History Courses
Honours major: History (16 courses)
General major: History (12 courses)
Minor: History (6 courses)
*Notes:
- Only one of HIS-211, 212, 215, 260, 261, 262, 360, 361 may be applied towards the major or minor.
- Students planning career in Education should complete HIS-221 and 222 to satisfy teaching subject requirements for the B.Ed. Program at most Ontario Faculties of Education.
Course Details
Gods and Thrones: The World to 1914 (HIS-106)
This course will focus on the rise, development, and interaction of the major civilizations of the Americas, Africa, and Asia from the Neolithic era to modern times, and their experience of the rise of European colonialism and increasing global contact through to the beginning of the twentieth century. Themes covered include global trade patterns, the diffusion of world religions, the emergence of empires, the power
of culture, and globalization.
A World at War: The Turbulent Twentieth Century (HIS-108)
This course introduces the major events of the twentieth century, with an emphasis on global trends and the global dimensions of international conflicts and cooperation. Topics include World War I; the rise of dictators; World War II; the Cold War; decolonization and the emergence of the ‘Third World’; cultural revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s; trade, development, and terrorism; and the global resurgence of religion.
The Craft & Calling of History (HIS-201)
This course introduces History majors to fundamental skills and knowledge for their success as students and beyond. Topics include the basics of a biblical Reformed Christian perspective on history, how to conduct historical research and make historical arguments effectively, quantitative and digital methods for historians, and how to begin preparing for potential callings after graduation.
Prerequisites:
Year 2 standing in a history major or minor
Classical History (HIS-210)
A study of the Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman civilizations of classical antiquity, focusing on the development of each civilization and its influence on subsequent Western history.
Prerequisites:
HUM-110
Pre-Modern Art History (HIS-211 (ART-235))
Beginning with the era of pre-history and proceeding through Greek, Roman, Christian and non-Western art, the course concludes with the Neo-Classical period. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the visual arts within their philosophical, theoretical, historical, and cultural context.
Modern Art History (HIS-212 (ART-236))
The course traces artistic expression from romanticism to modernism, post-modernism and contemporary art. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the visual arts as expressions of their philosophical, theoretical, historical, and cultural context.
Introduction to Classical Western Mythology (HIS-215 (ENG-215))
An introduction to the central myths and stories that have shaped the literary and cultural imaginations of the Western world. Readings will engage paradigmatic narratives from Greek and Roman mythology.
Church History I (HIS-216)
A study of the Christian Church from the first century through the Middle Ages, focusing on the development of doctrine and ecclesiastical institutions.
Prerequisites:
HUM-110
Church History II (HIS-218)
A study of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the present, focusing on doctrinal development and divergence, the division of Western Christendom, the impact of the Enlightenment, and ecumenical initiatives.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Canadian History: Pre-Confederation (HIS-221)
A survey of the history of Canada from the earliest times until the conclusion of the colonial period. Special emphasis is placed on the experiences of Indigenous peoples and the development of the religious and political characteristics of colonial societies amidst the challenges of the physical environment.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Canadian History: Post-Confederation (HIS-222)
An overview of Canadian history from 1867 to the early 21st century, covering political, religious, economic, and social developments. Topics include Confederation and nationbuilding, westward expansion and resistance, the experiences of Indigenous peoples, the changing role of Christianity, relations between French-and English-Canadians, the World Wars and Great Depression, social and political change after 1945, and Canada’s changing relationship with the world.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120 or HIS-108
History of the US: From Colony to Superpower (HIS-233)
A survey of American history from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis will be given to the colonies as transplanted European societies, their transformation into a nation through revolution and constitution-building, the crisis of the Civil War, and the development of the United States into a modern urban-industrial democracy and 20th century global power.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120 or HIS-108
Early Modern Europe: 1450-1789 (HIS-241)
An examination of the social, political, and intellectual history of Europe from the late Middle Ages to the revolutionary era. Topics will include the origin and nature of the Reformation, the wars of religion, European overseas expansion, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution as the course explores the development of European states in the larger world.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Islamic World to 1683 (HIS-256)
This course introduces the first millennium of Islamic history, from the time of Muhammad to the height of the Ottoman and Mughal empires. Geographically stretching from Spain in the west to Java in the east, and from Zanzibar in the south to Tashkent in the north, Islamic civilization in this period encompassed a vast zone of cultural exchange. Themes include the origins & development of Islam; emergence of Islamic philosophy, science & art; rise & fall of Islamic states; shifts in socioeconomic patterns; and regional differences.
Prerequisites:
HIS-106
Ancient Philosophy (HIS-260 (PHL-222))
Developing more or less parallel to the history course on Asian philosophy, Ancient Philosophy traces the beginnings of Western philosophy, focusing largely on ancient Greece and Rome. Particular emphasis will be on reading the entirety of what are sometimes known as “The Twin Pillars of Oxford University”–Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Ethics–though attention will also be given to major works in the Epicurean and Stoic traditions.
