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Sample program plan information is provided for sample purposes only. Students should consult with their academic advisor about their individual plan for course registration and completion of program requirements.
HIS 201 - Violence, Crime, and Punishment in U.S. History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP GS,HU
This course explores the social, political, and cultural history of violence, crime, criminal law, policing, and punishment in the United States from the Colonial period to the present.
HIS 203 - American History and Global Systems to 1877
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP GS,HU
Surveys the transnational history of the Americas and the United States to 1877. Emphasizes globally significant trends and systems such as colonialism, mercantilism, nationalism, and the slave trade. Investigates the relevance of systems and their supporting beliefs to the growth and limits of democracy.
HIS 204 - American History and Global Systems since 1877
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP GS,HU
Surveys the transnational history of the Americas and the United States since 1877. Emphasizes globally-significant trends and systems such as migration, imperialism, liberalism, progressivism, and consumption economies. Investigates the relevance of systems and their supporting beliefs to the growth and limits of democracy.
HIS 205 - Latin America
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC WI,HU
Overview of the history of Latin America from ancient cultures (2000 BCE) to the present. It explores the major institutions and forces that have shaped the region and common experiences in the Americas such as European colonization, African slavery, wars of independence, political exclusion of groups of color and women, regionalism vs. nationalism, neocolonialism, industrialization, and the ongoing fight for social justice.
HIS 206 - The Middle East Since Muhammad
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
History of the Middle East from the time of the prophet Muhammad to the present. Pre-modern, modern, and contemporary Middle East.
HIS 207 - Modern Japan, 1860-Present
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
The rise of modern Japan: The growth of Japanese power and its influence in the world economy.
HIS 208 - Russian History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU,WI
Russian and Soviet history from its origins to the present. Major features of pre-modern, modern, and contemporary Russian civilization.
HIS 209 - History of Africa
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC
The course examines the history of the African continent from antiquity to modernity within an interregional and global context. Africa spans the northern and southern hemispheres, and includes a diversity of geographical zones that shaped associated varying political and economic organization. Focus will be on regional developments, interregional interactions across Africa, and global interactions in the Indian, Mediterranean, and Atlantic Worlds, culminating in European colonization and the challenges African nation states face post-independence in a post-colonial world.
HIS 210 - History of European Film
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. MI
Explores the relationship between filmmaking and political, social, and intellectual history from the invention of the cinema in the 1890s to the present day. Students gain a better understanding of film as both an art form and as a reflection of broader historical concerns.
HIS 300 - The United States Since 1945
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Social-cultural, political, economic, and diplomatic aspects of U.S. history since 1945.
HIS 301 - Topics in American History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 301 - Topics in American History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 301 - Topics in American History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 302 - Topics in American History: Diplomatic
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 302 - Topics in American History: Diplomatic
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 302 - Topics in American History: Diplomatic
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 303 - American Urban History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Growth and development of American cities in historical context.
HIS 304 - Women in American History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Political, economic, and social status of women in American society since Colonial times. Reasons for the changing role of women; major problems confronting women in the 20th century.
HIS 305 - American Indian History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
History of the first Americans; Indian-White relations since 1492. Origins and varied cultures of American Indians.
HIS 306 - The United States Civil War Era
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
U.S. history 1830-1877: events and developments leading to civil war, the war itself, and efforts to reconstruct the Union after 1865.
HIS 307 - History of the Early American Republic
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Explores the evolution of early national and state governments and the various attempts at practicing democracy in a nation that incorporated chattel slavery and limited suffrage. Investigates how individuals and groups employed democratic ideals to gain access to power. Analyzes civic ideals and practices with particular attention to Native Americans, African Americans, and women. Contextualizes the coming of the Civil War.
HIS 308 - Topics in American History: Political
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 308 - Topics in American History: Political
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 308 - Topics in American History: Political
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 308 - Topics in American History: Political
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 309 - The History of U.S. Law Enforcement
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU,MI
Historical roots of American law enforcement; establishment of an organized police in the U.S.; historical efforts to improve American police work.
