Sample syllabus . An examination of the Civil War era, including a detailed study of American slavery. This course is required of all history majors, who are encouraged to take it in the sophomore or junior years of study. It emphasizes the research, writing, and oral communication skills essential to the discipline of history. The specific topic of the seminar is selected according to the instructor's research specialty and varies with each offering.
Students present a variety of oral reports and write a research paper.
It is expected that the oral communications proficiency requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences will be certified for the history major on the basis of performance in this class. Offered at least one semester each academic year. Classical period, Vandal invasion, Islamic penetration, European imperialism, and contemporary problems of nationalism. Special attention is given to analysis of the development of and explanations for nineteenth-century imperialism and of the emergence of independence movements in twentieth century. This seminar, offered every fall semester, will provide an introduction to the methods and varieties of historiography.