Medieval and Early Modern Philosophy (HIS-261 (PHL-224))
This course explores the development of Western philosophy in two phases. The first phase takes us from the collapse of the Roman Empire and St. Augustine through to the development of the medieval university and Thomas Aquinas. The second phase explores key thinkers coming out of the “three Rs” – the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution – focusing especially on Machiavelli, Hobbes, Descartes, and Locke.
The Rise of Atheism (HIS-262 (PHL-226))
The Enlightenment or ‘Age of Reason’ witnessed the rebirth of a radical new form of skepticism that started with Descartes. In this course, the ramifications of this skepticism are traced through the early atheism of Rousseau and agnosticism of Hume up to the crucial faith-reason divide of Kant. The subsequent post-Kantian explosion of atheism in both continental philosophy (Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, Derrida) and analytical philosophy (Russell, Flew, Dennett) will be explored, concluding with some responses by contemporary Christian philosophers.
Philosophy of History (HIS-301 (PHL-355))
A treatment of selected topics relating to historical consciousness and the nature of historical knowledge. Both classical and contemporary positions on historical explanations will be considered.
Prerequisites:
One other philosophy course
Historical Theory & Perspectives (HIS-307/407)
This course explores the origins of the contemporary discipline of history, how it functions in its academic context, and the ideological currents most influential in the discipline today. Beginning with Augustine’s City of God, students will engage with Christian reflections on theoretical questions in the study of history and bring them into conversation with other important contemporary schools of thought, with the goal of developing their own mature Christian perspective on the nature and meaning of history.
Prerequisites:
HIS-301 (PHL-355)HIS-307/407 is the Capstone Course for the History program and is required for all majors in the 4th year.
Irenaeus to Grotius: Christian Political Thought (HIS-310 (POL-322))
This course provides a broad introduction to great political theory in the Western tradition, with special emphasis on the history of Christian political thought. It will address perennial questions addressed by both Christian and non-Christian political thinkers, such as: What is justice? What is the foundation of political authority? What is the proper relationship of church and state? These questions will be
approached more normatively (asking how societies ought to answer them) than descriptively (observing how they have answered them).
Totalitarian Regimes of the 20th Century (HIS-312 (POL-312))
A thematic and comparative course examining the history of the totalitarian political movements of the 20th century and their world- wide impact. The course focuses on four main areas: international fascism and Nazism; communism, both Western and non-Western; totalitarianism’s effects on the non-totalitarian world; and resistance to totalitarianism. Throughout the course, attention will be given to the religious nature of totalitarian systems and their historical conflict with other religious commitments, especially those of Christianity.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120 or HIS-108
Medieval Europe (HIS-340)
This course provides an overview of the history of Europe from the breakdown of the western Roman empire to the Renaissance, covering religious, intellectual, artistic, political, and social developments.
Prerequisites:
HUM-110
Tudor-Stuart England (HIS-343)
This course traces the rise of England from the periphery of power in Europe at the outset of the sixteenth century during the reign of the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII, to a position of increasing might and opulence after the Glorious Revolution of 1688–89 and the death of the final Stuart monarch, Queen Anne in 1714. Students will spend time considering the political, social, cultural, and religious transformations of England during this period, and seek to understand when, how, and why England became a modern nation-state.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Recommended:
HIS-241
Modern Germany: 1740–1990 (HIS-344)
An investigation of the turbulent history of the German lands from the rise of Brandenburg-Prussia to the reunification of West and East Germany, with a focus on political and cultural developments. Course topics include Frederick the Great, the rise to power of the Second Reich and its role in World War I, Hitler and Nazi Germany, the Cold War, and Germany’s place in postwar Europe.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120 or HIS-108
Georgian Britain, 1714-1837 (HIS-346)
A study of British history from the ascension of George I to the death of William IV.
Topics include the Great Awakening and the rise of evangelicalism, the shifting fortunes
of British colonialism overseas, the impact on British of the French Revolution and
Napoleon, the abolition of the slave trade and then slavery itself, the emergence of
modern parliamentary government, party politics, and political ideologies, artistic and
literary developments, and the world’s first Industrial Revolution.
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Introduction to African History (HIS-351)
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the broad outline of African history, explores some of the challenges specific to writing the history of Africa, and acquaints them with some of the available primary sources. Topics include the social structure of African societies, the development of the Atlantic Slave Trade, the impact of European contact, the spread of Islam and Christianity, the rise of
nationalism, and post-independence developments.
Prerequisites:
HIS-106 or 108
China: From Ancient Empire to Economic Superpower (HIS-354)
This course explores the historical transformations that have led to the development of modern China. Topics include the rise of the Qing dynasty, contact with Western powers, the rebellions and revolutions that led to the fall of the Qing, the emergence of Chinese nationalism, war with Japan, the rise of nationalist communism, Mao’s “Cultural Revolution,” the development of state-sponsored capitalism, and the role of
China in globalization.
