Department Chair

  • James C. Harrison
    Professor of History
    Kiernan Hall 228
    (518)783-2353
    harrison@siena.edu

Course Descriptions

For the latest course descriptions, see the Siena College Catalog 

 
HIST—101, The Shaping of the Contemporary World, fulfills the College core requirement of three hours in 
History, and is the prerequisite for all other courses in the department. Selected students may satisfy the core 
requirement with Level One History Honors. Transfer credits in History may be counted toward the core 
requirement. See the History Honors Program section for additional listings.
 
HIST—101. The Shaping of the Contemporary World 3 credits
This course aims  to provide students with an introduction to the discipline and methodologies of history 
through the study of the relationship of the West to non-Western societies in the contemporary world. Attention 
is focused on understanding the unique events and trends of the 20th century and their political, social, 
economic, literary and artistic antecedents in the previous century. (ATTR: ARTS, CDH)
 
HIST—110. History Outside the Classroom 0 credits
This course is designed to give History majors an opportunity to experience history-related activities beyond the 
normal classroom. To complete the requirement, students must consult their advisor about an experience and 
complete the departmental forms. Qualifying to complete the requirement are history-related internships, study 
abroad, travel courses, social studies student teaching, presentation of a paper to a conference or symposium 
such as sponsored by the Omicron Xi chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, participation in the History Department’s Oral 
History Project, Model UN, Gettysburg Semester, pursuit of the Certificate in Revolutionary Era Studies, or 15 92
hours of a history activity at a historical society or institution approved by the department. The course is P/F. 
See advisor for more information. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. (ATTR: ARTS)
 
HIST—201. The West and the World I 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to analyze the Western Tradition as it evolved from the Greeks to the Italian 
Renaissance; to understand and appreciate non-Western civilizations and their encounters with the West; to 
examine the human condition over time, both the role of the powerful and the powerless. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, 
HEUR, HMEU, PNH)
 
HIST—202. The West and the World II 3 credits
The purpose of the course is to analyze the Western Tradition as it evolved from 1500 to 1900; to understand 
and appreciate non-Western civilizations and their encounters with the West; and to examine the human 
condition over time, both the role of the powerful and the powerless. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, CAH, GLST, HMEU)
 
HIST—203. American History I 3 credits
A survey of the political, geographic, social, economic, and intellectual factors that have contributed to the 
growth of the United States as a great power; from settlement through the Civil War era. (ATTR: AMSA, ARTS, 
CAH, HAM)
 
HIST—204. American History II 3 credits
A survey of the political, geographic, social, economic, and intellectual factors that have contributed to the 
growth of the United States as a great power; from the Civil War era to the present. (ATTR: AMSA, ARTS, CAH, 
HAM, HMAM)
 
HIST—303. America and the World I: U.S. Foreign Relations 1776-1920 3 credits
This survey examines the people, ideas, and institutions that have shaped U.S. foreign relations from the 
American Revolution to the end of World War I. The course takes a broad view of foreign relations to include 
interstate diplomacy and economic, social, and cultural interactions among individuals, institutions, and nongovernmental organizations. Prerequisites: HIST—101. (ATTR: ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM, GLST)
 
