History Requirements
Communicating Plus: History. Students completing a History major develop skills in the four Communicating Plus skills areas—written communication, oral communication, critical thinking and problem-solving—in required and elective course work in the discipline. Most of the Communicating Plus student learning goals are addressed in all courses offered by the department. The History Department emphasizes critical analysis of significant aspects of the past (which entails solving important historical problems) using a variety of primary and secondary sources. Historical interpretation does not occur apart from communicating one’s ideas to others. Thus, teaching students to articulate and communicate their interpretations in written and oral forms is central to the teaching of History. During the senior seminar, assessment of students’ growth toward mastery of the central concepts, interpretive frameworks and analytical tools of History as a discipline takes place, along with assessment of their competence with respect to the Communicating Plus student learning goals.
Requirements for a major in history: Thirty-two credits in history. At least eight credits from courses numbered in the 300s and senior seminar (History 490) are required. (History 401 does not count toward the major.) History 101 is strongly recommended as an introduction to the major. A sophomore or junior beginning a history major should start with any 200-level course.
Requirements for a minor in history: Twenty-two credits in history. At least eight credits from courses numbered in the 300s. History 101 is strongly recommended as an introduction to the minor. A sophomore or junior beginning a history minor should start with any 200-level course.
Requirements for students majoring in History and seeking teaching certification in History for middle childhood through early adolescent or early adolescence through adolescence level (“Teaching Major in History”): Thirty-two credits in history. At least eight credits from courses numbered in the 300s and history seminar (History 490) are required. Among the courses counting toward the History major the following are required: History 241, 242, 281, 282, 490. (Also required for certification are Environmental Studies 190 and History 401; but those courses do not count toward the 32 credits needed for a History major.)
Requirements for students minoring in History and seeking teaching certification in History for middle childhood through early adolescence or early adolescence through adolescence level (“Teaching Minor in History”): Twenty-four credit hours including History 241 or 242, 281 or 282; at least eight credits from courses numbering in the 300s. (History 101 or 175 is recommended but not required.) (Environmental Studies 190 and History 401 also are required but do not count toward the 24 credits for the minor.)
Requirements for broad field social studies certification: Consult with your Educational Studies adviser.
Requirements for students majoring in Educational Studies seeking certification in early childhood through middle childhood and minoring in History as part of the Educational Studies major: 24 credit hours in History, including History 490 (or a substitute approved by the History Department); at least two courses at the 300 level. No more than one 100-level course can count toward the 24 credits.
Courses
101. Introduction to the Study of History (Staff)
Four credits. An introduction to the approaches and methods by which historians reach an appreciation and understanding of the past and its relevance to contemporary society. Special attention will be given to history as a process of social and cultural change. Students also will be introduced to the skills involved in the analysis of historical works (such as biography, essays and texts) and of historical sources (such as personal letters, contemporary fiction, political tracts and film). History 101 is open only to first-year students.
200. Departmental Studies (Staff)
Two to four credits each. Selected topics presented at an introductory level. Some topics may count toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Open to second-semester first-year students, sophomores, juniors, seniors.
214. Greek and Roman Society (Mockridge)
Four credits. Normally offered every other year. A topical approach to ancient Greek and Roman society. Particular attention will be paid to classical ideals and institutions that have made a significant impact on the formation of Western society and values. The course will be organized thematically, and topics include: ancient religions, classical philosophy and the idea of rationality, political and judicial systems, social classes and the role of women. Artifacts from the Ripon College Classical Antiquities Collection will be used in class projects.
220. Nonconformity and Deviance in Medieval and Early Modern Erope (Mockridge)
Four credits. Normally offered every other year. Participation in medieval and early modern European society often was mediated by membership in a group — a town, a guild, a religious order. Those nonconformists who fell outside the dominant groups, whether by conviction, occupation or circumstance, often constituted communities of their own. This course explores the social and cultural dynamics of Europe in the medieval and early modern period by examining the ways people perceived as deviants were excluded from power, and the consequences of that exclusion and marginalization. The course also will examine what kinds of groups and people were marginalized and to what extent and how those groups created and sustained their own communities. Some of the groups examined include: lepers, prostitutes, transvestites, heretics and witches.
221. The Medieval World: Faith, Power, Order (Mockridge)
Four credits. Normally offered every other year. A topical introduction to the European Middle Ages. This course focuses on medieval society and its key institutions and structures of power. In particular, emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of religion, the military and the hierarchical social class system in shaping the medieval world. While exploring the importance of faith, power and social order during this time period, this course also will look at the role that gender played in creating this unique medieval world view. The course will cover a range of texts including saints’ lives,
12th-century romance, selections from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, folk tales about Robin Hood and films like Kingdom of Heaven.
