Dr. E. Arnold Modlin, Jr.
Department Chair
History Division
The Division of History provides students with a critical intellectual framework for assessing and understanding human affairs. The Division offers a broad spectrum of history and geography courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Curriculum sequences are available in History (General), History (Online), History-Social Science (Pre-Licensure), and History-Military Science (Army and Navy).
The general objectives of the Division are as follows:
- To provide its students with a thorough grounding in the past, as seen from both social scientific and humanistic perspectives, and in the nature of history and historical analysis. The Division prepares undergraduates for a variety of career options which rely upon a sound liberal arts education in both academic and professional fields. The study of history prepares students for a variety of paths, including but not limited to those in fields such as law, education, religion, journalism and media ventures, business and government service.
- To accomplish its objectives, the Division offers five programs leading to the B.A. In addition, the Division offers one certificate program in African and African Diaspora History.
- The skills necessary for the study of history are highly practical and prized by graduate schools, professional schools, and employers. NSU history majors have moved on to careers in business, law, government service, education, and social work.
- To articulate to potential employers the value of a liberal arts education, history trains students to be creative and flexible problem solvers who can make sound judgments and communicate their ideas effectively.
- Upon completion of the required history and geography courses, students should be able to identify and discuss the major civilizations that have shaped human behavior over time and space. They should be able to compare and assess the principal values and ideologies of major world civilizations and contextualize current events.
- Upon completion of the required degree in history-social sciences, students will have a firm grasp of American and global history with a depth and range that covers the major global regions and societies, and of the processes that have increasingly connected them worldwide.
- Upon completion of the Division’s required courses in addition to the general core’s English courses, students should be able to write in clear prose, including analyzing and evaluating primary source documents as well as secondary sources. They should also be able to identify, define, and defend a point of view.
- Upon completion of the Division’s required courses, students will have a working knowledge of the world’s cultural diversity. The Division’s emphasis on appreciating diversity is designed “to equip students with the capability to become productive citizens who continuously contribute to a global and rapidly changing society,” as per the University’s mission statement.
Accordingly, the Division’s primary learning outcomes for its majors to acquire are:
- To trace and analyze change over time.
- To compare and contrast cultures and traditions from the same time period.
- To write and argue clearly with a thesis statement.
- To appreciate the contributions of African-Americans to American history.
- To appreciate the contributions of the African diaspora to world history.
The divisional history degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in law, teaching, public relations, journalism, foreign services, business, and other professions.
Assessment
In order to monitor and evaluate students’ academic progress at Norfolk State University in accordance with state mandates, the University has developed an assessment program. All History majors are required to participate in this program as designed and administered by the Division.
It is the policy of the History Division that History majors take the required 100-level and 200–level classes (HIS 100 History of World Societies I, HIS 101 History of World Societies II, HIS 102 United States History to 1865, HIS 103 United States History Since 1865, and HIS 205 Introduction to the Study of History) prior to registering for any upper-level (HIS 300+) classes. In order to take upper-level classes before the completion of the 100-level surveys, students must receive permission from the program coordinator. HIS 205 Introduction to the Study of History should be taken by all History majors and minors after the third semester of admission to the University and/or after the student has taken the basic American history sequence of HIS 102 United States History to 1865 and HIS 103 United States History Since 1865.
Each academic year, students’ papers from HIS 205 Introduction to the Study of History, HIS 305 The Three R's of History: Reading, Writing and Research and HIS 497 Historical Research are reviewed by the faculty for development of writing, research and critical thinking skills. Students whose papers do not demonstrate competency in these areas must retake HIS 497 Historical Research.
For further information, contact the History Division: Phone (757) 823 8198 or e-mail sjrichmond@nsu.edu or elbennett@nsu.edu.
Interdisciplinary Studies
A Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies is obtained through this program. It is designed to provide a strong liberal arts foundation that enables students to develop the skills to think critically and holistically. Interdisciplinary Studies is a curriculum approach that applies methodology and language from more than one discipline to examine a central theme, issue, problem, topic, or experience. It offers a flexible curriculum that maximizes students’ experience; yet, it is a rigorous critical thinking, research and writing intensive program that focuses on developing and applying tangible and transferable life-long skills.
