan (fall) 3 credits

History and cultures of East Asia. Religion, economic development and trade, and family, social, and political organization. Primary focus on China, Korea, and Japan. Students may not receive credit for both HIS201U and HIS205U. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS206U • History of India and Its Neighbors (spring) 3 credits

History of cultures and societies of South Asia. Religion, economic development and trade, and family, social, and political organization of India and its neighbors. Students may not receive credit for both HIS201U and HIS206U. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS207U • Latin American Civilizations (fall, spring) 3 credits

History of cultures and societies of Latin America. Social, religious, geographic, economic, and political history. The Americas before European contact (with emphasis on Mexico and Central and South America), impact of European conquest and colonization, struggles for independence and national and regional identity, relations with the United States, and Latin America’s place in the global economy. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS209L • Christianity in America (interim) 3 credits

Christianity as a vital factor in North American history and life. Develops an understanding of the European Reformations, the Enlightenment, and other modern developments as factors interacting with Christianity in various aspects of North American culture from colonial times to the present. Exploration of Christian responses to issues such as democracy, imperialism, slavery, secularism, industrialization, materialism, communism, civil rights, pluralism, war, globalization, and technology. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS210U • Minorities in America (fall) 3 credits

History of Multicultural America from the colonial period to the present through a case approach. Focuses on one of the following cultures: Native American, African American, Asian, Hispanic, Jewish American, or Muslim. Examination of themes such as family, society, arts, education, work, slavery, discrimination, immigration-assimilation, democracy, social justice, the role of religion, and women's concerns as they are experienced by various minority groups. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS212U • Introduction to the Muslim World (interim) 3 credits

Introduces students to the religion of Islam from its inception and development to Islam as it is practiced worldwide today. Students interact with members of the Islamic community in Minnesota in an attempt to understand Islam from the personal experiences of Muslims. Contemporary issues and controversies are examined through the lens of the Muslim experience throughout history. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS216L • American Constitutional History (spring) 3 credits

Examination of the origins and development of American constitutional ideas and institutions from the colonial period to the present. Particular attention paid to the historical connections between major constitutional cases and broader social, political, economic, and cultural trends. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146. (Carries cross-credit in political science.)

HIS217U • Christianity in Latin America (spring) 3 credits

Christianity in Latin America from Iberian origins to Liberation Theology. Current evangelistic explosion, missions, and theology in Latin America. Issues studied may include: (neo)imperialism, slavery, dependence, indigenous Christianity and theology, authoritarianism, revolution, democracy, capitalism, socialism, U.S.-Latin American relations, Cold War, terrorism, and social justice. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS221L • Making of Minnesota (occasionally fall and spring, interim) 3 credits

Examination of the historical development of Minnesota up to the present with a social and economic focus: immigration, use and abuse of natural resources, populist politics, intergroup relations, and Minnesota’s impact on the nation. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS223L • History of the American West (interim) 3 credits

An examination of the history of the American West from 1492 to the present. Particular attention to the interaction and competition of different cultures; the construction of political, economic, and religious institutions; and the physical environment, its representations, and its symbolic importance in the broader context of American History. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS230L • World War I (interim) 3 credits

An in-depth look at the shock that engulfed the Western world with World War I—from the turn of the century, through the initial welcome of “cleansing” annihilation in 1914, to bleak 20th century disillusionment. World War I songs, essays, and artwork carefully examined as hands-on artifacts of this period. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS241L • Revolution and Political Development (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits

Theory and process of modernization, with special emphasis on the Anglo-American historical experience; examinations of U.S. efforts to promote democracy internationally in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East since World War II. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146. (Carries cross-credit in political science.)

HIS242L • The Modern World (fall or spring) 3 credits

Modern world from the age of Enlightenment to the present, focusing on America and Europe. Major themes of modern life, including revolutions, nationalism, scientific transformations, the Industrial Revolution, capitalism, socialism, changing family patterns, racial strife, total war, international migrations, totalitarian government, religious revivals, and bourgeois culture. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS245L • History of Women in America (fall) 3 credits

Discussion of “What does it mean to be an American woman?” Historical experiences of American women cutting across race, class, and ethnicity are used to examine gender, citizenship, and the meaning of political, social, and cultural history for women and men. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS250 • Social Welfare in America (spring) 3 credits

Development of the welfare state in America from colonial period to the present, with a brief examination of European roots and influences. Historical context, reform movements, and resultant legislation, including that which emphasizes the roles of minorities and women. (Carries cross-credit in social work.)