222. The Uses of Arthurian Legend (Mockridge)
Four credits. Normally offered every other year. A topical and chronological approach to the legends of King Arthur from the sixth to the 21st century. This course will explore not just the legends of King Arthur but the ways in which these legends reflect and articulate the changing historical values and ideas of the cultures that have produced and continue to produce them. Why have these stories continued to appeal to writers and audiences over the centuries? What does King Arthur mean to us, and what do we use him to say? This course will cover a range of texts including 12th-century romance, Malory’s Morte D’Arthur, Tennyson’s Idylls of the King, modern novels like White’s Once and Future King and films like Boorman’s Excalibur and Edel’s Mists of Avalon.
236. Twentieth Century Europe (Matzke)
Four credits. Introduction to the history of 20th Century Europe. We will examine Europe’s political, social, economic and cultural institutions from the late 1800s to the present. The evolution and revolutions in socio-economic forces, political ideologies and forms, and cultural movements that have shaped modern Europe and our Western world all will receive attention. Topics covered will include imperialism and decolonization, classical liberalism and its critiques (including socialism and communism) and evolution toward democracy; causes, conduct and consequences of the two World Wars and the Cold War; and nationalism in its many forms, among others. Emphasis on primary source readings for insight into different periods, events and phenomena.
241. The United States, 1776-1876 (Blake)
Four credits. Introduction to the historical analysis of American social and political developments from the Revolution through Reconstruction. Emphasis will be on the impact of social change; changes in political and social values and institutions; and competing ideas for how to solve the problems that diversity of geography, ideas and beliefs, and social position posed for the new nation.
242. The United States, 1877-1980 (McGowan)
Four credits. This course will center on political and social developments in American life from the Gilded Age to the election of Ronald Reagan. Special attention will be paid to such topics as: the rise of corporate America and its impact on politics, family and popular culture; the development of a Progressive tradition in politics and society; and the increasing involvement of America in international politics.
261. Gender Roles in American History (McGowan)
Four credits. This course looks at American history from the colonial era to the present from the perspective of gender roles. The expectations, tasks and power assigned to both men and women in the worlds of home, work and community throughout different periods will be assessed and evaluated. Special topics will include: the history of fatherhood; the significance of fraternal organizations and female reform networks in the 19th century; the sex role and sexual revolutions of the 20th century; the second wave of feminism since 1960 and its impact on work, family, politics.
262. American Race Relations (Blake)
Three or four credits. An introduction to the study of the history of the relations between African Americans and European Americans. This course will use primary documents and the work of other historians to examine the main topics in race relation history: slavery; the era of legal segregation; the Civil Rights movement and the rise of black power; and race relations in post-Civil Rights era. Emphasis in all eras will be given to African American thought and social movements.
263. Women in American History (McGowan)
Four credits. The relationship between women and American history is one that has undergone many changes, especially in the 40 years since the sexual and gender revolution of the 1960s. This course will focus on both the history of women in America and the ways in which that history has been described, debated and uncovered. To do this, the course will use both conventional and unconventional sources and require students to work on an individual project.
264. Immigration and Ethnicity in American History (Blake)
Four credits. A survey of some key topics in the history of the formation of America’s pluralistic society: the immigration to the United States of people from Europe, Asia and other American societies since the 17th century; the experiences of immigrants and their descendants in the United States; changes in attitudes toward immigrants and changes in immigrant policy; and the impact of immigration and ethnicity on U.S. society and culture. Reading and discussion of both primary and secondary historical sources.
281, 282. World History (Matzke)
Four credits each semester. An eight-credit two-semester course that focuses on developing a global perspective and the capacity to appreciate how different cultures have perceived similar historical phenomena. The first semester will seek to understand the variety of cultures that coexisted and often interacted from the earliest civilizations until 1500. The second semester will look at some of the key themes in world history during the past 500 years, such as world exploration and trade, nation building, education, imperialism and decolonization. Not open to first-year students. Students seeking a history teaching major will be given preference in enrollment. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
300. Advanced Departmental Studies (Staff)
Variable credit. Selected subjects in history not covered by regular courses. This course may be repeated for credit when topics change. Open only to sophomores, juniors and seniors.
