A topical survey of American history from the colonial beginnings to the present with special emphasis on major themes, turning points and historical interpretations. Introduction to historical method through the study of primary sources also is emphasized. Fall/J-Term/Spring/Summer.

A survey of the cultural, social, political, and economic history of Asia from the 15th century to the present. Fall/Spring.

An introduction to historical research, writing, and criticism through concentrated study of a selected topic or period. Recent topics include: Shamanism; Women & Gender in Latin America. Fall/Spring.

A comprehensive history of two major Midwestern cities from earliest European settlements to the present. Students will prepare three papers for class presentation and discussion: one on the history of Chicago, one on the history of Milwaukee, and one comparing the two cities. Field trips to Chicago and Milwaukee are a required part of the course.

We share almost 2,000 miles of border with Mexico, and nearly eight million Mexicans live in the United States, yet many of us learn next to nothing about this fascinating country's history. This course attempts to address this gap in our education system by providing an in-depth look at Mexican history, with an emphasis on the period from Independence to the present. The course will also look at the borderlands between our two countries, and the Mexican diaspora living in the United States today.

Beginning in 1492, the Caribbean region has vacillated between the periphery and center stage of global history. Its strategic location within the Atlantic basin has, at various points, propelled nations in the Caribbean into importance disproportionate to the nations' size, wealth or political influence. Examples of this phenomenon include the Encounter (arguably the most important event in world history); the Haitian Revolution, with its profound consequences for the United States, Europe and Africa; and the Cuban Missile Crisis, which served as an historical fulcrum in the trajectory of the Cold War. This course follows the dramatic trajectory of Caribbean history from 1492 to the present, introducing themes that include the European conquest; colonial economic transformation into sugar colonies; slavery; the Haitian revolution; abolition; the introduction of U.S. economic, military and political hegemony; the Cuban revolution and subsequent crises; and some contemporary issues.

An in-depth study of Chinese history from the early nineteenth century to the present with special emphasis on the role of Mao Tse-tung in shaping the People's Republic of China. Spring.

A study of Japanese history from the early nineteenth century to the present with emphasis on native Japanese culture, Western influences, modernization, imperialism, militaristic and democratic forces, World War II, and the recent emergence of the nation as a world economic leader. Fall.

The capstone of the history major: each seminar member produces a research paper on a topic of his or her own choosing, in consultation with the seminar leader, and based in part on primary material.