HIS 310 - America and Vietnam 1940-Present
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
The Vietnam War: America's role in it and its legacies for both nations.
HIS 311 - History of American Political Economy
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
Analyzes the economic history of the United States, stressing the influence of government policy on economic development.
HIS 314 - Japan & World War II
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Analyzes Japanese militarism and expansionism and examines the significance of Japan's World War II defeat and its impact on the Asian/Pacific world.
HIS 315 - U.S. Social Movements
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU
Explores the major social movements of recent U.S. history. Study of the labor movement, the civil rights movement, Chicano and American Indian movements, campus and counterculture radicalism, anti-war protests, women's rights, gay and lesbian rights, environmentalism, and the nuclear freeze movement, with an examination of how activists crafted a politics of protest as they fought for greater equality and justice. Analyzes the roles that social movements played in strengthening democratic ideals and practices by expanding the role of the citizen in the community, the nation, and the world.
HIS 316 - African American History Since 1877
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Explores the integral place of African Americans in American history and culture from Reconstruction to the present. Analyzes historical achievements of African Americans, as well as social changes and cultural perspectives on race, class, gender, sexuality, and nation that have shaped the black experience. Topics include Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Great Migration, black protest organizations, labor, the Harlem and Chicago Renaissances, art and cultural production, the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, and historical and contemporary American racial politics.
HIS 317 - American Masculinities
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. CD
Core Curr. HU,MI
Investigates the historical development, change, and expression of gender ideals that Americans have labeled manhood, manliness, or masculinity. Incorporates methodologies from history, gender studies, literary studies, and the social sciences to explore how disparate gender ideals have articulated with distinctions of race, class, gender, sexuality, and nation. Applies an interdisciplinary approach to provide students with an awareness of the historically and culturally contingent nature of masculinity and how notions of masculine ideality have reinforced or challenged structures of privilege and exclusion. Develops skills of interdisciplinary gender analysis in the study of historical documents and artifacts.
HIS 320 - Renaissance and Reformation
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU,MI
An in-depth exploration of the changes in Europe from 1350 to 1600 that signified an epochal transition from the Middle Ages to early modernity. Reading and discussion-based, multidisciplinary approach to the humanistic philosophy, artistic innovation, and socio-political transformations that constituted the Renaissance; the causes and consequences of the Protestant and Catholic Reformations; and the cross-cultural encounters between European societies and those of Islam, Africa, and the "New World."
HIS 321 - Topics in European History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 321 - Topics in European History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 321 - Topics in European History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 321 - Topics in European History: Intellectual
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 322 - Ancient Egypt and the Near East
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU
The civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Levant were foundational to the later cultures of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The region witnessed the earliest occurrences of the Neolithic revolution, the invention of writing, the first cities, the first complex regional states, the first empires, and intellectual traditions that shaped the ethical monotheism of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and informed the philosophical and scientific traditions that emerged in classical Greece.
HIS 323 - Ancient Greece and the Hellenistic World
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU
An examination of ancient Greek and Hellenistic societies, politics, and cultures from circa 1200 to 30 BCE. Introduces the Minoan and Mycenaean precursors before exploring the Archaic and Classical eras in detail. Follows Alexander's conquests and investigates cross-cultural influences and everyday lives in the Hellenistic nation-states. Prerequisite:
HIS 325 - Roman Civilization
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU
Values and institutions of Roman society during Kingship, Republic, and Empire periods. Emphasis on the Republic at its peak, Rome's imperialism, and complex issues involved in Rome's fall; also impact of Roman values and practices on Western civilization. Prerequisite:
HIS 326 - Modern Military Forces and Institutions
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
European and American military experiences: 1700 to present.