330. Women and Family in Medieval and Early Modern Europe (Mockridge)
Four credits. Normally offered every other year. This course will focus on gender roles in European history, from the late Middle Ages through the Early Modern era. The course will explore the different roles women and men played within the family as that institution evolved during this time period. The course also will explore the opportunities and restrictions placed on women by the major religious, cultural and social institutions of the time. The course will examine the impact of class on women’s
opportunities as well. Different times and places will be highlighted, including 12th-century France, 15th-century Venice, 16th-century Nuremberg and 17th-century Belgium.
335. The Renaissance in Western Europe (Mockridge)
Four credits. An in-depth study of the Italian Renaissance, focusing on the political, intellectual and artistic achievements of the city that witnessed the flowering of the Renaissance: Florence, Italy. Among the topics examined will be the political power of the Medici family; key thinkers such as Dante, Petrarch and Machiavelli; and important works of art such as the Michalangelo’s David. Central to this course is the idea that intellectual endeavors and artistic works are a product of the times and reflect the issues and concerns of their political milieu. In exploring these issues, this course will examine both the documents of the time (primary source) as well as recent historical interpretations (secondary sources) of the period.
340. Ripon Local History (Blake)
Four credits. Research and analysis of topics in the history of Ripon College and the Ripon community based on primary source material found in the Ripon College archives and the Ripon Historical
Society. These archives offer a wealth of material about many aspects of the past, including
but not limited to: the history of education; the history of college extracurricular and social life: economic, social and family life in the Midwest; the Ceresco community; and the history of Ripon’s role in national political issues especially during the Civil War and World War I eras. There will be a wide opportunity for students to choose areas of study that interest them. Students also will learn firsthand about historical archives, how to work in them, the role archivists play in historical research and the contributions local history can make to understanding the past. Research will result in analytical papers and/or in editing historical documents. Prerequisites: First-year students need to have taken a history course or get permission of instructor.
346. Settlement to Revolution: America, 1600-1783 (Blake)
Four credits. Topics in American Colonial and Revolutionary Period History. The course examines, first, the settlement of the colonies and development within them of economic, political, social and religious institutions and ideas; and second, the development of resistance to British rule culminating in the War for Independence. Lectures and discussion of primary source documents and interpretative studies of early America. Prerequisites: History 101 or consent of the instructor.
347. Slavery and Civil War (Blake)
Four credits. An in-depth look at slavery in 19th-century America and at the controversies over slavery which led to the Civil War. We also will look at the Civil War experience itself, particularly as it reflects a continuation of prewar social and political issues. We will use primary source documents as well as the work of historians who have interpreted these issues. Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors.
351. World War I: Causes, Conduct, and Consequences (Matzke)
Four credits. The First World War destroyed the 19th-century European world. This course examines the long-term and immediate political, social and cultural causes of World War I, the disastrous way in which it was carried out and its revolutionary consequences. Themes to be investigated include nationalism and the building of nation-states, the shifting balance of power, the diplomatic and military systems of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the development of mass mobilization and mass violence. The course is not confined to military history and the war itself, but is designed to familiarize students with the broad sweep of European history in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The course has no prerequisites, but students will find it helpful to have had some experience with the basics of modern European history.
354. Modern Germany (Matzke)
Three or four credits. This course examines Germany from its unification in 1871 to the present. It will explore the unification process and its consequences for the character of the new German state, and it will examine Germany’s role in World War I. It also will discuss the consequences of the peace, including revolution, economic collapse, and the rise of National Socialism. The course will cover Germany in World War II and the Nazi perpetration of the Holocaust, and it will compare the experiences of East and West Germany as they are created following the war. It will end by exploring the fall of communism in East Germany after 1989 and the continuing effects of the hurried reunification process. The class will tend to focus more on political and diplomatic history, but cultural and social history will play a part as well. The course has no prerequisites, but students will find it helpful to have some experience with the basics of modern European history. Knowledge of the German language is not necessary.
360. Topics in African American History (Blake)
Variable credit. Intensive study of one aspect of the African American experience. Emphasis on reading, discussion and analysis of key secondary and primary sources. Possible topics include: the urban experience, slavery, the intellectual and cultural tradition, the Civil Rights Movement. Students may repeat course for credit when topics change.
362. Modern Middle East (Matzke)
Four credits. This course will discuss topics in the modern Middle East since the beginning of the 19th century. It is designed to provide an understanding of the historical roots of many present concerns. Topics may include reform efforts to meet the European challenge; the Middle Eastern experience with colonialism and imperialism; the rise of Arab nationalism, Jewish Zionism and nation building; Iran’s place in the region and the Islamic Revolution there; development strategies of socialism and capitalism; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the impact of oil; modernism and traditional societies; Islam and its forms; and Iraq. First-year students with permission of instructor only.