Core Courses
(Courses to be completed with grade of “C” or better)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
INT 210 | Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
INT 311 | Principles of Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
INT 360 | Foundations of Research in Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 |
INT 322 | Approaches to Critical Analysis | 3 |
INT 375 | Language and Society | 3 |
INT 411 | Ideas and Their Influences | 3 |
or INT 412 | Contemporary Globalization | |
INT 470 | Sr Seminar | 3 |
Optional Core Courses | ||
INT 399A | The Black Woman | 3 |
INT 475 | Interdisciplinary Studies Internship | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Sr Seminar | ||
Sr Thesis |
Note: INT Core courses are to be taken in numerical order. INT 308 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies is the prerequisite for all INT courses, except INT 412 Contemporary Globalization.
Option: (Approval of Department Head and Social Dean)
Students are encouraged to explore new relationships among established areas of knowledge and to take an active part in designing their personalized curricula. To this end, it is possible for students who meet guidelines established by the Department to satisfy some of the course requirements via transfer credit or extensive coursework taken previously.
In all such cases, approval of the Department Head and the College Dean are required.
Additional Information
Interdisciplinary Studies courses (INT 308 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies, INT 322 Approaches to Critical Analysis, INT 360 Foundations of Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, INT 375 Language and Society, INT 411 Ideas and Their Influences, INT 412 Contemporary Globalization, and INT 470 Sr Seminar) cannot be substituted or transferred in; all core INT classes must be taken at NSU for the Bachelor of Science Degree.
Currently enrolled NSU students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in order to transfer into the Interdisciplinary Studies Program; exceptions to the rule are at the discretion of the Department Head.
In order to demonstrate proficiency in concentration areas, students are to take a combined total of at least 30 hours (within the two/three concentration areas at the 300-400 level (considered upper levels).
History and InterDisciplinary Studies Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Bachelor of Arts in History - Military Science (NAVY) Concentration
- Bachelor of Arts in History - Online
- Bachelor of Arts in History – Teacher Licensure Endorsement in History and Social Science
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - 3 Year Degree Concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - Military Concentration
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - Online
- Certificate in African and African Diasporan Studies
- Minor in Africana Studies
- Minor in History
- Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Online Programs
History and Interdisciplinary Studies Courses
HIS 100 History of World Societies I (3 Credits)
A comparative study of societies and cultures, and their interactions, from the earliest humans to the sixteenth century. Encourages critical thinking and geographical understanding, offers exercises in writing, discussion, and computer applications.
HIS 100H Honors History of World Societies I (3 Credits)
A comparative study of societies and cultures and their interactions from the earliest humans to the sixteenth century. Encourages critical thinking and geographical understanding: offers exercises in writing, discussion, and computer applications.
HIS 101 History of World Societies II (3 Credits)
A comparative study of societies and cultures, and their interactions, from the sixteenth century to the present, emphasizing modern issues. Encourages critical thinking and geographical understanding, offers exercises in writing, discussion, and computer
HIS 101H Honors History of World Socities II (3 Credits)
A comparative study of societies and cultures and their interactions from the sixteenth century to the present, emphasizing modern issues. Encourages critical thinking and geographical understanding: offers exercises in writing, discussion and computer ap
HIS 102 United States History to 1865 (3 Credits)
A comprehensive survey of US history from the development of indigenous cultures to the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. Encourages critical thinking and geographical understanding: offers exercises in writing, discussion, and computer applica
HIS 102H Honors United States History to 1877 (3 Credits)
A comprehensive surve of American history from the development of indigenous cultures tot he passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. Encourages critical thinking and geographical understanding: offers exercises in writing, discussion, and computer applications.
HIS 103 United States History Since 1865 (3 Credits)
A comprehensive survey of American history from the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865 to the present. Encourages critical thinking and geographical understanding: offers exercises in writing, discussion, and computer applications.
HIS 110 Themes in African American History (3 Credits)
Themes in African American history is a gateway to, the interdisciplinary study of African American, history and culture that explores different epochs, from their roots in Africa through today. The, course introduces foundational themes, concepts,, people, and movements while nurturing critical, thinking, writing, and oral competency.
HIS 110H Honor Themes in African American History (3 Credits)
Themes in African American history is a gateway to, the interdisciplinary study of African American, history and culture that explores different epochs, from their roots in Africa through today. The, course introduces foundational themes, concepts,, people, and movements while nurturing critical, thinking, writing, and oral competency.
HIS 205 Introduction to the Study of History (3 Credits)
HIS 205, a required course for history majors to be taken in the sophomore year, is designed to introduce students to the meaning, and problems of historical study and to the skills required to conceptualize, analyze, and synthesize historical materials.