HIS 327 - Topics in European History: Cultural
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 328 - England and the American Revolution
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
American Revolution from the perspective of the common Anglo-Saxon cultural, political, economic, intellectual, and social heritage.
HIS 329 - Modern Germany 1870-Present
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
A reading and discussion-intensive exploration of German history in the modern era of unification, imperialism, war and revolution, Weimar democracy, Nazi racial dictatorship, World War II and genocide, Cold War division, reunification, and contemporary developments to the present.
HIS 330 - Modern China
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
The People's Republic of China is the most populous nation in the world, and for more than a decade it has had one of the largest and fastest growing economies. The last two centuries, however, have seen a succession of states and governments rise and fall in China, tremendous prosperity as well as great poverty, periods of relative social stability and of extreme unrest, continuous and yet changing involvement with the outside world, and fluctuations in what it has meant to be Chinese. This course will examine China's rich history since the 17th century in order to foster greater understanding of one of the most complex and vibrant countries in world history.
HIS 331 - Samurai in Japanese History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC,HU,WI
Describes the rise and fall of Japan's warrior class and the bushido ethos. The long history of the samurai begins in the 8th century and continues to the present. Focus on two interrelated themes: the historical reality of the samurai and the construction of mythology in both Japanese popular culture and the Western imagination. Topics include warfare, training, values, literature, and family life. Visual sources, including film, are used extensively. Prerequisite:
HIS 332 - Topics in Modern Latin American History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Offers a deeper understanding of Latin American societies by focusing on one region or country and highlighting events, changes, and important achievements in their broader world context. Emphasizes social changes and cultural perspectives on race, class, gender, religion, sexuality, nation, social justice, ideology, reform, protest, revolution, and poverty. Broad topics include independence movements, regionalism vs. nationalism, neocolonialism, industrialization, politics and the state, the influence of the United States, migration, and globalization.
HIS 333 - Cross-Cultural Contacts
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Cross-cultural encounters inspire societies to look more closely at themselves and sometimes to change in significant ways. In some cases, contact created enduring conflict and misunderstanding. In other cases, contact led to mutually beneficial achievements. This course investigates examples of cross-cultural contacts in world history.
HIS 334 - Global History: Social
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit.
HIS 335 - Modern Mexico
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU,WI
Social, economic, and political development of Mexico since independence. Contemporary problems facing a developing country which has already experienced one social revolution.
HIS 336 - Early Global History and Geography
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Analytical and comparative survey of the formative stages of early non-Western civilizations in five geographical regions. The basic cultural patterns and geographical patterns that emerged between approximately 3500 BCE and 1500 CE will be studied, compared, and related to present developments.
HIS 337 - Modern Global History and Geography
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Growth and development of African and Asian (West, South, Southeast, and East) civilizations since c. 1500 CE in their geographical contexts. Reactions of indigenous peoples and cultural patterns to Western penetration and imperialism. Present development and practices. Prerequisite:
HIS 338 - Russia Since 1917
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
History of Russia from the Bolshevik Revolution to the present. Political, social, economic, and cultural development and theories.
HIS 339 - Women in Global Perspective
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
The changing status of women in light of global economic, social, and political changes in different regions of the world. How women have participated in and contributed to 20th century transformations of the family, community, workplace, social organization, and politics.
HIS 340 - Europe Since 1914
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
A reading and discussion-intensive exploration of European history since 1914. Focuses on the First World War and its effects; the rise of fascist, communist, and conservative dictatorships in the 1920s and 1930s; the Second World War and Nazi genocide; major institutions and problems during the Cold War division of Europe; revolutions of 1989-91 and their aftermath; contemporary developments up to the present day.
