History

Welcome

Hello! I want to tell you how pleased we are to welcome you to Youngstown State University and to the History Program. With a faculty of nine, we offer courses across a broad range of subjects and have something to interest everyone.

I hope that you will drop by and visit us on the fifth floor of DeBartolo Hall, Room 519. Please feel welcome to stop in for advice, general information, or just to chat. You may also want to watch for notices from our Student Clubs -- History Club, Phi Alpha Theta, and the Club for Jewish Culture -- about scheduled events throughout the semester.

I encourage you to drop by the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor located at 151 Wood Street on the southern edge of campus. The museum is managed by the History Program, and you and your guests are very welcome to visit us there. (Your student ID grants you free admission at any time.)

Dr. Brian Bonhomme

History Program Coordinator

Mission

The Program of History at Youngstown State University is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of knowledge about the past, to edify our present, and better plan for the future. The program promotes and integrates scholarship, teaching, and service to educate its undergraduate and graduate students. It promotes civic engagement with the wider community. Through the teaching of history in and out of the classroom the program fosters understanding and appreciation of diversity and provides a global perspective. Our aim is to examine and disseminate knowledge of the past and of the nature of its study and reconstruction through a variety of educational experiences and historical methodologies and to train future scholars of history.

The student majoring in history must complete, in addition to the general University requirements, the group requirements outlined on the curriculum sheet. It is recommended that the student select courses with assistance from an advisor, since certain courses are preferable to others according to whether one contemplates graduate study, secondary school teaching, or any of the many other careers for which History provides excellent preparation.

The Bachelor of Arts in History can be completed in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.

For more information, visit the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, which houses the History Program, in DeBartolo Hall, room 519 or contact us at (330) 941-3452.

Professor

Daniel Ayana, Ph.D., Professor

Brian Bonhomme, Ph.D., Professor

Eleanor A. Congdon, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Amy Fluker, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Martha Pallante, Ph.D., Professor

David A. Simonelli, Ph.D., Professor


Lecturer

Kyle Starkey, M.A., Senior Lecturer

Majors

Minors

Certificates

HIST 1500    Discovering World History    3 s.h.

Introduction to the methods, problems, and content of world history from Antiquity to the present. Emphasizes the relevance of past events and developments to the modern world. Does not count toward the major or minor in history, nor toward integrated social science degrees.
Gen Ed: International Perspectives, Social Science, Social and Personal Awareness.

HIST 1501    American Dreams: Introduction to United States History    3 s.h.

Survey of American history focusing on five strategic events in the American past. Emphasis is on cultural conflict and compromise, institutional developments and revolutions, and the emergence of democracy as concept and practice. This course is intended for those students for whom history is not a requirement.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

HIST 1511    World Civilization to 1500    3 s.h.

Origins and growth of the major civilizations of the world from earliest times to about 1500.
Prereq.: Placement into ENGL 1550 or completion of ENGL 1539 or ENGL 1540.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

HIST 1511H    Honors World Civilization to 1500    3 s.h.

An honors course in the origins and growth of the major civilizations of the world from earliest times to about 1500 with emphasis on the analysis and critical evaluation of historical developments.
Prereq.: Eligibility for admissions to University Honors Program, or recommendation of a history instructor.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

HIST 1512    World Civilization from 1500    3 s.h.

Development of the major civilizations of the world from 1500 to the present.
Prereq.: Placement into ENGL 1550 or completion of ENGL 1539 or ENGL 1540.
Gen Ed: International Perspectives, Social Science, Social and Personal Awareness.

HIST 1512H    Honors World Civilization from 1500    3 s.h.

An honors course in the development of the major civilizations of the world from about 1500 to the present with emphasis on the analysis and critical evaluation of historical developments.
Prereq.: Eligibility for admissions to University Honors Program, or recommendation of a history instructor.
Gen Ed: International Perspectives, Social Science, Social and Personal Awareness.

HIST 2600    Introduction to Jewish Studies    3 s.h.

What does it mean (and what has it meant) to be Jewish? This course prepares students for the study of Jewish peoples and histories, with a focus on diverse communities, identities, culture, and religion. Historical analysis is paired with investigations into twenty-first century Jewish life, providing insight into the contemporary world. Special attention is paid to US and local Jewish communities.
Gen Ed: Arts and Humanities, Domestic Diversity, Social and Personal Awareness.