HIST—305. America and the World II: U.S. Foreign Relations in the 20th Century 3 credits
This survey examines the people, ideas, and institutions that have shaped U.S. foreign relations from World War 
I to the present. The course takes a broad view of foreign relations to include interstate diplomacy and also 
economic, social, and cultural interactions among individuals, institutions, and non-governmental organizations. 
Prerequisites: HIST—101. (ATTR: ARTS, GLST, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—311. North American Colonies and the Atlantic World, 1492-1763 3 credits
A survey of the origins and development of the North American colonies from initial European discovery 
through the end of the French and Indian War. Particular emphasis will be on the 13 British colonies that would 
become the United States. Topics will include European and Native American background to settlement, cultural 
interaction between European colonists and Native Americans, the origins and development of AfricanAmerican slavery, cultural and religious developments, the European wars for control of North America, and the 
economic and political maturation of the colonies. (ATTR: ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—312. The American Revolution in the Atlantic World, 1763-1815 3 credits
A survey of the origins and development of the American Revolution and the United States from the British 
imperial crisis of the 1760s through the conclusion of the War of 1812. Topics will include the political, social, 
and economic causes of the American Revolution, the military course of the Revolutionary War, the importance 
of the Atlantic World in the Revolutionary Era, the effect of the Revolution on slavery, gender, Native Americans, 
religious freedom, and representative government, and the early diplomatic relations between the United States 
and the Atlantic World. (ATTR: ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—313. Antebellum America, 1815-1854 3 credits
This course explores the political, social, cultural, geographical, and economic expansion of the  United States 
from the end of the War of 1812 to the sectional crisis over the Kansas territory in 1854. Students will analyze 
major themes including race, class, gender, immigration, social reform, nationalism, and sectionalism. (ATTR: 
ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—315. The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877 3 credits3
Description and analysis of the causes for the disruption of the Union, the conduct of the war, and the policies 
and politics of the Reconstruction era. (ATTR: ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—320. Emergence of Modern America, 1869-1920 3 credits
A study of the emergence of the United States as an industrial, urban nation and as a world power. (ATTR: ARTS, 
HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—323. Contemporary America, since 1920 3 credits
A study of the political, social, economic, and intellectual currents of modern America and its developing role in 
world affairs. (ATTR: ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—325. United States Women’s History 3 credits
This course will introduce students to the history of women in the United States from the pre-Columbian era to 
the present. Students will focus on issues of gender difference in the history of American business, labor, politics, 
culture, and social life, as well as considering differences between women with regard to race, ethnicity, class, 
and age. (same as WSTU—305) (ATTR: ARTS, HMAM, HAM, WSTU, AMSA)
 
HIST—327. New York State History 3 credits
The political, social, economic, and cultural history of the state of New York from the pre-Columbian era to the 
present. (ATTR: ARTS, AMSA, HAM, HMAM)
 
HIST--328.  Dutch Roots of New York 3 credits
An academically oriented study of New York State's Dutch Background, this specially designed course offers 
three semester hours credit for an intense study program in the Netherlands, preceded by orientation lectures, 
and followed by supervised research into various aspects of the field tour.  Travel costs paid by student. Cost 
varies each semester. Prerequisites: HIST – 101 or 190.  (ATTR: ARTS, AMSA. HAM, HEUR, HIST 110)
 
HIST—330. The Middle East: Foundations of the Modern Experience 3 credits
A study of the region from the rise of Islam to the beginnings of modernization, with emphasis on the interplay 
of politics, religion, economy, and culture between 600 and 1800. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HNW, ISP)
 
HIST—333. The Middle East in Modern Times 3 credits
A study of the emergence of the regional state system, deep economic transformation, and wrenching social and 
cultural changes since 1800. Particular attention is given to the reasons for conflict and war. (ATTR: ARTS, 
GLST, HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—335. Greek Civilization 3 credits
A survey of the social, cultural, and political development of the Ancient Greeks, beginning with the Ancient Near 
East and continuing through the Homeric to the Hellenistic Age. This course may not be used to fulfill the 
requirement of six hours of foreign language study. (Same as CLSS—305) (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HEUR, PNH)
 
HIST—336. Roman Civilization 3 credits
A survey of the social, cultural, and political development of Rome from its foundation to the fall of the Empire. 
(Same as CLSS—306) (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HEUR, PNH)
 
HIST—337. Late Antiquity 3 credits
The study of Late Antiquity will investigate the fundamental period of transition from the classical to medieval 
world as it was experienced across the Mediterranean. Spanning the crises of the Late Roman Empire to its 
disintegration, it will encompass diverse areas of inquiry: the establishment of Christianity within the Roman 
empire; the barbarian migrations and the ensuing destabilization of the Roman Empire in the west; the 
emergence of the papacy and the rise of the Frankish king, Charlemagne as a new emperor; the continuity of the 
Roman Empire in the east through the successors of Augustus who ruled the “Byzantine” Empire from 
Constantinople; the emergence of the Islamic caliphate and the founding of Bagdad. Same as CLSS—340 (ATTR: 
ARTS, HEUR, MRST, PNH)
 
HIST—338. The Spartans 3 credits
Students will study the history and culture of Sparta from its beginnings ca. 1,000 BCE to its eventual collapse in 
the 4th Century BCE. The name Sparta has survived in the cultural memory of the west for more than 2,000 
years in no small part due to its reputation for heroism and military might. We will examine the character of 
Spartan society and its emphasis on the heroic ideal. Students will learn how this ideal evolved, and how it 4
enabled Sparta to become the most powerful state in ancient Greece. We will learn that Sparta’s truly unique 
military, social and political systems came at a heavy price; this aspect of Spartan culture will constitute another 
major focus of the course. Our examination of Sparta and its history will be based on evidence derived from 
primary sources, archaeology, art and secondary sources. Same as CLSS—360 (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, PNH)
 
