UG Course Descriptions

The European experience from the outbreak of the First World War through the Great Depression and the crisis of democracy, the Second World War and reconstruction, to the collapse of communism and the movement toward European unity.

A survey of the history of film from silent film to the present. The course introduces students to genres, directors, and national cinemas while touching upon changing technologies, modes of production, and forms of distribution.

This course explores the history of the Western world from the mid-5th century through the mid-fifteenth century. Topics include: the end of the Roman Empire, the Germanic barbarian kingdoms, Byzantium and the Slavs, the rise of Islam, the Vikings, Church reform and crusade, economy and society, “Gothic Age” culture.

A study of the historic forces that have shaped the contemporary Middle East, and an analysis of the region’s significance in international politics including basic principles of Islam, Arab culture, and the influence of new forces in the Middle East.

Historical forces shaping the Russian identity and institutions; the rise and fall of the Communist regime, and contemporary developments in Russia.

Examines the history of the Westward movement through film and scholarship. Topics covered include race and culture, gender, capitalism, law and order, war, and the West in myth and legend.

Examines the portrayal and reality of major themes in crime and policing in films and literature.

Examines the evolution of the military art across time, some of the chief professional and moral issues facing commanders, and artistic representations of war.

This course examines the anatomy of a battle on the terrain where it occurred. The course involves trips to actual battlefields.

This course uses historical cases to study the evolution of military leadership. It examines various models and styles of military leadership in the context of history utilizing contemporary concepts and principles. Students will consider how exemplary military leaders communicated, solved problems, and motivated their subordinates. A focus of this class will be on the moral dilemmas that military leaders have historically faced. The course will provide students with models and approaches that they can apply in today’s dynamic leadership environment.