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Senior seminars are an undergraduate history major's capstone course in the department. Several options are offered each semester. Students are expected to write their second long research paper in these seminars, by utilizing the skills they have acquired and honed during their time as an undergraduate.
For Spring 2007, the HIST 499 Seminars will be:
War & Society: The U.S. and World War II Dr. Jo Ann Argersinger (TR 11-12:15) This course is designed to provide a senior capstone experience for the History major. It focuses on the U.S. during World War II, examining the major events, issues, and figures prominent on the homefront and battlefront. Using primary and secondary materials, this course analyzes America’s role as a global power during this world-wide cataclysm and points out the impact on society, war, and government.
Business and Vice Dr. Jonathan Bean (MWF 2-2:50) This seminar examines the vices discussed in historian John C. Burnham's provocative Bad Habits: Drinking, Smoking, Taking Drugs, Gambling, Sexual Misbehavior, and Swearing in American History (New York University Press, 1993), which is required reading and a starting point for thinking about research topics. Rather than research efforts at reform, this seminar focuses on the promotion, acceptance, and commercialization of these various vices. Proponents of vice included a diverse group of interests: business (beer brewers, cigarette companies, mass media, advertisers, entertainers, prostitutes, drug dealers); civil libertarians; sexual "swingers" as well as those living a "countercultural" lifestyle governed by an "anything goes" philosophy. While the focus is on the business (promotion) of vice, all topics must consider the ever-present environment of reformers seeking to ban or restrict these perceived social evils.
Changes & Continuities In African Traditions, 1880-1939 Dr. Getahun Benti (MWF 10-10:50) This course is designed to provide perspectives to students on changes and continuities in African traditions resulting from the influence of European Christianity. It explores the social, cultural and religious impacts of European Christianity on African societies and the African responses. It also assesses the perceived “incompatibility” of Christianity with African ways of life and the movements to revive “cultural nationalism” by “reinvigorating” African traditions and African traditional religions (ATR).
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