HIST—340. Latin America: The Colonial Period 3 credits
A survey of the history of Latin America from 1492 to independence in the 1820s. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HNW, ISP, 
MULT)
 
HIST—343. Latin America: The National Period 3 credits
A survey of the history of Latin America from the 1820s to the present. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HNW, ISP)
 
HIST—345. History of Mexico 3 credits
The political, social, and economic development of Mexico from colonial times to the present. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, 
HNW, ISP)
 
HIST—350. History of East Asia I 3 credits
A survey of East Asian history with emphasis on the political, economic, social, and cultural development of 
China, Japan, and Korea: from earliest times to 1600. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HNW, ISP)
 
HIST—353. History of East Asia II 3 credits
A survey of East Asian history with emphasis on the political, economic, social, and cultural development of 
China, Japan, and Korea: since 1600. (ATTR: ARTS, GLST, HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—360. History of Modern China 3 credits
History of modern China since 1840, with particular attention given to China’s response to the West, the 
disintegration of Imperial China, the development of nationalism, and the rise of Chinese communism. (ATTR: 
ARTS, HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—363. History of Modern Japan 3 credits
History of modern Japan, with principal emphasis on political, economic, intellectual, and social developments 
since 1853. (ATTR: ARTS, HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—370. Africa I: Genesis of Modern Africa 3 credits
A general examination of the social, political, economic and environmental developments of the indigenous 
African states including their response to Eastern and Western contacts from pre-history to 1875. (ATTR: ARTS, 
HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—373. Africa II: The Modern Transition 3 credits
A general examination of the development of Africa from 1875 with emphasis not only on the economy, society, 
and politics but also the impact of colonization upon the course of modernization. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, GLST, 
HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—375. Women in European History 3 credits
This course surveys the history of European women from ancient times to the present, with particular attention 
to how the study of women and gender has changed the way historians analyze the past. The construction of the 
concepts of masculinity and femininity will be explored through careful examination of primary and secondary 
materials. The latest historiographical approaches to the study of women and gender will be considered as will 
new resources for research. (ATTR: ARTS, ISP, WSTU, HMEU, HEUR)
 
HIST—376.  Franciscan History  3 credits
This course will familiarize the student with the persons, events and ideas that have inspired the Franciscan 
Movement.  The student will come to understand the background of Franciscanism in the context of the High 
Middle Ages, and in contrast to earlier forms of religious life within the Christian tradition.  The student will 
learn about the role of Franciscans in the development of western art; in higher education; in politics; in the age 
of exploration; and in the development of Christian Spirituality over the past 800 years.  Appropriate attention 
will be paid to the internal struggles of Franciscans; to the role of women in the Franciscan family; and to the 
place of Franciscans in the Anglican Communion. The course will culminate in a look at the founding of Siena 
College as a Franciscan contribution to higher education.  Prerequisites:  HIST—201.  (ATTR:  ARTS, HEUR, 
HNW)
 
HIST—378. Medieval Europe 3 credits95
A survey of western European history between roughly 450 and 1350, tracing political, social, and cultural 
trends. This course will focus on the formation of an entity called “Europe,” distinct from its neighbors in the 
Byzantine and Arabic worlds, yet including non-Christians as an integral part of European history. (ATTR: ARTS, 
CFH, HEUR, HMEU, MRST, PNH)
 
HIST—381. Renaissance Europe 3 credits
A survey of European history between roughly 1350 and 1500, with special emphasis on cultural change and on 
Italy. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, HMEU, PNH)
 
HIST—384. The Reformation of Christendom 3 credits
The reform of western Christianity in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries as Europe moved from the 
medieval to the modern world. Special attention will be paid to significant figures such as Luther, Calvin, and 
Ignatius Loyola. Prerequisites: (HIST—101 or 190) and (RELG—101 or 121 or 141 or 181). (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, 
HMEU, CFH, PHN) (Same as RELG—301)
 
HIST—387. Nineteenth Century Europe, 1815-1915 3 credits
This course treats industrialization and social change, the emergence of socialism and workers’ movements, 
political and economic liberalism, German and Italian unification, Social Darwinism, and European imperialism. 
(ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, HMEU, ISP)
 
