This survey course introduces students to the major forces and dynamics of change in the modern history of Africa, from the late 19th century to the present. The primary focus is on European imperialism and its aftermaths in Africa. Issues to be examined include: the scramble for and partition of Africa; resistance to colonization; the rise and fall of apartheid in Southern Africa; religion and society, music and culture, gender and sexuality, art and literature, pan-Africanism, military rule, HIV/AIDS, democratization, and nation building. Emphasis on African initiatives, and on an exploration of contemporary challenges and the major forces reshaping the history of this oldest, most diverse, and most fascinating continent. Feature films, drama skits, literary works, and guest lectures are utilized. No prerequisites required. Course meets the History major requirements for Group III.

European Conquest of America explores many of the major issues relating to the creation and development of colonial North America. We will focus particularly on the extraordinary heterogeneous mixture of peoples who lived in North America and the Caribbean, and on the complexity and consequences of their interactions. Throughout the semester we will continually evaluate arguments among historians about whether or not it makes sense to understand the colonial period in terms of a conquest, or whether Native Americans retained enough power and resistance throughout the colonial period to make such an interpretation inaccurate. Course meets History major requirement for Group I.

By 1900, the United States had emerged as the world's leading industrial power and leading destination for millions of immigrants and had begun to become a major player in world affairs. Americans enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and became eager consumers of new inventions and popular culture: cars, radios, jazz records, and the "motion pictures." But they also experienced the worst depression the country had ever known and struggled to make sense of a world that went to war twice within a generation. Women, African Americans, immigrants - all struggled to carve out their place in the new political order. By World War II, the United States assumed many of its "modern" characteristics. Using novels, movies, photographs, sporting events, political speeches and political debates, we will explore both the domestic and the international aspects of the development of modern U.S. Course meets the History requirements for Group I.

Topics vary (see department listing for current semester). Seminar entails reading, discussion, and research on literature and documents related to the selected topic. Provides students with the opportunity to do research under close direction. Course meets the History major requirement for Group III.