HIST 2601    American Military History    3 s.h.

A survey of American military history from the origin of the United States Army to the present, with emphasis on how military policies and strategies have been influenced by the domestic and foreign affairs of the United States.

HIST 2605    Turning Points in United States History 1    3 s.h.

Key episodes in the social, economic, political and cultural developments of the United States to 1877, exploring how diverse peoples shaped the growing nation.
Prereq.: Readiness for ENGL 1550.
Cross-Listed: AMER 2605.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

HIST 2605H    Honors Turning Points in United States History 1    3 s.h.

An honors course concerning the political, social, and economic development of the United States to 1877 with emphasis on the analysis and critical evaluation of historical developments.
Prereq.: Eligibility for admission to University Honors Program, or recommendation of a history instructor.
Gen Ed: Social Science.

HIST 2606    Turning Points in United States History 2    3 s.h.

Key episodes in the social, economic, political and cultural developments of the United States since 1877, exploring how diverse peoples shaped the growing nation.
Prereq.: Readiness for ENGL 1550.
Cross-Listed: AMER 2606.
Gen Ed: Domestic Diversity, Social Science, Social and Personal Awareness.

HIST 2606H    Honors Turning Points in United States History 2    3 s.h.

An honors course concerning the political, social, and economic development of the United States from 1877 to the present with emphasis on the analysis and critical evaluation of historical developments.
Prereq.: Eligibility for admission to University Honoree Program, or recommendation of a history instructor.
Gen Ed: Domestic Diversity, Social Science, Social and Personal Awareness.

HIST 2656H    Honors History of Western Civilization 2    3 s.h.

An honors course in Western Civilization from 1715 to the present with emphasis on the analysis of historical developments.

HIST 3700    The Atlantic World    3 s.h.

Development of the Atlantic rim from 1450 to 1700 with emphasis on the processes of exploration, cultural contact, and colonization. Cross-cultural focus on West Africa, the Caribbean and eastern North America.

HIST 3702    Early America    3 s.h.

From the first English interactions with the Native Americans and Africans, to the rebellion for Independence, to the struggles over the creation of the Constitution.

HIST 3703    Nineteenth Century America    3 s.h.

United States history from the War of 1812 through the Spanish-American War. Emphasis on constitutional developments, the issue of slavery, the Civil War and Industrialization.

HIST 3712    United States in Crisis: 1900-1945    3 s.h.

Covers events in the United States from 1900 through the end of World War II. Social, political and cultural history of the Progressive era, World Wars I and II, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression and the New Deal.

HIST 3715    Introduction to Historic Preservation    3 s.h.

Introduction to the field of historic preservation. Provides historical context for the discipline as well as a basic grounding in the concepts and opportunities of the field.

HIST 3717    Constitutional History of the United States    3 s.h.

The development of the American constitutional system from colonial times to the present.

HIST 3723    History of American Sports    3 s.h.

An examination of sports within America from earliest times to the present. Special emphasis on the manner in which sports and society have influenced each other, such as racial and class relationships, social mobility, politics, religion, and foreign policy.

HIST 3726    History of Women in the United States    3 s.h.

Analysis of the various roles and contributions of women in American history.

HIST 3730    The Black Experience in American History    3 s.h.

A historical study of Black people's roles in and contribution to the political, social, and economic development of American society.

HIST 3734    History of Organized Crime in the United States    3 s.h.

The history or organized crime emphasizes the organization of the criminal underworld, the ethnic, racial, and religious composition of criminal groups, and the impact of organized crime on prostitution, gambling, Prohibition, and drugs.

HIST 3740    The Vietnam War    3 s.h.

American involvement in Southeast Asia from the days of French rule to the fall of the Saigon government and beyond. Includes the war debate at home, and other consequences of the war.

HIST 3743    Labor in United States History    3 s.h.

Traces the transformation of American workers and the impact of the labor movement upon the United States. Emphasizes the diversity of the working class and the historical context of the of the political and social implications of the labor movement.

HIST 3748    History of Ohio    3 s.h.

The important events and movements that have shaped Ohio history in the social, economic, religious and political areas.

HIST 3748C    CE History of Ohio.    3 s.h.