HIS 341 - The French Revolution
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
An introduction to the varied origins, tumultuous events, international ramifications, and debated aftermaths of the French Revolution
HIS 342 - Europe, 1789-1914
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU,MI
A reading and discussion-intensive exploration of the "long 19th century" from the French Revolution to the First World War, with an emphasis on social, political, cultural, and artistic change. Subjects discussed include the following: the political agenda established by the French Revolution, and ideological responses to it (liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, and socialism); the rise of industrial capitalism and its attendant social and political divisions; competing ways of building and controlling the nation-state; democratizing movements of labor and feminism; everyday family life, gender relations, and sexuality; nationalism/imperialism; cultural and artistic movements from Romanticism to Realism to Modernism.
HIS 343 - The Enlightenment
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
The development and influence of the European Enlightenment between the late 17th and early 19th centuries. The social, cultural, political, economic, and religious contexts for intellectual transformation. The legacies of the Enlightenment in the present, and contemporary culture in light of the past.
HIS 345 - The History of England I
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
The history of England from the earliest times to 1660.
HIS 346 - The History of England II
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
The history of England from 1660 to the present.
HIS 350 - Historical Methods Seminar
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. EL
Exploration of historical arguments and debates; methods of interpreting primary sources. Prerequisite: History major or consent of instructor.
HIS 351 - Topics in Historical Methods
(0-3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for a maximum of 6 hours credit. Prerequisite:
HIS 352 - Introduction to Digital Humanities
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. MI EL,HU
Digital Humanities (DH) is the application and creation of computing and digital tools and formats to and for questions and problems in the humanities disciplines. Students will approach the field through an introduction to its historical development and an examination and evaluation of current projects within the field that demonstrate how the humanities can utilize and shape digital media.
HIS 353 - Public History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. HU,MI,WI
Public history takes place outside the traditional classroom intending to make history relevant and useful to the public. Explore the conventional and unconventional ways that the general public consumes history. Examine how public history creates narratives of identity and how to make these narratives meaningful, accessible, representative, equitable, and inclusive.
HIS 375 - The Holocaust
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Origins and course of Nazi genocide against Europe's Jews during the Second World War. Discussion of the Nazis' five million other victims. Survival and resistance. Comparisons with other examples of modern genocide.
HIS 382 - European Women, Gender, and Sexuality Since 1600
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Explores through intensive reading and discussion the changing everyday lives, gender relations, and sexualities in Europe from the seventeenth century to the present. Shows how a gender approach increases our understanding of modern cultures, arts, and societies; the Scientific Revolution; the Enlightenment; the age of political and industrial revolutions; cultural Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism; the evolution of liberalism, nationalism, socialism, and feminism; and dictatorships, total wars, and democracies in the 20th and 21st centuries.
HIS 383 - Sports, Play, and Games in History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC,HU,MI
Introduction to the study of play, games, and sports around the world and throughout history with an emphasis on theoretical approaches, comparative examples, and social contexts for contemporary and recurring issues of identity and inequality in relation to ableism, colonialism, drugs, gender, nationalism, money, race, religion, science, sexuality, and technology.
HIS 384 - Environmental History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Introduction to the study of the history of human ecology, cultural traditions of ecological consciousness, and social contexts for understanding recurring conflicts. Discussion of grand narratives and microhistories with an emphasis on theoretical approaches, comparative examples, and timely issues (such as: climate change, colonialism, conservation, foodways, gender, inequality, invasive species, justice, nature, pollution, public health, race, rights, sustainability, and urban-rural connections).
HIS 385 - Science, Technology, and Society
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. SF
Core Curr. WI
An analysis of the interaction between science, technology, and society since the 1600s. The first part addresses the Scientific Revolution, the second the Industrial Revolution, and the third the contemporary scientific and industrial revolutions. In the third part of the course, the examples of the earlier scientific and industrial revolutions, insofar as they affected religious views, daily living conditions, and the meaning of philosophy and science, provide material for comparison as a means of understanding the contemporary situation. Particular attention is given to how social values and assumptions determine the direction of scientific and technological developments. Prerequisite:
HIS 405 - Independent Reading in History
(1-3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Directed reading by qualified students with faculty guidance. For history majors primarily. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hrs. credit. Prerequisite: History major or consent of department chair.