HIST—392. Europe, 1914-1945 3 credits
A study of the period as affected by the First World War, the Russian Revolution, the rise of Fascism in Italy and 
Nazism in Germany, the Great Depression, the problems of the  democratic states, the breakdown of 
international cooperation, and World War II. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, ISP, HMEU)
 
HIST—394. Contemporary Europe since 1945 3 credits
A historical treatment from the European perspective of the principal developments and crises from the end of 
World War II to the present. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, ISP, HMEU)
 
HIST—396. England from 1485-1815 3 credits
The emergence of modern England during the reigns of the Tudors, Stuarts and first four Hanoverians, with 
emphasis on political, social and economic changes. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, ISP, PNH, HMEU)
 
HIST—398. Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Britain 3 credits
The history of Great Britain and the empire from 1815 to the present, with emphasis on political, social, and 
economic changes. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, HMEU, ISP)
 
HIST—401 (402, 403). Colloquium in History 3 credits
This course is designed to explore areas and topics not treated in the traditional history course offerings. The 
area or theme will be studied in depth and emphasis will be on discussion. The subject will be announced before 
the semester in which the colloquium is to be given. An additional fee may be required, depending on the topic 
offered. May be taken more than once with different topics. (ATTR: ARTS)
 
HIST—411. Slavery in Historical Perspective 3 credits
An historical examination across the major world civilizations from the ancient period to the present of the 
development of slavery. Focus will be upon the causes and sources of slavery, its impact and consequences upon 
society, attitudes toward slavery, the life of the slave, and abolition. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HAM, HEUR, HNW MULT, 
PNH, AMSA)
 
HIST—413. History of Modern Germany 3 credits
Political, social, and economic evolution of the German nation from the Vienna settlement to the present. (ATTR: 
ARTS, HEUR, ISP, HMEU)
 
HIST—415. The French Revolution and Napoleon 3 credits
A study of the revolution and its Napoleonic aftermath in its French and international aspects. (ATTR: ARTS, 
CAH, HEUR, HMEU, ISP, PNH)
 
HIST—418. History of Modern France 3 credits
Political and cultural development of modern France from the French Revolution to the present. (ATTR: ARTS, 
HEUR, ISP, HMEU)
 
HIST—421. Russian Foreign Policy: The Soviet Period 3 credits
An analysis of Soviet foreign relations: goals, strategy, and tactics, including the Cold War and post-Soviet 
foreign policy. (ATTR: ARTS, HMEU, HEUR, ISP)
 
HIST—425. Russian Intellectual and Social History 3 credits
The evolution and development of Russian society and currents of thought from Kievan Rus to the present. 
(ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HEUR, HMEU, ISP)
 
HIST—428. History of Modern Russia 3 credits
A survey of Russian history from the reign of Ivan III (1462-1505) to the 20th century. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, 
HMEU, ISP)
 
HIST—430.Russia Since 1900 3 credits
The study of the reign of Nicholas II (1894-1917), the Soviet period, and post-Soviet Russia. (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, 
ISP, HMEU)
 
HIST—451. U.S. Social and Cultural History to 1877 3 credits
The development of social institutions  and currents of thought from the 16th century to mid-19th century. 
(ATTR: ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—453. U.S. Social and Cultural History after 1877  3 credits
The development of social institutions and currents of thought from the mid-19th century to the present. (ATTR: 
ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—455. The Westward Movement, 1750-1890 3 credits
The development of the American West from its role in the Anglo-French conflict for empire to the official 
closing of the frontier by the census of 1890. (ATTR: AMSA, ARTS, HAM, HMAM)
 
HIST—457. American Immigration in Historical Perspective 3 credits
A study of the historical movement of peoples from around the world to the United States within the context of 
global political and economic changes that emphasizes transnational connections and the complex history of 
race, citizenship, and intercultural relations. (ATTR: AMSA, ARTS, GLST, HAM, HMAM, MULT)
 
HIST—461. African-American History 3 credits
A study of the course of black history in the United States, including migration to English America, slavery, 
emancipation, segregation, rise of organized protest movements, and the civil rights revolution, as well as a 
consideration of the influence of blacks upon various phases of American political, social, economic, and 
intellectual development. (ATTR: ARTS, CAH, HAM, ISP, AMSA, HMAM, MULT)
 
HIST—463. U.S. Military History 3 credits
A study of the military history of the U.S. (and necessary European background) from the age of settlement 
through Vietnam, concentrating on the roots of the armed forces in the society and the impact of change, social, 
political, and technological on the role and functions of the armed forces of the U.S. (ATTR: AMSA, ARTS, HAM, 
HMAM)
 