The important events and movements that have shaped Ohio history in the social, economic, religious and political areas.

HIST 3749    History of African-United States Relations    3 s.h.

Survey of African-U.S. relations from the transatlantic slave trade to the present with emphasis on the 20th century.

HIST 3750    History of Modern Africa    3 s.h.

The impact of colonialism on the peoples of 20th century Africa, focusing on subSahara: Colonialism, colonial administration, urbanization, nationalism, pan-Africanism, decolonialization and the challenges of modern Africa.

HIST 3751    History of South Africa    3 s.h.

From the beginnings of the 19th century to the present.

HIST 3752    Ancient History 1    3 s.h.

From the Neolithic Revolution to the Peloponnesian Wars. Intensive study of civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, as well as Hellenic history.

HIST 3753    Ancient History 2    3 s.h.

The Hellenic Period to the fall of Rome. Intensive study of the Age of Alexander and the Roman Republic.

HIST 3755    Early Medieval Civilization    3 s.h.

A political, economic, intellectual and cultural history which traces events and developments throughout Europe from the collapse of the Ancient World to the beginning of the High Middle Ages.

HIST 3756    High Medieval Civilization    3 s.h.

A political, economic, intellectual and cultural history which traces events and developments throughout Europe during the High Middle Ages (eleventh through fifteenth centuries).

HIST 3758    Renaissance Europe    3 s.h.

A survey of European history from the end of the High Middle Ages to the 16th century. Emphasizes the rise of humanism and of Renaissance culture in Italy, its dissemination beyond the Alps as well as the development of national states and the flowering of the Late Medieval tradition in western and eastern Europe.

HIST 3762    The Second World War    3 s.h.

An examination of the war's diplomatic and ideological origins; social, economic, and political factors; and strategic, tactical, and technological dimensions of the conflict in all major theaters.

HIST 3764    Modern Europe, 1715 to the Present    3 s.h.

A survey of European history from the Enlightenment to the European Union. Themes include the development and debate surrounding European civilization's emphasis on individuality, technology, capitalism, class, war, and progress.

HIST 3769    Modern Germany    3 s.h.

Unification and modernization; scientific, technological, and cultural splendors; world power and disaster; Nazism, the Holocaust, and German society.

HIST 3770    Asia to 1500    3 s.h.

Political, economic, religious, artistic, and philosophical developments in India, China and along the Silk Road, from ancient times to 1500 C.E.

HIST 3774    Global Environmental History: Topics and Methods    3 s.h.

The historical development and diversity of ideas and actions regarding the interaction of human societies and the natural environment. From 1492 to the present, with particular emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Economic growth and resource depletion. Emergence and development of conservation, environmentalism, ecology. Ideas, events, and institutions. Historiography and methods of environmental history.

HIST 3774C    CE Global Environmental History: Topics and Methods    3 s.h.

The historical development and diversity of ideas and actions regarding the interaction of human societies and the natural environment. From 1492 to the present, with particular emphasis on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Economic growth and resource depletion. Emergence and development of conservation, environmentalism, ecology. Ideas, events, and institutions. Historiography and methods of environmental history.

HIST 3775    Global Industrial Revolution    3 s.h.

Major themes and events in the origins and global diffusion of industrialization from the 18th to the 21st centuries. The Industrial Revolution and associated changes in technology, society, culture, economy, geo-politics, environment, and public health.

HIST 3778    Russia to 1855    3 s.h.

History of Russia from its ninth century origins to the eve of the Great Reforms of Tsar Alexander II. Surveys political, social, cultural, and intellectual developments, the Orthodox Church, and Russian expansion and colonization in Siberia and Alaska.

HIST 3779    Russia 1855 to Present    3 s.h.

The Russian Empire from the Great Reforms of Alexander II to its collapse during WWI, the Revolutions of 1917, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union (1922-1991), and Soviet successor states to the present.

HIST 3783    Britain and Its Empire: 1688 to the Present    3 s.h.

An integrative history of Britain and its empire, from the Glorious Revolution to the Brexit vote in 2016. Focus is on how the acquisition of an empire influenced the development of British liberal politics, industrial and multicultural society, economic morality, and a diverse and world-ranging culture.

HIST 3788    The Holocaust    3 s.h.