HIS 406 - Individual Study in History
(1-3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Special study of individual topics in history with faculty supervision. For history majors primarily. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hrs. credit. Prerequisite: History major or consent of department chair.
HIS 420 - Internship in Digital Humanities and Public History
(0-3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
HIS 420 provides students with an opportunity to gain supervised work experience in digital humanities and public history (0-3 credit hours). Prerequisite:
HIS 450 - US History Research Seminar
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. EL,WI
Research paper required employing primary sources in U.S. history. May be repeated under different topic for a maximum of 6 hours Prerequisite: HIS 203 or 204; HIS 350; and history major; or consent of instructor.
HIS 451 - European History Research Seminar
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. EL
Research paper required employing primary sources in European history. May be repeated under different topic for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: HIS 350; a 300-level European history course; and history major; or consent of instructor.
HIS 452 - Area Studies Research Seminar
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. WI,EL
Research paper required employing primary sources in African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, or Russian history. May be repeated under different topic for a maximum of six hours. Prerequisite: HIS 205, 206, 207, or 208, or 300-level course in Area Studies; HIS 350; and history major; or consent of instructor.
WLS 101 - Elementary Spanish 1
(4 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Development of communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in Spanish. Emphasis on the practice of vocabulary and grammatical structures in meaningful communicative tasks and authentic cultural contexts. Laboratory included. First course in three-course sequence.
WLS 102 - Elementary Spanish 2
(4 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Continued emphasis on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Focus on the practice of vocabulary and grammatical structures in meaningful communicative tasks and authentic cultural contexts. Laboratory included. Second course in three-course sequence. Prerequisite: WLS 101 or equivalent
WLS 131 - Introduction to Spanish for Healthcare
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Introduces students to specialized vocabulary, functional grammar, and cultural concepts to facilitate effective communication in various medical settings at a basic level. Students will apply this material in interactive classroom activities focusing on oral and listening skills. This course will also examine cultural issues relating to healthcare to enhance understanding and communication between healthcare providers and patients. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required for this course. Prerequisite:
WLS 201 - Intermediate Spanish 1
(4 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Further refinement of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in meaningful communicative tasks and authentic cultural contexts. Oral and written practice closely linked to cultural and literary readings and videos. Laboratory included. Third course in three-course sequence. Prerequisite: WLS 102 or equivalent.
WLS 202 - Intermediate Spanish 2
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC
A transition course between elementary language and advanced content courses. Emphasis on contemporary culture with an increased focus on reading and writing. Continuation and refinement of grammatical structures and vocabulary as well as the development of speaking and listening skills in a content-based classroom. Prerequisite: WLS 201 or equivalent.
WLS 222 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC
Provides an overview of language, social and cultural themes, and literature from the Spanish-speaking world for Heritage speakers of Spanish. Students will develop their writing and critical thinking abilities by reading, analyzing, and responding to texts while also working on common grammar and spelling issues. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
WLS 232 - Introduction to Spanish for Social Work
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Introduces students to specialized vocabulary, grammar, and cultural concepts to facilitate essential communication between social workers and Spanish-speaking clients. Instruction focuses on conversational skills to perform everyday professional tasks such as gathering information, explaining the role of the social worker, and providing information on community services.