HIS300 • American Beginnings (fall, odd # yrs) 4 credits

A survey of early American history from Native American communities through the American Revolution. Investigation of the origins and character of American beginnings through the interactions of Native Americans, African Americans, and Euro-Americans. Topics covered include: Native-American responses to European invasion, colonial expansion, slavery, family structure, early industrialism, and the formation of the Constitution.

HIS301 • A New Nation (fall, even # yrs) 4 credits

A survey of 19th century American history from 1790 to 1890. Examination of major social, economic, cultural, political, and religious change in 19th century America, with an emphasis on the intersections of race, class, and gender.

HIS304G • History of African Religions (occasionally) 3 credits

Examination of the major religions of Africa, and of the ways in which they interact. Discussion of traditional African religions, Islam, and Christianity, and the ways in which Islam and Christianity have penetrated traditional African societies. Focus on two or three particular areas in which the three religious traditions interact. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

HIS305G • The Cold War (spring, odd # yrs) 3 credits

The Cold War as an event in international history, studied from the perspective of the United States, the Soviet Union, China, Europe, and the Third World. Introduces students to ongoing historical debates and to the sources historians use in those debates (including declassified documents available online). Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course. (Carries cross-credit in political science).

HIS307 • The American Civil War (spring) 4 credits

A history of the American Civil War: causes, course of the war, and short- and long-term consequences. Includes, but is not limited to: examining political, military, social, cultural, economic, religious, and environmental events of the American Civil War.

HIS310 • Near Eastern and Greek Civilizations (fall, odd # yrs) 4 credits

Roots of Western civilization in the Near East and Greece. World of the Mesopotamian Empire, Egypt of the pharaohs, and Greece of Homer, Socrates, and Alexander. Cultural and historical context for understanding biblical literature. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

HIS311 • Roman Civilization (spring) 4 credits

Development of the Romans from their origins through their achievement of a world empire to the conversion of the Emperor Constantine. Politics, government, literature, art, philosophy, and religion as well as the emergence and growth of the Christian Church. Continuing heritage of Rome in our contemporary world. Prerequisite: HIS200L, HIS201U, HIS204U, HIS207U, or HIS242L.

HIS312 • Medieval Europe (fall, even # yrs) 4 credits

Historical developments in Western Europe from the reign of Constantine to the era of Petrarch (A.D. 325-1350). Broad cultural, economic, political, social, and religious patterns, with emphasis on the development of the church in its social context.

HIS320K • History and the Human Environment (fall, spring) 3 credits

Environmental and geographical background of human history. Agriculture, climate, energy resources, transportation, and diseases, especially as they have influenced the historical development of Western Europe and North America. Implications for current and future environmental concerns. Prerequisites: Laboratory Science (D) course; Mathematics (M) course. (Carries cross-credit in geography.)

HIS324G • Human Rights in International History (spring, even # years) 3 credits

International and comparative exploration of how human rights have been defined, violated, and protected. Discussion of historical topics (e.g., the abolition of the slave trade, social reform and Christian missions, the genocides of the 20th century), as well as contemporary issues. Includes a service-learning project completed at Bethel or with a local organization. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course. (Carries cross-credit in political science.)

HIS327G • History and Politics of Russia and China in the Modern World (spring) 3 credits

Political, social, and historical manifestations of communism/post-communism in Russia and China in the 20th century. Comparative analysis of communist systems; exploration of maintenance of a communist state in China and transition to a non-communist state in Russia. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course. (Carries cross-credit in political science.)

HIS335G • The Reformations (fall) 3 credits

Christian worldviews in the 16th century, including the Protestant Reformation, Catholic Reformation, and Radical Reformation. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

HIS350 • Modern America (spring) 4 credits

A survey of 20th century American history from 1890 to the present. Examination of major social, economic, cultural, political, and religious change in modern America, with an emphasis on the intersections of race, class, and gender. Prerequisite: HIS200L, HIS201U, HIS204U, HIS207U, or HIS242L.

HIS352 • Modern Russia (occasionally) 4 credits

Major political, social, and economic developments in Russia from 1682 to the present. Emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. Reigns of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, pre-revolutionary Russia, the 1917 revolutions, and the Soviet period. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS353 • Early Modern Europe (occasionally) 4 credits

Political, social, economic, and intellectual history of Europe during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. This course does not emphasize the Reformation except as it illuminates other aspects of early modern European history. Prerequisite: GES130 or GES145, 146.

HIS354 • Modern Europe (fall) 4 credits

Political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual history of Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; HIS200L, HIS201U, HIS204U, HIS207U, or HIS242L.