HIS 304 Western Thought, Global Challenges (3 Credits)
Studies the development and characteristics of Western thought and ideologies, and their application to modern global issues and challenges. Emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and oral discussion.
HIS 305 The Three R's of History: Reading, Writing and Research (3 Credits)
An in-depth engagement with the craft of reading, writing, research and rhetoric for historians, this clas reinforces the skills learned in History 205 and builds upon them by introducing historical research methods and discussing the variety of historical thought and theory.
HIS 310 Age of Encounter, 1415-1607 (3 Credits)
This course examines European overseas expansion from the exploration of West Africa in 1415 to the settlement of Jamestown colony in 1607. It focuses on cross- cultural encounters among Europeans, Africans, Native Americans, and Asians, with an emphasis
HIS 311 Colonial America (3 Credits)
This course examines the European colonization of the Americas from Jamestown colony in 1607 to the passage of the Stamp Act in 1765. It focuses on cultural encounters among British, French, Spanish, Dutch and other European settlers, the indigenous socie
HIS 312 American Revolution (3 Credits)
This Course examines the era of the American Revolution from the passage of the Stamp Act in 1765 to the ratification of the US Constitution in 1788. Special topics include the origins of the American Revolution, the social history of the militia, loyalis
HIS 313 United States Early National Period, 1788-1815 (3 Credits)
This course examines the development of the federal government from the ratification of the US Constitution through the end of the War of 1812. The course will emphasize the development of an American social and political identity and the challenges the new nation faced as it developed not only a strong central government, but also struggled to be recognized internationally.
HIS 314 Antebellum America, 1815-1850 (3 Credits)
This course examines the social, cultural, and political history of the United States during the antebellum period, from the end of the War of 1812 to the election of Abraham Lincoln as president. Particular attention will be paid to the changing role of
HIS 315 Civil War & Reconstruction (3 Credits)
This course examines the social, cultural, political and military history of the United States from the Compromise of 1850 to the end of Reconstruction in 1877. Special attention will be given to the role of African-Americans in the Civil War and the chan
HIS 320 Independent Latin America (3 Credits)
Survey of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the Latin American nations since the early nineteenth century.
HIS 328 History of Virginia (3 Credits)
This course traces the history of Virginia from Native American kingdoms through colonial development to the present.
HIS 330 Colonial History (3 Credits)
Study of the Spanish, French, English, Dutch, and Swedish colonies through the eighteenth century, ending with the Treaty of Paris (1763). Emphasis on the economic, social, religious, and political concepts shaping colonial cultures.
HIS 331 The American Revolution and Federal Era,, 1763-1800 (3 Credits)
Surveys the political, economic, diplomatic, and , intellectual themes associated with the American , Revolution and post-Revolutionary era, with, particular emphasis upon the drafting of the U.S, Constitution.
HIS 333 The Civil War & Reconstruction (3 Credits)
Study of nature of sectional conflicts leading to , Civil War; political, military and diplomatic , aspects of the war itself; Reconstruction and its, results to 1877
HIS 335 African-American History (3 Credits)
Survey of African-American history from its African origins to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Emphasizes critical thinking, writing and oral competency.
HIS 335H Honors African-American History to 1865 (3 Credits)
Survey of African-American history from its African origins to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Emphasizes critical thinking, writing and oral competency.
HIS 336 African-American History Since 1865 (3 Credits)
Survey of African-American history from the abolition of slavery in 1865 to the present. Emphasizes critical thinking, writing and oral competency.
HIS 336H Honors African-American History Since 1865 (3 Credits)
Survey of African-American history from the abolition of slavery in 1865 to the present. Emphasizes critical thinking, writing and oral competency.
HIS 337 United States Women's History (3 Credits)
This course examines women's participation in the founding, developing and growth in the United century with special focus on women's struggle for legal, economic and social equality.