WLS 303 - Composition
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Emphasis on improving written proficiency. Thorough grammar review, translation exercises, and writing various types of prose. Emphasis on correct, idiomatic use of Spanish in everyday situations. Prerequisite: WLS 202 or WLS 222 or equivalent
WLS 304 - Conversation
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Emphasis on improving speaking proficiency and listening comprehension through free conversation and oral presentations. Emphasis on correct, idiomatic use of Spanish in everyday situations. This course is designed for non-native and non-near-native speakers. Students with native or near-native proficiency may not take this course. See department for details. Prerequisite: WLS 202 or equivalent
WLS 305 - Peru Interim: Andean Cultures
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Exposes students to Peruvian culture with a two-week stay in Peru. Focuses on the different cultural aspects of Peruvian art, history, architecture, politics, and economics. An emphasis on Peruvian history and sociopolitical changes of the last 50 years will be an important element in the course so students will understand the world they will be immersed in for two weeks. During their stay in Peru students will visit numerous museums, churches, archaeological and historical sites as well as cultural and artistic centers. Prerequisite: WLS 303 and 304, or consent of instructor.
WLS 306 - Topics in Spanish History and Culture
(3-9 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. EL
Exposes students to Spanish culture with a two-week stay in Spain. Students primarily study the development of the Spanish transition to democracy after forty years of dictatorship, and different aspects of the contemporary Spanish civilization, and culture. To achieve this goal students will learn about Spanish history, politics, culture, and social changes. The site will change between major cities such as: Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Bilbao, San Sebastian, etc. Topics may vary each time the course is offered. Students can retake this course for additional credit as long as the content of the course has changed. Prerequisite: WLS 303 and 304, or consent of instructor.
WLS 307 - Costa Rica Interim: A Contemporary Perspective
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. EL
Provides students with an overview of different aspects of contemporary Costa Rican society within a historical framework. Topics such as geography, pre-Columbian cultures, colonization, independence, immigration, the economy, politics, health care, education, and language and culture will be covered. During the two weeks in Costa Rica, students will visit numerous museums, churches, historical sites, and national parks. Prerequisite: WLS 303 and 304, or permission of instructor.
WLS 315 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. HL
Core Curr. HU
Elements, techniques, and forms of Hispanic fiction, drama, and poetry. Readings in Peninsular and Spanish American literature. Prerequisite: WLS 303, 304; or consent of instructor.
WLS 316 - Topics in Hispanic Language and Literature
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under a different topic for maximum of 9 hrs. credit. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 320 - Spanish Phonetics
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Spanish phonetic elements in isolation as well as in normal speech patterns. Practice in correct pronunciation of individual sounds, words, phrases, and sentences. Individual and class work with tape recordings. Prerequisite: WLS 303 or consent of instructor.
WLS 321 - Peninsular Spanish Civilization and Culture
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC
An integrated survey of civilization and culture of the Iberian Peninsula from prehistoric times to the present. Survey concentrates on Spanish arts and intellectual achievements. Prerequisite: WLS 303 or consent of instructor
WLS 322 - Latin-American Civilization and Culture
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP WC
An integrated survey of Latin-American civilization and culture from pre-Columbian times to the present. Survey concentrates on Latin-American arts and intellectual achievements. Prerequisite: WLS 303 or consent of instructor.
WLS 330 - Hispanic Cultural History
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Study of a specific period in the history of the Hispanic world that showcased an intense amount of cultural productivity. Topics may vary each time the course is offered, and examples of historical periods might be the Generation of 1898 in Spain, the Dirty War period of Argentina's dictatorship, the Mexican Revolution of 1910, etc. Students will have the opportunity to examine how the social, political, and historical events of a determined era helped create cultural activity that has had an effect on the Hispanic world since. Students can retake this course for additional credit as long as the content of the course has changed. Prerequisite: WLS 303 or consent of instructor.
WLS 331 - Spanish for Healthcare Professionals
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Provides students with specialized vocabulary, functional grammar, and cultural information to facilitate effective communication in different medical contexts. Students will apply the material in interactive classroom activities, as well as in community service experiences. Class activities involving videos, podcasts, and articles in Spanish will further develop listening and reading comprehension skills. This course will also examine cultural issues relating to healthcare to enhance understanding and communication between healthcare providers and patients. Prerequisite: WLS 202, WLS 222, or equivalent. Students who have taken WLS 131 or 301 may not take this course.
