UMHB Online Catalog
Department of History and Political Science
Course offerings in History are designed to meet the needs of students seeking both a broad liberal arts education and a useful vocation. Graduates in history may find employment in such diverse fields as public school teaching, government service, archival and bibliographical work, public relations, or careers requiring research and writing skills. The Dorothy Hughes Weatherby Scholarship and the Reuter Scholarship are available for history majors. Interested students should consult with the chairperson of the department. Political Science is especially recommended as a major or minor for students planning to enter a variety of fields. The subject provides the background necessary for both admission to and satisfactory performance in the study of law. Course offerings in Political Science are also designed to meet the needs of students planning to enter government or military service, secondary school teaching, graduate school, the media, and political campaigns and consulting. In addition, the study of Political Science offers any student a chance to broaden his or her understanding of the American and International political systems. The American Studies major is designed to expose students to the history, culture, and institutions of the American experience. Students will receive a broad liberal arts preparation to pursue graduate studies in the humanities or social sciences or to pursue professional careers in fields such as journalism, law, business, government, or education.
Course Listing
AMST 2301
Introduction to American Studies
This course serves as an orientation to the American Studies discipline through a study of the major social and intellectual movements that have shaped American culture and institutions. Special attention will be given to how these influences are reflected in religion, art, science, politics, education and economics in America.
HIST 1311
History of the World Civilization to 1500
A survey of selected civilizations and cultures from prehistory to approximately 1500, focusing on social, political, economic, religious, and intellectual themes which had on-going influence within and between cultures.
HIST 1312
History of World Civilization since 1500
A survey of selected civilizations and cultures from approximately 1500 to the twentieth century, focusing on social, political, economic, religious and intellectual themes, particularly the impact of expanding Western civilizations on other regions and the development of globalization.
HIST 2311
American History to 1877
A survey of the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of the United States from early explorations to 1877.
HIST 2312
American History since 1877
A survey of the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of the United States from 1877 to the present.
HIST 2340
Historical Inquiry, Research, and Method
A study of the specific skills, competencies, and points of view used by professionals in the field of history. This course also examines the fundamental principles and theories relevant to historical inquiry and reviews the standards of historical research and writing. No Prerequisites required. Fall only.
HIST 3311
United States Diplomatic History
A study of the foreign policy of the United States since it emerged as a world power about 1900. Emphasis is placed on the causes and effects of U.S. policy decisions in dealing with Latin America, Asia, and Europe and the U.S. role in World Wars I and II. Present world problems receive special consideration. (Same as POLS 3311)
HIST 3313
History of Texas
A study of the social, economic, and political history of Texas from the period of colonization to the present.
HIST 3314
The American South
A study of the South from its colonial beginnings to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the history and development of slavery before the Civil War and of black southerners after.
HIST 3362
History of Latin America
A study of Central and South America including European heritage, discovery, exploration and settlement, colonial institutions and government, struggles for independence, and the establishment of national states.
HIST 3370
History of England to 1707
A study of the social, political, and economic history of England from the pre-literary period to the Act of Union in 1707 and the reign of Queen Anne.
Prerequisites: HIST 1311 or instructor’s consent
HIST 3371
History of Great Britain since 1707
A continuation of HIST 3370 from the Act of Union in 1707, this course includes the growth of the British Empire and Britain’s role in world affairs.
Prerequisites: HIST 1312 or instructor’s consent
HIST 4190-4490
Independent Learning
A readings course open to Juniors and Seniors only. The course will consist of directed readings on topics selected by the professor and the student on the basis of the needs and aspirations of the individual student. HIST 4190-4490 is not to be given in lieu of, or as a substitute for, any other course.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of the instructor, the department chairperson, and the dean of the college.
HIST 4191-4491
Seminar
A study of a selected historical topic designed to acquaint advanced students with techniques of historical research and writing. Credit will be given upon completion of an acceptable research paper. The course may be repeated with a change of topic.
HIST 4311
Constitutional History of the United States I
A study of the historical evolution of the United States Constitution with an emphasis on court decisions concerning federalism, separation of powers, and economics. (Same as POLS 4311)
HIST 4312
Constitutional History of the United States II
A study of the historical evolution of the United States Constitution with an emphasis on court decisions concerning civil rights and civil liberties. (Same as POLS 4312)
HIST 4313
History of Western Political Thought Through the Enlightenment
A study of the history of political theory with emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Agustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. (Same as POLS 4313)
HIST 4314
History of Western Political Thought from the Nineteenth Century to the Present
A study of early modern and modern western political theory with emphasis on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, the English utilitarians, Marx, and Nietzche. (Same as POLS 4314)
HIST 4321
Colonial and Revolutionary America
A study of the economic, political, and cultural development of the English settlements in North America from their establishment through the revolutionary struggle and its aftermath to 1789.
Prerequisites: HIST 2311 or instructor’s consent
HIST 4322
Age of Jefferson and Jackson
A study of American history from 1789 to 1850, including the organization of government under the Constitution, the rise of political parties, nationalism, expansion, and the development of sectionalism.
Prerequisites: HIST 2311 or instructor’s consent
HIST 4323
Civil War and Reconstruction
A study of the constitutional, economic, and intellectual crisis of the United States in the 1850s, the disruption of the Union, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era to 1877.
HIST 4324
The Emergence of Modern America
A study of the development of urban-industrial America which examines the impact of industrialism on American economic, political, and cultural life through the Progressive Era.
Prerequisites: HIST 2312 or instructor’s consent
HIST 4325
Contemporary America
A study of the economic, political, and cultural life of the United States from the close of World War I through World War II, domestic America after 1945, and the Cold War era.
