Fall 2026
Fall 2026 Course Descriptions
For the most up-to-date list of courses offered and more information including course times, locations, and enrollments, please see SIS or Hoo's List. Faculty information can be viewed in the Faculty Directory.
African History
HIAF 2001: Early African History
Instructor: James La Fleur
Studies the history of African civilizations from the iron age through the era of the slave trade, ca. 1800. Emphasizes the search for the themes of social, political, economic, and intellectual history which present African civilizations on their own terms.
Concentrations:
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HIAF 3011: North African History from Carthage to the Algerian Revolution
Instructor: Amir Syed
Surveys the main outlines of North African political, economic, and cultural history from the rise of Carthage as a Mediterranean power until the conclusion of the Algerian war for independence in 1962, and the creation of a system of nation-states in the region. It places the North African historical experience within the framework of both Mediterranean/European history and African history. Focuses mainly upon the area stretching from Morocco's Atlantic coast to the Nile Delta; also considered are Andalusia and Sicily, and the ties between Northwest Africa and sub-Saharan regions, particularly West Africa.
Concentrations:
HIAF 3112: African Environmental History
Instructor: James La Fleur
This course explores how Africans changed their interactions with the physical environments they inhabited and how the landscapes they helped create in turn shaped human history. Topics covered include the ancient agricultural revolution, health and disease in the era of slave trading, colonial-era mining and commodity farming, 20th-century wildlife conservation, and the emergent challenges of land ownership, disease, and climate change.
Concentrations:
- Environment, Space and Society
- Global and Transnational History
- Law and Society
HIAF 3501: Africa and Virginia
Instructor: James La Fleur
Required for history majors, to be completed before enrollment in the Major Seminar. Introduces a variety of approaches to the study of history, methods for finding and analyzing primary and secondary sources, and the construction of historical arguments. Workshops are offered on a variety of topics each term.
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational History
HIAF 5559: Sovereignty, Law, & Knowledge
Instructor: Amir Syed and Emily Burrill
This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of African History.
Concentrations:
East Asian History
HIEA 1501: Steppe Empires in Chinese History
Instructor: Sean Cronan
Introduces the study of history intended for first- or second-year students. Seminars involve reading, discussing, and writing about different historical topics and periods, and emphasize the enhancement of critical and communication skills. Several seminars are offered each term. Not more than two Introductory Seminars may be counted toward the major in history.
Concentrations:
HIEA 2091: Korean Civilization to 1900
Instructor: Joseph Seeley
This course covers the history of Korean civilization from its archeological and mythical origins to the late nineteenth century. Together students will examine sources on premodern Korean warfare, society, sex, politics, religion, and culture to understand how this seemingly distant past continues to shape Korea's present and future. We will also explore the influence of Korean civilization on regional and global histories beyond the peninsula.
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational History
HIEA 2112: Late Imperial China
Instructor: Sean Cronan
This course introduces the history of China from the 13th c. through the end of imperial rule in the early 20th c., tracing long-term political, social, and economic transformations that characterized the second millennium of imperial rule.
Concentrations:
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
- War, Violence and Society
HIEA 3323: China and the United States
Instructor: Xiaoyuan Liu
The course explores Chinese-American relations since the late 18th century. Starting as an encounter between a young trading state and an ageless empire on the two sides of the Pacific Ocean, the relationship has gone through stages characterized by the two countries' changing identities. The course understands the relationship broadly and seeks insights at various levels.
Concentrations:
HIEA 4511: China's Borderlands
Instructor: Xiaoyuan Liu
A small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the colloquium. Most frequently offered in areas of history where access to source materials or linguistic demands make seminars especially difficult. Students prepare about 25 pages of written work. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.