WLS 334 - Commercial Spanish
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. GP GS
Introduction to language skills for commercial communication and Hispanic business practices. Prerequisite: WLS 303, 304; or consent of instructor.
WLS 340 - Spanish Literature I
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. HL
Analysis of human values in representing works of major Iberian writers of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor. WLS 321 recommended.
WLS 341 - Spanish Literature II
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Values-based analysis of representative works of major Iberian authors from Neo-classical, Romantic, and Realist-Naturalist periods. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor; WLS 321, 340 recommended.
WLS 342 - Survey of Hispanic American Literature I
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Analysis of Hispanic-American literature from its roots in the indigenous pre-Columbian civilizations to Modernism. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor. WLS 322 recommended
WLS 343 - Survey of Hispanic American Literature II
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. NW
Core Curr. GP WC,HU
Analysis of non-Western cultures and traditions in representative works by major authors of Hispanic-America from 1910 to present. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor. WLS 322, 342 recommended.
WLS 345 - Women's Voices of Latin America
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Examines how female writers differ from their male counterparts and how they have created a very distinct literary corpus. Emphasizes how history, political events, and social expectations shape literary production. Furthermore, female writers challenge social norms to produce a literature that speaks with a universal and yet very personal voice conveying a Latin American reality to probe the very nature of the human condition. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 346 - Women's Voices of Spain
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Examine how Spanish female writers differ from their male counterparts and how they have created a very distinct literary corpus. This course emphasizes how history, political events and social expectations shape literary production. Furthermore, female writers challenge social norms to produce a literature that speaks with a universal and yet very personal voice conveying a Spanish, and even pan-European, reality to probe the very nature of the human condition. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 347 - Images and Texts in the Hispanic World
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. HL
Compares classical images from Hispanic artists with literary texts that treat the same themes and ideas. Challenges students to consider what exactly constitutes 'text' and all ideas associated with the concept: how do visual images transmit a message and Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 360 - Spanish in the United States
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed. CD
Core Curr. GP WC
Provides an introduction to the varieties of Spanish spoken in the United States as well as the Spanish-speaking communities throughout the United States, including the Southwest, Florida, the Northeast, Louisiana, and the Midwest. Additionally, students will focus on the social issues surrounding the use of Spanish in the United States, such as language attitudes and ideologies, language policy, and bilingualism. Prerequisite: WLS 320, WLL 311, ENG 311, or consent of instructor
WLS 370 - Dialectology
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Introduces undergraduates to the study of dialectology through both theoretical and applied perspectives. Students examine geographical and language contact features that influence language variation, as well as internal and external historical factors. The students will characterize the phonological, morphosyntactic, pragmatic, and lexical differences among Spanish dialects in both Latin America and Spain. Students will receive hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing naturally-occurring language data in written and oral forms. Active participation in class discussions (in Spanish) is both expected and encouraged. Prerequisite: WLS 320, WLL 311, ENG 311, or consent of instructor
WLS 380 - Hispanic American Short Story
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Provides an overview of the Hispanic American short story from its earliest manifestations in the twentieth century to the present day through the reading, discussion, and analysis of literary texts. We will study the development of the short story as a literary genre, examining its specific characteristics and manifestations, its particular themes as well as its cultural and literary contexts. Hispanic American literary production offers a rich body of short stories such as the regionalist short story, fantastic short story, detective short story, and magical realist short story. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 385 - Poetry of Latin America
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Presents a survey of Latin American poetry from the twentieth century to the present. Introduces students to the basics of poem analysis for content, themes, and poetic structure. In addition to the study of versification and aesthetics, emphasis will be placed on the socio-historical context in which the works were produced. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or equivalent.
WLS 401 - Hispanic Cinema: Texts & Contexts
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Uses the techniques of literary and film analysis to focus on the relationship between Hispanic film and literature, as well as other narrative forms such as: personal testimonies, historical documents, documentaries, and media. Students will examine the adaptation of literary texts into films and analyze both works for plot structure. They will also discuss current events portrayed in films and in the media, as well as study themes and cultural and political issues presented in films and narratives. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or equivalent.