Prerequisites: HIST 2312 or instructor’s consent
HIST 4330
History of Church and State in the United States
A study of the interaction of religion, politics, and the state from colonial times to the present from historical, legal, and social scientific perspectives. (Same as POLS 4330)
HIST 4340
Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic World
A study of social, economic, political, and cultural developments in Greece from the Mycenaean period through the Alexandrian Empire and the Roman Republic.
Prerequisites: HIST 1311 or instructor consent. Fall only
HIST 4342
The Roman Empire and Medieval World
A study of social, economic, political, and cultural development in the Roman Empire, medieval Europe, Byzantium and Islam to circa 1400 c.e.
Prerequisites: HIST 1311 or instructor consent. Fall only
HIST 4371
Nineteenth Century Europe, 1815-1914
A study of the development of Europe from the end of the Napoleonic era through the beginning of World War I.
Prerequisites: HIST 1312 or instructor’s consent
HIST 4375
Twentieth Century Europe
A study of the leading European states from the outbreak of World War I to the present day. Special attention is given to the origin, philosophy, and significance of communism, socialism, fascism, and Nazism.
Prerequisites: HIST 1312 or instructor’s consent
HIST 4376
Early Modern Europe, Renaissance to 1789
A study of the rise of modern Europe from the Renaissance to the French Revolution. Focus will be on social, religious, political, and philosophical changes, including the development of absolutism and constitutional forms of government.
Prerequisites: HIST 1312 or instructor consent. Spring only
POLS 1315
Introduction to Political Science
A study of the scope and methods of Political Science, including such topics as systems analysis, political culture, political behavior, governmental structures, and governmental processes.
POLS 2310
State and Federal Government I
A study of the federal and state constitutions and governments with emphasis on elections, political parties, and interest groups. Meets the requirements for Texas teacher certification.
POLS 2311
State and Federal Government II
A study of the federal and state constitutions and governments with emphasis on governmental structures, processes, and policy making. Meets the requirements for Texas teacher certification.
POLS 2315
Comparative Political Systems
A comparative study of the political and governmental systems of various states. Emphasis on understanding different types of political systems and their institutions through close study of specific study states from regions across the world.
POLS 3311
Diplomatic Relations of the United States
A study of the foreign policy of the United States since it emerged as a world power. Recent foreign policy issues are given special emphasis. (Same as HIST 3311)
Prerequisites: POLS 1315 or instructor’s consent.
POLS 3317
International Organizations
A study of the history, development, mission and current operations of selected international, regional and nongovernmetnal organizations. Course will give special emphasis to the role of the United Nations in the international interactions of states and non-state actors.
POLS 3325
The American Executive
A study of the development of the power, the influence, and the limitations of the chief executive, including the President of the United States and other executives in the American System.
POLS 3326
The Legislative Process
A study of legislative behavior in the American political system. Included is a study of representation, selection of legislators, organization and procedures of legislative bodies, and the relation of the legislative to the executive and judicial branches.
POLS 3329
Political Parties
A study of the development, nature, and problems of political parties, including their organizations, operations, and functions.
Prerequisites: POLS 1315 or instructor’s consent
POLS 3362
Politics and History of Latin America
A study of select Central and South American states, including the European conquest and colonial institutions, struggles for independence, establishment of national states and current political, economic and social structures. (Same as HIST 3362)
Prerequisites: POLS 1315 or instructor’s consent
POLS 4190-4490
Independent Learning
A readings course open to Juniors and Seniors only. The course will consist of directed readings on topics selected by the professor and the student on the basis of the needs and aspirations of the individual student. POLS 4190-4490 is not to be given in lieu of, or as a substitute for, any other course.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of the instructor, the department chairperson, and the dean of the college.
POLS 4191-4491
Seminar
A study of a selected Political Science topic designed to acquaint advanced students with techniques of research and writing in Political Science. Credit will be given upon completion of an acceptable research paper. The course may be repeated with a change of topic.
POLS 4311
Constitutional Government and Law in the U.S. I
A study of the Constitution of the United States, including the work of the U.S. Supreme Court and the effects of its various decisions. Court cases are examined, briefed, and discussed. Emphasis is placed on court decisions concerning federalism, separation of powers, and economics. (Same as HIST 4311)
POLS 4312
Constitutional Government and Law in the U.S. II
POLS 4313
Political Theory I
A study of the history of political theory with emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. (Same as HIST 4313)
Prerequisites: POLS 1315 or instructor’s consent
POLS 4314
Political Theory II
A study of modern and early modern western political theory with emphasis on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, the English utilitarians, Marx, and Nietzche. (Same as HIST 4314)
Prerequisites: POLS 1315 or instructor’s consent
POLS 4316
International Relations
A study of the relations between sovereign nations with special emphasis on the causes of war, security and peace issues, and international political economy.
Prerequisites: POLS 1315 or instructor’s consent
POLS 4317
Political Geography
A study of the geographical factors that affect Texas, national, and world politics. Special emphasis i placed on demography; geography and conflict; landscape and the geography of culture; the geography of religion and politics; spatial dimensions of industrialization, urbanization, and economic development; and environmental pressures and politics.
Prerequisites: POLS 1315 or instructor’s consent
POLS 4318
International Poitical Economics
A study of the development of the international economic system of trade, production and finance from the Industrial Revolution through the present era, with special attention to the political effects of the developments that marked this progression. The course will examine specific state and non-state actors within the current international political economic system to investigate the development of economic and political linkages.
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