This course explores the history and consequences of the Holocaust, the genocide of Jews and other communities by the Nazis and their collaborators. We situate the Holocaust in a number of contexts, including the history of racism and antisemitism, the politics of colonialism and nationalism, and global warfare. Other topics include collaboration and resistance, the concentration-camp system, multiple victim groups, postwar justice, and a focus on gender.

HIST 3789    Jewish History    3 s.h.

Where do Jews come from? What has it meant to live in the world as a Jew? This course provides an overview of the Jewish experience and of Jewish identities from ancient to modern times, in locations around the world. Carefully selected “episodes” introduce students to the great variety within Jewish history and culture. We will pay special attention to the complex and ever-shifting relationships between Jews and the majority non-Jewish populations among whom they have lived, as well as to the connections, both real and imagined, between Jews over long distances and across time. (The Holocaust is taught in a separate course.).

HIST 3790    Medieval Britain    3 s.h.

From the Celtic times to 1485. Emphasizes the political and cultural evolution of the British people before and after the Norman Conquest, including the creation of the English identity, the development of constitutional monarchy, the propaganda value of architecture, art, and literature, and the role of the Church.

HIST 3792    History of Ireland    3 s.h.

Irish history from St. Patrick to the Good Friday Agreement. Emphasis is on Ireland's relationship with Britain, Europe and the United States, and its troubled status as colony, occupied nation and part of the United Kingdom.

HIST 3794    The First World War    3 s.h.

An examination of the origins of the war, the social, economic, intellectual and political repercussions, and the technical and military developments.

HIST 3795    The World since 1945    3 s.h.

Global developments including the Cold War, decolonization and economic dependency in the non-western world; militarism and terrorism; pollution; and the internationalism of the world.

HIST 3796    Genocide and Mass Murder    3 s.h.

The origins, definitions, causes and forms of genocide. Case studies will be drawn from across geographical regions and time periods such as Armenia, the Holocaust, Cambodia, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and the Sudan.

HIST 3798    Middle East 2: The Modern Period    3 s.h.

The 20th century. Impact of oil, Arab nationalism, Zionism, Islamic fundamentalism.

HIST 3799    Lessons of the Holocaust from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum    3 s.h.

The Holocaust weighs heavily on contemporary culture. This course explores how individuals and communities have sought to make sense of that atrocity; the lessons they have drawn from it; and how they have invoked the Holocaust to advance various ideologies and politics. We will learn to analyze how moral arguments are made and to situate them in their historical and intellectual contexts. The course requires a supervised and free visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., in addition to coursework.

HIST 4801    Select Problems in American History    3 s.h.

Specific problems in American history in such areas as economics, political theory, and cultural and intellectual history. May be repeated with different content.
Prereq.: Consent of instructor.

HIST 4808    Oral Communication Projects in History    1 s.h.

Development of oral communication skills for students of history. Emphasizes the understanding of effective speaking practices, the development of self-analysis, and the presentation of material gathered from a linked course. Concurrent: Enrollment in an upper division history course.

HIST 4809    Documentation and Interpretation of Historic Sites    3 s.h.

Methods of documenting historic properties especially as related to the National Register of Historic Places. Includes interpretation of historic sites for public exhibit.
Prereq.: HIST 3715.

HIST 4811    Practicum in Historic Preservation    3 s.h.

Experience in historic preservation through student participation in a wide variety of historic preservation projects. Prepares students for internships outside the university.
Prereq.: HIST 3715 and permission of Historic Preservation Committee.

HIST 4812    Historic Preservation Internship    3 s.h.

Practical application of principles and methods in the field of historic preservation with the goal of producing a completed project. Internship to be selected by student in conjunction with program director. May be repeated once.
Prereq.: HIST 3715 and approval of internship committee.

HIST 4813    History Program Internship    1-3 s.h.

Hands-on, experiential learning via an internship at any of a variety of History-Program-approved opportunities and sites in or beyond the Mahoning Valley. Emphasis on the development and application of discipline-related skills including critical-thinking, engagement with research materials, interpretation of sources, organization of materials, presentation of findings, or similar. Internship to be selected by student in consultation with Program Director. May be repeated once.

HIST 4815    American Material Culture    3 s.h.