WLS 402 - Introduction to Sociolinguistics
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Introduces undergraduates to the study of linguistic variation in the Spanish language. Students will study geographical and social factors in language variation, and phonological and syntactic variation. Examines specific cases of variation and change in present-day Spanish dialects in both Latin America and Spain, as well as language contact between Spanish and other languages. Students will receive hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing naturally-occurring language data. Active participation in class discussions (in Spanish) is both expected and encouraged. Prerequisite: WLS 320, WLL 311, ENG 311, or consent of instructor
WLS 403 - Advanced Conversation & Composition
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Core Curr. WI
Advanced course in speaking and writing. Prerequisite: WLS 303; WLS 304; 3 additional credits of WLS at the 300 level or above
WLS 410 - Life from the Bottom of the World: the Culture of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Examines the countries in the Southern Cone of Latin America (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) from a cultural, literary and political point of view. Exposes students to the music, literature, film, testimonials, and art from this part of the Americas in order to gain a better understanding of its social realities. In addition to the discussion of contemporary issues, the course will also cover much of the history of these countries in order to provide a context for the included readings. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 425 - Contemporary Hispanic American Novels
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Through the study, research, and discussion of a variety of novels the students gain an insight into the most important features of Latin American culture, and circumstances faced by its people. The students read works of recognized writers including Nobel prize winners such as: Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa. Includes political writings, gender issues, reflections of historical periods, and social commentaries. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 430 - Introduction to Translation
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Methods and procedures for translating from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish, with particular focus on specific problems of translation and how to deal with them in short practical exercises. The course will include the translation of technical, business, legal, medical, and literary texts. Prerequisite: WLS 315
WLS 440 - Historical Memory in Post Franco Spain
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
An examination of Spanish culture, literature, history and politics from the beginning of the Spanish Civil War to the transition to democracy. The goal of the course is to enrich student knowledge of this important period in Spain through documentaries, television programs, music, films and literature, so they will be able to learn about Spanish history, culture and literature. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 490 - Topics in Hispanic Language and Literature
(3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topic stated in current Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for maximum of 9 hrs. credit. Prerequisite: WLS 315 or consent of instructor
WLS 492 - Practicum in Spanish
(1-3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Supervised work study in community service activities involving use of the foreign language. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: consent of department chair.
WLS 495 - Independent Study
(1-3 hours)
Gen. Ed.
Independent study and research in a specific field or phase of Spanish language or literary production. May be repeated for maximum of 6 hrs. credit. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing; consent of department chair.
The Bradley Core Curriculum exposes all students to the requisite range of knowledge, skills and perspectives that prepares them for further learning and guides them on the path of continued growth to facilitate their success and fulfillment in a changing, complex world. In essence, the Bradley Core Curriculum lays the foundation for a lifetime of intellectual development.
More specifically, the Bradley Core Curriculum advances Lydia Moss Bradley’s intent that the university “furnish its students with the means of living an independent, industrious and useful life,” by equipping them with a common set of attributes, understandings and tools to:
Core Learning Outcomes
The Bradley Core Curriculum was designed to help students achieve specific Core Learning Outcomes that span all aspects of the program.
Core Values
The Bradley Core Curriculum is grounded in a set of fundamental perspectives, Core Values, that lie at the heart of the university's scholarly enterprise.
Bradley’s Latin American studies minor introduces you to the world as seen through an Asian cultural perspective.
The Latin American studies minor, which is open to all students, helps you understand the cultural, economic, religious and social forces that have shaped Latin Americans’ experiences. With cross-cultural knowledge, you’re equipped to understand and effectively work with people from different cultural backgrounds. You study abroad for a semester as part of the minor requirements.
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