2021-2022 Catalog

HS - History

HS 100: Contemporary World Affairs (1)

This course is an analysis of current domestic and international questions studied in the context of historic trends and their impact upon American life. 

HS 201: Variable Topics in History (3)

In this course students will have the opportunity to study material not usually covered in the present course offerings.

HS 213: History of the United States I (3)

This course analyzes the European backgrounds of American exploration and colonization. It is a study of the political, social and economic conditions which brought about the American Revolution; the drafting of the Constitution, western expansion and the conflict of two civilizations - the industrial North versus the agricultural South. Outside readings are required. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement) 

HS 223: History of the United States II (3)

This course is designed to be a general survey of the history of the United States from 1877 to the present. The purpose of this course is to provide a broad understanding of the events which have contributed to the position of the United States in the world today. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement) 

HS 253: World Civilization I (3)

This course surveys the historical, cultural, and political highlights of civilized society from its origins in the ancient near east to the era of the scientific revolution. While particular emphasis is placed upon western (European) history, consideration will be given to other cultures, especially those of the Middle East, Far East, and Indian subcontinent. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement) 

HS 263: World Civilization II (3)

This course surveys the historical, cultural, and political highlights from the period of scientific revolution and age of discovery to the present. While particular emphasis is placed upon the development of modern political, social, and economic ideologies of the west and their impact upon world history, consideration will also be given to other cultures and their contributions to world developments. Both World Civilization I and World Civilization II present a comparison of the world views and values of the Western and the non-Western worlds. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement)

HS 300: Variable Topics in History (3)

In this course students will have the opportunity to study material not usually covered in the present course offerings.

HS 312: History of Early African Civilizations (3)

This course focuses on the early civilizations of Africa prior to European influence through the 1884 Berlin Conference. 

HS 313: History and the American Indian (3)

This course is a study of North American Indians throughout history. The course will cover the origins and distribution of various North American Indian cultures prior to European contact; cultural changes resulting from white contact ranging from the Columbian period to the present; the role of federal Indian policies; and the relationship between American Indians and states, with an emphasis on South Dakota. Outside reading required. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Inquiry and Intellectual Judgment) (Writing Intensive)

Prerequisite: GE 150.

HS 315: History of Early American Civilizations (3)

This course focuses on the Incan, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations prior to and shortly after the arrival of Europeans to the Americas. 

HS 323: The Middle Ages (3)

This course examines the social, political, and economic changes that occurred during the approximate one thousand years after the fall of the Roman Empire. Topics also include Byzantine and Islamic Civilization, the role of the church and religion, and state-building in Western Europe. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement) 

HS 325: South Dakota History (3)

This course is a survey of the State's past including its physical environment, American Indian cultures, and white exploration and settlement. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement)

HS 333: Modern Western Culture I (3)

This interdisciplinary cultural studies course seeks to enhance students' understanding of the complex historical and cultural forces that helped to shape western culture in the first half of the 20th century. In particular, it explores how the massive advances in the natural sciences both affected and were affected by other cultural components of society, such as the social sciences, literature, art, music, politics, and archaeology/anthropology. (General Education: Intellect & Inquiry Series: Inquiry & Intellectual Judgment)

HS 340: History of the Far East I (3)

This course is a general survey of early East Asian civilizations through the nineteenth century. 

HS 341: History of the Far East II (3)

This course is a general survey of East Asian countries throughout the twentieth century up to the present. 

HS 343: Modern Western Culture II (3)

This interdisciplinary cultural studies course seeks to enhance students' understanding of the complex historical and cultural forces that helped to shape western culture in the second half of the 20th century. In particular, it explores how the scientific advances made during World War II and shortly thereafter both affected and were affected by other cultural components of society, such as politics, literature, art, music, and the social sciences, such as psychology, economics, anthropology, and archaeology. (General Education: Intellect & Inquiry Series: Inquiry & Intellectual Judgment)

HS 353: The American West (3)

This course focuses on the history, geography, people, art, and literature of the American West. By using art and literature, students examine the geography of the United States west of the Mississippi River, the Indian nations of the region, and the exploration and settlement of the region by a variety of cultural and ethnic groups such as early French, Spanish, and American explorers as well as Mexican-Americans, African-Americans, and Chinese. Particular emphasis is placed on the events of the 19th century in connection to United States history. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement)

HS 363: Developing Nations (3)

This course examines the political, economic, and social issues associated with the world's underdeveloped nations. Among the topics to be explored are the roles of religion, ethnic and cultural diversity, women, agriculture, industrialization, urbanization and political change. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Inquiry and Intellectual Judgment)

HS 373: Lakota Culture (3)

In this course students will have the opportunity to study the historical and contemporary Lakota Culture through readings and discussion in addition to hands-on activities. 

HS 383: The History of Food (3)

This course examines the history of food from the earliest societies through modern history. The role of food in various civilizations that have existed throughout the world will be examined in the context of lifestyles, preparation, diet and nutrition, social class differences, and economics. (General Education: Intellect and Inquiry Series: Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement)

HS 393: Historical Research and Writing (3)

This course provides students an opportunity to research, write, and present/publish papers on a variety of historical topics. The course addresses using primary and secondary source materials, citing sources according to the Chicago and APA styles, and opportunities to present or publish work as professional historians. (General Education: Intellect & Inquiry Series: Inquiry and Intellectual Judgement) (Writing Intensive)

HS 403: A History of Great Ideas I (3)

This interdisciplinary cultural studies course seeks to enhance students' understanding of the array of ideas across a range of human societies that helped to shape human culture as we experience it today. This course will focus, in particular, on the fundamental intellectual advances from pre-historical eras to the Middle Ages, examining such diverse concepts as the development of writing, science, philosophy, law, and religion.

Prerequisite: EN 113 and EN 133.

HS 413: A History of Great Ideas II (3)

This interdisciplinary cultural studies course seeks to enhance students' understanding of the array of ideas across a range of human societies that helped to shape human culture as we experience it today. This course will focus, in particular, on the fundamental intellectual advances from the Middle Ages through the 19th century and the work of Freud, examining such diverse concepts as the idea of the secular, the birth of the modern, and rise of science's authority. 

Prerequisite: EN 113 and EN 133.

HS 493: American Studies Capstone Seminar (3)

This course is designed to bring students' knowledge, skills, and interests developed through the major to identify a need in the community and write a grant to assist a project or organization. Students will collaborate with community leaders to understand and identify an area of need. Students will cultivate abilities that are important both academically and professionally; establishing connections within the larger community, developing strategies for analyzing and addressing problems, and developing grant writing skills. The final written project will consist of research, reviews, and analysis targeted towards a specified audience. A presentation of the project is required.

Prerequisite: American Studies degree student at senior standing, in good academic standing.