Concentrations:
European History
HIEU 1559: History of Jews in Poland and Eastern Europe
Instructor: Glenn Dynner
By the 19th century, the Jews of Eastern Europe formed three-fourths of the world's Jewish population, suggesting a relatively secure and prosperous community. This course takes us through 900 years of Jewish life in Eastern Europe, from the arrival in medieval Poland, through the golden age of extensive Jewish self-government in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, down to the crises and catastrophes of the twentieth century. Throughout , we explore the rich creations that emerged despite—and sometimes because of—incidents of anti-Jewish violence, including movements like Hasidism, Haskalah, Modern Jewish literature, and Modern political movements like Zionism, Bundism (Jewish Socialism), and Communism. The course concludes with an in-depth look at the Holocaust and its aftermath.
Concentrations:
- Capitalism and Economic Life
- War, Violence and Society
HIEU 2031: Ancient Greece
Instructor: Jon Lendon
Studies the political, military, and social history of Ancient Greece from the Homeric age to the death of Alexander the Great, emphasizing the development and interactions of Sparta and Athens.
Concentrations:
HIEU 2061: The Birth of Europe
Instructor: Paul Kershaw
Studies ways of life and thought in the formation of Western Europe from the 4th century a.d. to the 15th. Includes a survey of the development of society and culture in town and countryside, the growth of economic, political, and religious institutions, and the impact of Muslim and Byzantine civilizations.
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational History
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HIEU 2071: Early Modern Europe and the World
Instructor: Erin Lambert
European history, from the Reformation to Napoleon, in global perspective.
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational History
HIEU 2101: Jewish History I: The Ancient and Medieval Experience
Instructor: Glenn Dynner
This course surveys the pre-modern Jewish historical experience from antiquity through the sixteenth century.
Concentrations:
HIEU 2350: Medieval and Renaissance Europe, 1100 - 1500
Instructor: Melissa Vise
Famously dubbed 'the Dark Ages' by Petrarch, the European Middle Ages live on in popular imagination as an age of faith, a time of cultured knights and ladies, and a period of relentless violence. The period from 1100-1500 in what came to be called Europe experienced significant advancements in the flowering of religious piety, economic prosperity, ethical philosophy, the centralization of state power, law, urban life, science and medicine, literature, art, and soaring feats of architecture.
Concentrations:
HIEU 3041: The Fall of the Roman Republic
Instructor: Elizabeth Meyer
Surveys the history and culture of the last century of the Roman Republic (133-30 b.c.), emphasizing the political and social reasons for the destruction of the Republican form of government and its replacement by a monarchy.
Concentrations:
- War, Violence and Society
HIEU 3312: Europe at War, 1939 - 45: Occupation, Genocide, Resistance
Instructor: William Hitchcock
This course examines the range of human experience in Europe during the Second World War. Why did Nazi Germany invade and attempt to colonize large parts of Europe? What were the methods of Nazi rule? How did European peoples respond to the Nazi project, whether through forms of resistance or collaboration? Who were the principal victims of the war--and why is this question so difficult to address even today?
Concentrations:
- War, Violence and Society
HIEU 3471: English Legal History to 1776
Instructor: Paul Halliday
The development of legal institutions, legal ideas, and legal principles from the medieval period to the 18th century. Emphasizes the impact of transformations in politics, society, and thought on the major categories of English law: property, torts and contracts, corporations, family law, constitutional and administrative law, and crime.
Concentrations:
- Law and Society
HIEU 4501: Seminar in Pre-1700 European History
Instructor: Jon Lendon
The major seminar is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the seminar. The work of the seminar results primarily in the preparation of a substantial (ca. 25 pp. in standard format) research paper. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.
Concentrations:
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
- War, Violence and Society
HIEU 4511: Colloquium in Pre-1799 European History
Instructor: Paul Kershaw
The major colloquium is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the colloquium. Colloquia are most frequently offered in areas of history where access to source materials or linguistic demands make seminars especially difficult. Students in colloquia prepare about 25 pages of written work. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.