370. Topics in American Social and Cultural History: Film (McGowan)
Four credits. This course will employ a number of approaches to the subject of film and history. Some of the more important emphases will be: 1) history of film as an entertainment medium and cultural phenomenon; 2) exploration of the relationship between social realities and cinema messages; and 3) the significance of specific genres e.g. musical, Westerns, screwball comedies, film noir, war films. Throughout, we will consider ways to view films, read about films and evaluate films for content of interest to historians.
371. American Lives: Biographical and Autobiographical Approaches to American History (McGowan)
Four credits. From the Puritan era to the present, Americans have been self-conscious about their own personal identities and experiences and concerned about the relationship between individual lives and the national identity. This course will use autobiography, biography, literature, film and journalism to explore the connection between particular life stories and larger themes in American history such as: the definition and importance of success for Americans; the relative importance of the public and private in American life; the role gender, race, ethnicity and region have played in shaping individual stories and perceptions; and the mythic qualities often attributed to the life stories of Presidents. This course carries a heaving reading list and is discussion-based.
372. Topics in Twentieth-Century American History (McGowan)
Four credits. This course will focus intensively on a particular time period in 20th-century American history, for example, America between the Wars (1920-1940); the Progressive Era (1900-1920); or the 1980s. We will use a variety of sources and approaches to examine the political, social and cultural significance of the period. Students may repeat course for credit when topics change.
401. The Teaching of the Social Studies (Staff)
Two credits.
Methods of teaching courses in the social studies in the secondary schools. The course does not count toward the major. Required for teacher certification in history and the social studies.
470. Topics in History: Tutorial Studies (Staff)
Two to four credits. Supervised individual student study of special topics or themes in history. Designed for assisting the mature student who has particular historical interests that may not be covered sufficiently in the schedule of courses. Individual students may work out a program of scheduled readings, study and assignments with a member of the department faculty. Prerequisites: Sixteen hours of study in history completed, the agreement of a faculty member to supervise the study and consent of the department chair.
480. Preparation for Senior Seminar (Staff)
One credit. Fall term. A preparation for History 490. Students and instructors will: 1) open a discussion about the purposes and goals of historical study; 2) discuss goals for senior seminar; 3) select topics and main sources for the senior seminar paper; 4) begin discussion of the larger historical and intellectual framework of seminar topics. There will be some meetings of the whole class, but much of the work will be done in individual meetings. This course is required for the History major. (This requirement may be waived with permission of the department if a student is on an off-campus prgrom when the course is offiered.) Open only to senior history majors intending to take History 490 the following semester.
490. Senior Seminar: Historical Research and Writing (Staff)
Four credits. Students will select and work on individual research projects and complete a paper by semester’s end. Required of all history majors. Open only to senior majors.
540. Independent Study in History (Staff)
Two to four credits. For exceptional students. Students with individual study and research interests may request credit for projects of their own design. They must first submit an outline of their program of studies to a member of the department faculty who will act as a guide. Approval of the project must be obtained prior to registration for the credit. Prerequisites: Twenty hours of study in history completed, agreement of a member of the department faculty to guide the program of research and study, and consent of the department chair.
550. Internship (Staff)
Four credits. May be repeated for credit to a maximum of eight credits. Professionally supervised work with an organization engaged in historical research, the organization of archives or the preservation or restoration of artifacts. Students will work with a faculty member to find an appropriate organization and arrange for the internship and for its evaluation. Prerequisites: Twelve hours of history completed, agreement of a member of the department faculty to coordinate and evaluate the program, and consent of the department chair.
570. Classroom Presentation of Undergraduate Research (Staff)
Variable credit. For exceptional students. The opportunity to prepare and present materials of study where appropriate in the regular courses of the department’s curriculum. This course is available only to those students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their undergraduate studies in history and are selected for eligibility by the department faculty at the end of the junior year of study or after the first semester of the senior year.
580. Classroom Leadership in the Discussion of History (Staff)
Variable credit. For exceptional students. The opportunity to prepare and lead discussion of historical topics or themes where appropriate in the regular courses of the department’s curriculum. This course is available only to those students who have demonstrated a superior capacity for participating in and directing discussion of significant historical materials in a mature manner and who are selected for eligibility by the department faculty at the end of the junior year of study or after the first semester of the senior year.
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