HIS 340 From England to Great Britain 1485-1832 (3 Credits)
Study of the transformation of Tudor and Stuart, England into eighteenth-century Great Britain. , Emphasis on the making and maintenance of, England's limited monarch through its own civil , war to the end of the Napoleonic period. , Explanation of the causes and consequences of , Great Britain becoming the leading industrial and, commercial power by 1832
HIS 341 Great Britain Since 1832 (3 Credits)
This course examines the rise and fall of Great Britain as the world's leading industrial and imperial power. Focuses also on the effects of decolonization, including African, West Indian, and Asian immigration to the United Kingdom, as well as the making
HIS 346 Twentieth-Century Europe (3 Credits)
This course considers the problems of the states of Europe, emphasizing the causes of World War I, the terrible and unpredicted consequences of "total" war, the chaotic interwar period, the effects of the Great Depression, the emergence of totalitarian id
HIS 346H Honors Twentieth-Century Europe (3 Credits)
Study of the problems of the states of Europe, emphasizing the causes of World War I, the terrible and unpredicted consequences of "total" war, the chaotic interwar period, the effects of the Great Depression, the emergence of totalitarian ideologies, Wor
HIS 348 Ancient History (3 Credits)
Study of the great civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Emphasis on political, economic, social, religious, and cultural life. Assessment of the rise of Christianity and the Germanic invasions culminating in the end of the Western Roman E
HIS 350 Borders and Moving People (3 Credits)
Examines the contemporary history of border violence, migration patterns, government controls, and ideologies of ethnic and national belonging in global and comparative perspective. Emphasis on understanding how racially exclusive and politically authoritarian ideologies triumph over the diverse and democratic promises of revolution, nation building, & construction of the people.
HIS 350H Borders and Moving People (3 Credits)
Examines the contemporary history of border, violence, migration patterns, government controls,, and ideologies of ethnic and national belonging in, global and comparative perspective. Emphasis on, understanding how racially exclusive and, politically authoritarian ideologies triumph over, the diverse and democratic promises of revolution,, nation building, and constructions of the "the, people".
HIS 360 Latin America: Readings in Latin-American History (3 Credits)
Analysis of the political, economic, and social histories of these nations, 1810 to present.
HIS 361 Latin America: Readings in Latin-American History (3 Credits)
Intensive directed reading for exceptionally able students.
HIS 362 Introduction to the Modern Middle East, Part 1 (3 Credits)
Survey of the foundation and development of the Islamic civilization to the foundation of the Ottoman Empire providing close study of the Ottoman Empire in the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century.
HIS 364 Readings in American History (1-3 Credits)
Readings and discussions in selected historical problems.
HIS 365 Caribbean History (3 Credits)
This course examines cultures and comparative historical experiences in the Caribbean, from early modern European expansion to the present. It analyzes ways in which race, ethnicity, gender and class contributed to shared memories and political discourse
HIS 370 Early African History and Cultures, From the Beginning of Humankind to 1600 (3 Credits)
This course introduces students to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Africa from the beginning of humanity to the 17thcentury. During the semester, students explore several themes with a view to understanding the vast diversity of African peoples and cultures before European colonial rule. Using multiple teaching and learning strategies to expose students to variety of viewpoints, the course emphasizes the inter-disciplinary richness of Africa's historical study, drawing interpretive paradigms from anthropology, archaeology, ethnography, religion, ethno-linguistics, and geography.
HIS 371 Modern African History & Cultures 1600-PRESENT (3 Credits)
This course examines the history and cultures of Africa from the 17th century to the 21st century. Emphasis will be on the internal dynamics of African societies before European colonization, Africa and the global maritime networks, European colonization and Africans' response, end of colonization, challenges of post-colonial nation building, apartheid in South Africa, and Africa's recovery and economic growth in the age of globalization.
HIS 371H Honors Modern African History & Cultures, 1600-PRESENT (3 Credits)
This course examines the history and cultures of Africa from the 17th century to the 21st century. Emphasis will be on the internal dynamics of African societies before European colonization, Africa and the global maritime networks, European colonization and Africans' response, end of colonization, challenges of post-colonial nation building, apartheid in South Africa, and Africa's recovery and economic growth in the age of globalization.
HIS 372 African Diaspora History and Culture (3 Credits)
Drawing on multi-disciplinary perspectives and materials from history, arts, humanities, this course focuses on the worldwide migrations, societies, and cultures of African-descended peoples as they have formed communities and interacted with other commun
HIS 377 Black Leaders, Then and Now (3 Credits)
Survey of the role of Black leaders in American history from the period of exploration and discovery to the present.
HIS 380 American Military History (3 Credits)
This course examines of the development of the American military establishment, policies, and stategies from the American Revolution to the present.
HIS 380H Honors American Military History (3 Credits)
This course examines of the development of the American military establishment, policies, and stategies from the American Revolution to the present.