Prerequisites:
HIS-108
Modern Middle East (HIS-357)
A survey of Middle Eastern history since the 18th century, with a focus on factors contributing to the state of affairs in the Middle East today. Topics include the late Ottoman Empire, the impact of Western imperialism, Arab nationalism, Zionism and the creation of the state of Israel, the Iranian revolution, conflicts in Iraq, the origins of terrorism, and recent developments in the region.
Prerequisites:
HIS-106 or 108
Recommended:
HIS-256
Music History I (HIS-360 (MUS-310))
A study of the Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque periods in Western musical history, c.700–1700, focusing on representative composers, their works and their respective cultural contexts.
Prerequisites:
MUS-121
Music History II (HIS-361 (MUS-311))
Continuation of HIS-360 with a study of the late Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary eras in Western musical history, c. 1700–1950.
Prerequisites:
MUS-121
Internship (HIS-380)
The internship course is designed to allow senior students majoring in history the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge of the discipline in an occupational setting. Internships are completed in a variety of organizations and students are required to observe and participate in a job-related capacity under supervision. For more information see page 45 of the Academic Calendar.
Prerequisites:
Year 3 or 4 standing in the honours or general major and departmental approval
Christianity in the Modern World (HIS-411)
An honours seminar offering advanced examination of selected topics in the history of Christianity in the modern world. Specific topics vary by year but may include the development of evangelicalism, modern missionary movements, the rise and decline of religious liberalism, secularization in Western societies, and the growth of Christianity in the non-Western world.
Prerequisites:
HIS-216 or 218; acceptance into a History or POLIS honours major
The United States as a World Power (HIS-439)
This course analyzes the history of American foreign relations from the Spanish- American War (1898) through the twenty-first century. Discussion centers on religion, militarism, economic interests, national security, and corporate globalization as they shape the U.S. approach to the world, and the U.S. experience with the world. Students will also be challenged to think about and discuss the role of Christianity and Christians in foreign policy construction and decision-making.
Prerequisites:
HIS-233 or acceptance into a History or POLIS honors major
Islamic Encounters (HIS-458)
An honours seminar focusing on selected episodes, eras, and themes in the interaction between Islamic and non-Islamic societies and cultures, including encounters with Western cultures and societies. Topics vary by term but may range from the medieval era to the present.
Prerequisites:
HIS-256 or 357; acceptance into a History or POLIS honours major
Culture & Conflict in Modern Africa (HIS-459)
A study of the role of culture in the conflicts which have troubled Africa in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Students will meet in a seminar format to be introduced to the secondary literature and to present the results of their individual research on topics chosen in consultation with the instructor.
Prerequisites:
HIS-256 or 351; acceptance into a History or POLIS honours major
Augustine Honours Seminar (HIS-461)
An advanced interdisciplinary honours seminar in the Humanities examining the
life, thought, and writings of the ancient church father Augustine of Hippo, with an
emphasis on his magisterial work The City of God. Honours-level students from
multiple disciplines will grapple with Augustine’s historical, theological, philosophical,
and political significance. (PHL-461/POL-461/REL-461)
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Year 3 or 4 standing in an honours major in HIS, POLIS, REL or a general major in PHL
Calvin Honours Seminar (HIS-463)
An advanced interdisciplinary honours seminar in the Humanities examining the life,
thought, and writings of the sixteenth-century reformer John Calvin, with an emphasis
on his magisterial work The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Honours-level students
from multiple disciplines will grapple with Calvin’s historical, theological, philosophical,
and political significance. (POL-463/REL-463)
Prerequisites:
HUM-120
Year 3 or 4 standing in an honours major in HIS, POLIS, REL
Bavinck Honours Seminar (HIS-465)
An advanced interdisciplinary honours seminar in the Humanities examining the
life, thought, and writings of the modern and orthodox Reformed theologian Herman
Bavinck. Honours-level students from multiple disciplines will critically engage
Bavinck’s historical, theological, philosophical, and political works, their central ideas,
and their ongoing significance. (POL-465/REL-465)
Senior Research Project (HIS-490)
A one-term undergraduate student research project, culminating in a substantial argumentative research essay. Students will propose a topic for approval, conduct a review of the existing secondary literature, undertake further primary and/or secondary research, publicly present their findings, and submit a final essay.For more information on setting up a senior research project see page 45 of the Academic Calendar.
Prerequisites:
Year 4 standing in the honours major; requires agreement from the supervising faculty member and departmental approval.
Music History I (MUS-310)
A study of the Medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque periods in Western musical history, c.700–1700, focusing on representative composers, their works and their respective cultural contexts.
Prerequisites:
MUS-121
Music History II (MUS-311)
Continuation of MUS-310 with a study of the late Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary eras in Western musical history, c. 1700–1950.
Prerequisites:
MUS-121