Concentrations:
- Capitalism and Economic Life
- Environment, Space and Society
- Global and Transnational History
- War, Violence and Society
HIEU 5063: Late Antiquity AD 235 - 410
Instructor: Jon Lendon
This new class, a discussion seminar, examines the great Roman crisis of the 3rd century and the Roman's response to it, as well as the nature of reestablished Roman rule through the fourth century AD. This is the great of the emperors Diocletian & Constantine, of Julian & Theodosius. Topics to be examined include governance, warfare, the late-antique economy, religious strife, the life of cities, similarities & differences between East & West.
Concentrations:
Latin American History
HILA 1501: Introductory Seminar in Latin American History
Instructor: Lean Sweeney
Intended for first- or second-year students, this course introduces the study of history. Seminars involve reading, discussing, and writing about different historical topics and periods, and emphasize the enhancement of critical and communication skills. Several seminars are offered each term. Not more than two Introductory Seminars may be counted toward the major history.
Concentrations:
HILA 2001: Colonial Latin America, 1500 - 1824
Instructor: Thomas Klubock
Introduces major developments and issues in the study of Latin American history from Native American societies on the eve of the Spanish Conquest to the wars of national independence in the early 19th century.
Concentrations:
- Capitalism and Economic Life
- Global and Transnational History
- Law and Society
HILA 3051: Modern Central America
Instructor: Lean Sweeney
Studies the history of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and El Salvador from 19th century fragmentation, oligarchic, foreign, and military rule, to the emergence of popular nationalisms.
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational HIstory
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HILA 3501: Introductory History Workshop
Instructor: Thomas Klubock
Required for history majors, to be completed before enrollment in the Major Seminar. Introduces a variety of approaches to the study of history, methods for finding and analyzing primary and secondary sources, and the construction of historical arguments. Workshops are offered on a variety of topics each term.
Concentrations:
Middle Eastern History
HIME 3192: From Nomads to Sultans: The Ottoman Empire, 1300 - 1700
Instructor: Joshua White
A survey of the history of the Ottoman Empire from its obscure origins around 1300 to 1700, this course explores the political, military, social, and cultural history of this massive, multi-confessional, multi-ethnic, inter-continental empire which, at its height, encompassed Central and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Concentrations:
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
South Asian History
HISA 2003: History of Modern India
Instructor: Neeti Nair
Surveys 200 years of Indian history from the mid-18th century to the present, focusing on the imperial/colonial encounter with the British Raj before Independence, and the social and political permutations of freedom in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka since.
Concentrations:
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HISA 3559: Business Enterprises in Globalizing India
Instructor: Sumit Guha
The course begins with the European discovery of the sea-route to India in 1498. It moves on to the rise of the great corporations and to Indian reactions to their presence and colonization. It considers the new models of trade and production in India. The course will move to the relation of business, nationalism and empire. Finally, students will analyze the changing political economy of India from independence in 1947 through the time of liberalization and rapid economic growth after 1991.
Concentrations:
- Capitalism and Economic Life
- Global and Transnational History
HISA 4501: Seminar in South Asia
Instructor: Neeti Nair
The major seminar is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the seminar. The work of the seminar results primarily in the preparation of a substantial (ca. 25 pages in standard format) research paper. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.
Concentrations:
- Global Transnational History
- War, Violence and Society
General History
HIST 1501: Visions of the Good Life
Instructor: Penny Von Eschen
Introduction to the study of history intended for first- and second-year students. Seminars involve reading, discussion, and writing about different historical topics and periods, and emphasize the enhancement of critical and communication skills. Several seminars are offered each term. Not more than two Introductory Seminars may be counted toward the major in history.
Concentrations:
HIST 2011: History of Human Rights
Instructor: Emily Burrill
This course surveys the modern history of human rights, focusing on political, legal, and intellectual trends from the late 18th century to the present.
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational History
- Law and Society
- War, Violence and Society
HIST 2212: Maps in World History
Instructor: S. Edelson
This course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the history of cartography that ranges across the globe from oldest surviving images of pre-history to GIS systems of the present day. It approaches map history from a number of disciplinary perspectives, including the history of science, the history of cartography, critical theory and literary studies, anthropology, historical geography, and spatial cognition and wayfinding.