A discussion and analysis of the use and importance of material artifacts as texts for the recovery of the American past. Emphasis on sources not traditionally utilized by historians. Examples include the contextual analysis of children's books, foodways, and sacred spaces.
Prereq.: HIST 2605 and HIST 2606, or AMER 2601 and AMER 3701.
Cross-Listed: AMER 4815.

HIST 4840    Oral History    3 s.h.

Instruction in methods of taking, processing, and utilizing oral depositions relating to history. This course includes assignments in the field.
Cross-Listed: HIST 6940.

HIST 4850    International Area Study    3-9 s.h.

A course in the geography and history of a selected international area with emphasis on cultural development by traveling in the selected region. The class and travel is supervised by the Geography and/or History faculty. The course grade is based upon a term paper which must be submitted within 60 days after the end of the course.
Prereq.: By permit only.

HIST 4851    Select Problems in European History    3 s.h.

Specific problems in European history in such areas as economics, political theory, and cultural and intellectual history. May be repeated with different content.
Prereq.: Consent of instructor.

HIST 4851S    Select Prob Euro Antiquity    3 s.h.

Compares Western and non-Western traditions.

HIST 4859    Museum Curation and Interpretation    4 s.h.

Introduction to the field of museum studies. The history and function of museums, especially in the United States. Museum administration, curation, exhibit development, collections management, outreach and education.
Cross-Listed: HIST 6959.

HIST 4860    Select Problems in Transnational History    3 s.h.

Transnational issues in African, Asian, Latin American, and/or Middle Eastern history in such areas as economic, political, social, cultural and intellectual history. May be repeated with different content.
Prereq.: Consent of the instructor.

HIST 4860P    Select Pro Tran Hist Pandemics    3 s.h.

HIST 4861    Select Topics in Jewish Studies    3 s.h.

This course will cover themes and questions in Jewish studies as selected and defined by the instructor. It will be a vehicle for delivering timely courses that are responsive to student needs and interest. It will also serve in the development of new and permanent courses at YSU. May be repeated up to 6 semester hours.
Prereq.: HIST 2600.
Cross-Listed: JUDC 4861.

HIST 4870    Senior Research Seminar    3 s.h.

A seminar that requires the writing of an extensive paper based mainly on primary material. All history majors must take this course.
Prereq.: Senior standing and completion of four upper-division history courses with a grade of "C" or better.
Gen Ed: Capstone.

HIST 5806    American Architectural History 1    3 s.h.

Development of structural styles and trends within the United States, focusing on formal architectural styles.
Prereq.: HIST 2605 and HIST 2606.

HIST 5807    American Architectural History 2    3 s.h.

Development of vernacular, folk, and industrial architecture in the United States. Focus is on local variants with emphasis on 20th Century specimens. Field trips will view representative building types, especially housing.
Prereq.: HIST 5806.

HIST 5808    American Architectural History    4 s.h.

Focuses on the development and nature of architectural trends in the US, both formal and vernacular styles, in their historic context. Students will learn how to identify historic building materials, evaluate their condition, and make recommendations for their protection. Maybe taken by both undergraduate and graduate students.

HIST 5810    Conservation of the Historic Built Environment    3 s.h.

The theory and practice of preserving and rehabilitating all aspects of the historic built environment. Provides broad exposure through field experience.
Prereq.: HIST 3715.

Judaic Studies

JUDC 4851    Jewish Studies Internship    3 s.h.

Students receive course-credit for interning at a Jewish organization, community center, or synagogue; projects serving Jews or Jewish communities at non-Jewish organizations; or for educational or research initiatives with a focus on Jewish themes. May be repeated up to 6 semester hours for minor credit with permission from the CJHS Director.
Prereq.: HIST 2600.

JUDC 4861    Select Topics in Jewish History    3 s.h.

This course will cover themes and questions in Jewish studies as selected and defined by the instructor. It will be a vehicle for delivering timely courses that are responsive to student needs and interest. It will also serve in the development of new and permanent courses at YSU. May be repeated up to 6 semester hours.
Prereq.: HIST 2600.

JUDC 4871    Directed Readings in Jewish Studies    1-3 s.h.

An opportunity for undergraduates to explore selected themes, questions, or debates in Jewish studies scholarship or to study a corpus of Jewish literature. Students may use this course to prepare for future research projects or graduate school. May be repeated up to 6 semester hours.
Prereq.: HIST 2600.