HIST—465. Spanish Borderlands 3 credits
An historical examination of the Spanish borderland region of the United States between 1513 and 1821 with 
concluding remarks regarding the period of Mexican authority over Texas and the Southwest between 1821-
1848. Focus will include the exploration and occupation of the region as well as social, political, economic, and 
military developments. (ATTR: AMSA, ARTS, CAH, HAM, HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—471. Conflict in South Africa 3 credits
A survey of South Africa history from pre-colonial times through the arrival of white settlers and the ensuing 
race conflict which has raged through the centuries, with emphasis on the social, political and economic 
dimensions, up to the present. (ATTR: ARTS, HNW, ISP, MULT)
 
HIST—475. Public History 3 credits
This course considers the practice of history outside of the formal classroom. Areas of study may include, but are 
not limited to, museums, libraries, archives, state and national parks, historical societies, theme parks, 7
publishing, filmmaking, archaeology, and historic preservation. (Same as AMST–475) (ATTR: ARTS, HAM, 
HMAM)
 
HIST—480. Internship in History 3 credits
Work in local historical societies, museums, archival and resource centers, etc. Open to second semester Juniors 
and Seniors who have completed a minimum  of 12 credit hours in history, including U.S. history, and who 
present a GPA of 3.0 or higher in history and 2.9 or higher overall. Permission of the Director of American 
Studies and the Head of the History Department is required. Evaluation of such credit is made by the staff of the 
participating institution, and the Director of American Studies or a member of the History Department chosen by 
the Department in consultation with the Director of American Studies. (Cross-listed as AMST—480) (ATTR: 
ARTS, INT)
 
HIST—485 (486, 487). Topics in Revolutionary Era History 3 credits
A study of specialized topics encompassing the Revolutionary Era from 1754 to 1815 that include: Economics of 
the Revolution; Education in the Colonies; Blacks in the Revolution: Free and Slave; Local History-Albany, 
Schenectady, Troy in the Revolution; Weapons and Tactics in the World and Revolution, 1785-1815; Colonial 
Women; Diplomacy in the Revolutionary Era. The specific topic is announced in the schedule of course offerings. 
Students may repeat the course for credit provided the selected subject matter has not been taken previously for 
credit. Prerequisite: HIST–203. (Cross-listed as AMST–485). (ATTR: ARTS, HAM, AMSA, HMAM)
 
HIST—495. Independent Study 1 - 3 credits
Highly advanced individual study under the direction of a member of the department of a topic chosen by the 
student and based upon his/her particular interest and background. It will involve private consultation with the 
advisor, independent research, and the writing of a research paper. A senior History major with exceptional 
qualifications and a record of distinctive achievement may pursue independent study with the approval of an 
instructor and the department. (ATTR: ARTS)
 
HIST—497. Proseminar for Capstone 3 credits
This seminar aims to introduce history students to both the methods and philosophical problems of history. The 
seminar will first consider a historical issue or a school of historical writing or the works of an eminent 
historian. It will then consider the philosophy of history and the questions historians have asked about their 
discipline. Assumes Junior standing with 75 hours, and 18 hours of History including either HIST—201 and HIST 
– 202 or HIST – 203 and HIST – 204.  The course normally is taken the semester preceding enrollment in HIST—
499, Capstone in History, in the senior year. Cannot be taken concurrently with HIST—499. Permission of 
instructor required. (ATTR: ARTS)
 
HIST—499. History Capstone 3 credits
A student research oriented course requiring a substantial paper based on direct investigation of primary 
sources. Papers will be critiqued by members of the class. Additional, shorter writing assignments may also be 
required. Topic will vary with instructor. Open only to History and History Education majors. Prerequisites: 
Senior standing (90 hours), HIST–101, HIST–497, 21 hours of History (including HIST–101 and HIST–497). 
(ATTR: ARTS)
 
History Honors Program
HIST—190. Level I Honors Seminar: Shaping of the Contemporary World 3 credits
Selected topics in twentieth century world history. This seminar fulfills the core requirements of three credits in 
history for those students who qualify. (ATTR: ARTS, CDH, HNRS)
 
HIST—390. Honors Seminar: Selected Research Topics 3 credits (ATTR: ARTS, HNRS)
 
HIST—490. Honors Seminar: Selected Research Topics 3 credits (ATTR: ARTS, HNRS)