HIS360 • Classics in Western Political Philosophy (spring, even # yrs) 4 credits

Selected political theorists. Such writers as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Luther, Calvin, Locke, Marx, and Niebuhr. Concentrates on primary sources. Prerequisite: One course in political science, philosophy, or European history. (Carries cross-credit in philosophy and political science.)

HIS370 • Topics in American History (occasionally) 3-4 credits

Selected topics in American history. Specific topic to be announced in advance of registration. The course may be repeated when a different topic is emphasized. Prerequisite: HIS200F or consent of instructor.

HIS371 • Topics in European History (occasionally) 3-4 credits

Selected areas, themes, and periods of European history. Specific topic is announced in advance of registration. The course may be repeated when a different topic is emphasized. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course.

HIS372 • Topics in Global History (occasionally) 3 credits

Selected themes, periods, and areas, focusing on Asia, Africa, or Latin America. Specific topic to be announced in advance of registration. May be repeated when a different topic is emphasized. Prerequisites: GES130 or GES145, 146; Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) course or GES245; World Cultures (U) course.

HIS400 • Research in History (occasionally) 3 credits

An opportunity to work with a member of the history faculty on a major research project. Prerequisites: Major in history; course work appropriate to the area of research; invitation of supervising faculty member; consent of department. Note: No student may take more than six credits in HIS400 and/or directed study.

HIS481 • Internship in History (occasionally) 3 credits

A practical experience in applying academic skills in an off-campus setting under the dual supervision of a history faculty member and a practicing historian or related professional. Designed by student in consultation with history department faculty. Prerequisite: Major in history.

HIS499 • Senior Seminar (fall, spring) 4 credits

Historiography, historical methodology, and the philosophy of history. Emphasis on synthesis, integration, and writing of a research paper. Prerequisite: Major in history; senior standing or consent of instructor.

Programs

In this section, semester credit hours will be shown after the course number and description.

Major in History (B.A.)

Choose from	Introductory History courses:	3-4
HIS200L*	American Civilization
GES246	Western Humanity in Christian Perspective IV
HIS201U*	Asian Civilizations
HIS204U*	African Civilizations
HIS205U*	History of China, Korea and Japan
HIS206U*	History of India and Its Neighbors
HIS207U*	Latin American Civilizations
HIS242L*	The Modern World
Choose from	Foundational courses**	4
HIS311	Roman Civilization
HIS350	Modern America
HIS354	Modern Europe
Choose from	American History courses: (At least one of the courses must be at the 300 level)	6-8
HIS209L*	Christianity in America
HIS210U*	Minorities in America
HIS216L*	American Constitutional History
HIS223L	History of the American West
HIS245L*	History of Women in America
HIS300	American Beginnings
HIS301	A New Nation
HIS307	The American Civil War
HIS350	Modern America
HIS370	Topics in American History
Choose from	Ancient and Medieval European History courses:	4
HIS310	Near Eastern and Greek Civilization
HIS311	Roman Civilization
HIS312	Medieval Europe
Choose from	Modern European History courses:	3–4
HIS335G*	The Reformations
HIS352	Modern Russia
HIS353	Early Modern Europe
HIS354	Modern Europe
HIS360	Classics in Western Political Philosophy
HIS371	Topics in European History
Choose from	Global History courses:	3
HIS201U*	Asian Civilizations
HIS204U*	African Civilizations
HIS205U*	History of China, Korea, and Japan
HIS206U*	History of India and Its Neighbors
HIS207U*	Latin American Civilization
HIS212U*	Introduction to the Muslim World
HIS217L*	Christianity in Latin America
HIS241L*	Revolution and Political Development
HIS304G*	History of African Religions
HIS305G*	The Cold War
HIS324G*	Human Rights in International History
HIS327G*	History and Politics of Russia and China in the Modern World
HIS372	Topics in Global History
HIS499	Senior Seminar	4
Electives from	history courses	7-11
	Total	36-40
General Education		51-52
Electives		31-36
	TOTAL	122

Students majoring in History may choose a focus (at least 12 credits) in American, European, or Global history.

All students planning to pursue graduate study in history should choose a focus. In addition, these students should complete one of the following independent study experiences: one semester or interim spent studying off-campus, HIS400 Research in History, or HIS481 Internship in History. Students planning to pursue graduate-level study in history should also complete study of a modern or ancient language through the Intermediate II level and are encouraged to complete a minor in this language.

* A student may also choose to use this course to meet a General Education requirement.

** One of these three courses must be taken at Bethel University.

Major in Social Studies Education 5–12 (B.A.)

(See Multidisciplinary section.)

Major in Third World Studies (B.A.)

(See Multidisciplinary section.)

Minor in History

Electives from	history courses, of which 6 credits must be 300 level or above	18
	TOTAL	18