Concentrations:
- Environment, Space and Society
- Global and Transnational History
HIST 2559: Global Cold War Culture
Instructor: Penny Von Eschen
This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of general history.
Concentrations:
HIST 3281: Genocide: A Global History
Instructor: Jeffrey Rossman
History of genocide and other forms of one-sided, state-sponsored mass killing in the twentieth century. Case studies include the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, the Rwandan genocide, and the mass killings that have taken place under Communist regimes (e.g., Stalin's USSR, Mao's China, Pol Pot's Cambodia).
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational History
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
- War, Violence and Society
HIST 3501: A Moral History of the Rich
Instructor: Brian Owensby
Required for history majors, to be completed before enrollment in the Major Seminar. Introduces a variety of approaches to the study of history, methods for finding and analyzing primary and secondary sources, and the construction of historical arguments. Workshops are offered on a variety of topics each term.
Concentrations:
United States History
HIUS 1559: American Revolution
Instructor: Christa Dierksheide
This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of United States history.
Concentrations:
HIUS 2201: US Immigration Law and Policy in Historical Perspective
Instructor: S. Deborah Kang
This course will trace the origins of today's immigration policy debates by providing students with a comprehensive overview of American immigration law and policy from the eighteenth century to the present. The course will also explore how state and federal policies impacted a wide array of immigrants, including the Irish, Chinese, and Mexican arrivals of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Concentrations:
- Global and Transnational History
- Law and Society
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HIUS 3071: The Coming of the Civil War
Instructor: Elizabeth Varon
Examines the period from roughly 1815 to 1861 focusing on the interaction between the developing sectional conflict and the evolving political system, with the view of explaining what caused the Civil War.
Concentrations:
- Environment, Space and Society
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HIUS 3081: History of the American Deaf Community
Instructor: Christopher Krentz
This new course will examine the history of deaf people in the United States over the last three centuries, with particular attention to the emergence and evolution of a community of Deaf people who share a distinct sign language and culture. We will read both primary texts from specific periods and secondary sources. We will also view a few historical films.
Concentrations:
- Environment, Space and Society
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HIUS 3501: Immigration, Race, & Rights in the US
Instructor: S. Deborah Kang
Required for history majors, to be completed before enrollment in the Major Seminar. Introduces a variety of approaches to the study of history, methods for finding and analyzing primary and secondary sources, and the construction of historical arguments. Workshops are offered on a variety of topics each term.
Concentrations:
- Capitalism and Economic Life
- Environment, Space and Society
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
HIUS 3559: The Vietnam Wars
Instructor: Andrew Preston
This lecture will explore US involvement in Southeast Asia from the early stages of World War II to the 21st century. It will mainly focus on US intervention in the 1960s and '70s but will be a great deal of attention to the Vietnam War's social, cultural, and economic impact and legacies in the United States, Asia, and beyond.
Concentrations:
- War, Violence and Society
- Global and Transnational History
HIUS 3611: Gender & Sexuality in AM, 1600 - 1865
Instructor: Caroline Janney
Studies the evolution of women's roles in American society with particular attention to the experiences of women of different races, classes, and ethnic groups.
Concentrations:
HIUS 3620: All Politics is Local
Instructor: Andrew Kahrl
The history of local government and local politics in shaping American life. Course examines issues, themes, and problems of local democracy in historical and contemporary contexts. Class meetings combine lectures and discussions. Course includes local civic engagement component.
Concentrations:
- Capitalism and Economic Life
- Law and Society
HIUS 3853: From Redlined to Subprime: Race and Real Estate in the US
Instructor: Andrew Kahrl
This course examines the history of housing and real estate and explores its role in shaping the meaning and lived experience of race in modern America. We will learn how and why real estate ownership, investment, and development came to play a critical role in the formation and endurance of racial segregation, modern capitalism, and the built environment.
Concentrations:
- Capitalism and Economic Life
- Environment, Space and Society
- Law and Society
- Race, Ethnicity and Empire
