The Civil War era as the central epoch in American history; the crucial issues: development of sectional hostilities; why and how the war came, course and conduct of the war; attention to Lincoln and emancipation. Emphasis on the people. Biographies, narratives, and historical fiction.

This class is designed to help students prepare for life after the BA by acquiring important professional skills and perspectives. The class will explore a variety of subjects, including what qualifications history majors bring to the job market, the importance of internships and networking, customizing resumes and cover letters, job and internship search strategies, and interviewing skills.

An historical, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary approach to the study of families in America. We will examine the histories of various groups, exploring how these experiences have resulted in different family dynamics. We will then take up the question of the continuing relevance of race, ethnicity, and social class to families in America today and to the discussion of family in American politics. (Gen.Ed. HS, DU)

The most prominent figure in India's anti-colonial nationalist movement, Mahatma Gandhi has also been one of the most remarkable global leaders and thinkers of the twentieth century. Charting Gandhi's trajectory against the background of events in South Africa and colonial India, this course examines the ideas, strategies, achievements and limitations of Gandhian politics. Using a variety of written sources and films, we will critically assess Gandhi's influence on and conflicts with various streams of anti-colonial nationalism(s) in India.

Japanese civilization. Emphasis on racism and ethnocentrism in non-Japanese perceptions of Japan; on Japanese literature; on the era of the Pacific War; and on Japan's economic development since 1945. (Gen.Ed. HS, DG)

The historical patterns and salient cultural elements of China from ancient times to the beginning of the early-modern era. Topics include: ancient myths and the archaeological record; Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism; Buddhism; imperial rule; law, crime, and punishment; society; artistic and literary traditions; urbanization and commercialization; China's interaction with neighbors. (Gen.Ed. HS, DG)

This honors course examines the social organization and cultural construction of gender and sexuality. We will look at how women and men experienced the dramatic changes that have affected Europe since 1789 and consider how much these developments were themselves influenced by ideas about masculinity and femininity.

This course examines the idea of sustainability in the context of the environmental history of North America. It pays particular attention to the ways in which relationships between nature and culture have changed over time in response to the forces of global capitalism, and in recent years, to the challenges of a changing climate.

Americans debate whether their ever-rising consumption of natural resources and standard of living can continue indefinitely into the future. This is not a new question; since the mid-1800s, movements for the conservation of nature have challenged the primacy of mass consumer culture, and met fierce opposition from those charging that these movements threaten the American dream of individual economic opportunity. Through exploring the history of these ideas, students will gain a better understanding of the meaning of sustainability in an era of globalization and rapid climate change.

Late-imperial China during the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, with special emphasis on China's contacts with the maritime nations of the West and Japan from the 16th through the 19th centuries. How and why the Middle Kingdom's ancient cultural traditions were assailed by internal and external forces.