HIS 404 World History for World History Teachers (3 Credits)
This course has three learning outcomes: (1) to enhance the content, knowledge of teacher candidates about the major, trends, periods, and themes in world history, (2), to enable teacher candidates and/or future, researchers to understand the purposes and
HIS 410 American Constitutional History (3 Credits)
Study of basic principles of the American , constitutional system. Emphasis on the judicial, interpretation and application of these principles, in construing the powers of the government and, the rights of persons. Examines the historical , background of major federal court decisions.
HIS 418 Southern History (3 Credits)
Survey of the social, political, and economic , development of the Southern United States.
HIS 439 Black Lives Matter: the Long Civil Right (3 Credits)
Focuses on the long struggle for racial justice in America, and African American resistance to segregation and discrimination, leading to Civil Rights and the Black Power movements. It interrogates how black American activists engaged in international str
HIS 444 African Diaspora History and Culture (this Course Changed to His 372, See Above) (3 Credits)
Drawing on scholarship rooted in various academic disciplines, including history, anthropology, literature, sociology, art history and performance studies, this course provides an introduction to selected themes in the rapidly expanding field of African Diaspora Studies.
HIS 446 Colonial Latin American (3 Credits)
Study of the leading Native American cultures of 1500 AD, their conquest by Iberian adventurers, , the making of colonial institutions and cultures, , and the eventual origins of independence movements.
HIS 448 Slavery in the Alantic Basin (3 Credits)
Study of the development of slavery in the Atlantic Basin from its Western African/Islamic/, European origins through the dreaded Middle, Passage to the Caribbean, Latin America, and the , American South.
HIS 490 Special Topics (3 Credits)
Opportunities to study and examine historical problems of special interest.
HIS 490A Special Topics in History (3 Credits)
Opportunities to study and examine historical problems of special interest.
HIS 490E Special Topics in History (3 Credits)
Opportunities to study and examine historical problems of special interest.
HIS 490I Haiti and Atlantic World (3 Credits)
This course examines the first documented, Africans in colonial America who came ashore at, Old Point Comfort in 1619 through their dominance, in Virginia's maritime industry. Students will, also learn about the critical role African, Americans had in the Civil War, beginning at Fort, Monroe
HIS 490K Paths to Freedom (3 Credits)
This course examines the first documented, Africans in colonial America who came ashore at, Old Point Comfort in 1619 through their dominance, in Virginia's maritime industry. Students will, also learn about the critical role African, Americans had in the Civil War, beginning at Fort, Monroe
HIS 490L The Underground Railroad (3 Credits)
This course provides a local perspective of a, secret system that is still steeped in myth and, mystery. The majority of fugitives escaped from, Virginia, with the majority finding freedom, aboard vessels bound for the north.
HIS 490M Special Topics: Black Lives Matter (3 Credits)
Opportunities to study and examine historical themes of special interest related to Black Lives Matter.
HIS 490X 1619 and the Making of America (3 Credits)
This course frames how the events that occurred, beginning in 1619 permanently altered British, America and created a complex culture and, society. We intend to discuss this important, period by gathering a group of eminent scholars, who will use their e
HIS 490Y Special Topics: Borders, Bureaucracies, & Big Brother (3 Credits)
Opportunities to study and examine historical problems of special interest.
HIS 490Z The History of Love and Marriage (3 Credits)
An examination of the history of love and marriage in American society from the colonial period through the 20th century. Students will read primary and secondary sources on a range of topics from companionate marriage, same-sex marriage, interracial marr
HIS 492 Race and Gender in Cuba and Latin America (3 Credits)
This upper-level history seminar will examine two themes of the African Diaspora in Latin America: race and gender. It will place Latin America within the border context of Atlantic history, and suggest the ways in which comparative historical study can provide insight into interdisciplinary critical race and gender studies. The course will focus particular attention on the example of Cuba, a society that was profoundly impacted by colonialism, slavery, discrimination and revolution. It will examine contemporary perspectives and controversies currently underway in American, Latin American and Cuban academia regarding the history and present-day situation of African-descended peoples and women.
HIS 492H Honors Race and Gender in Cuba and Latin America (3 Credits)
This upper-level history seminar will examine two themes of the African Diaspora in Latin America: race and gender. It will place Latin America within the border context of Atlantic history, and suggest the ways in which comparative historical study can provide insight into interdisciplinary critical race and gender studies. The course will focus particular attention on the example of Cuba, a society that was profoundly impacted by colonialism, slavery, discrimination and revolution. It will examine contemporary perspectives and controversies currently underway in American, Latin American and Cuban academia regarding the history and present-day situation of African-descended peoples and women.
HIS 494 Internship (3 Credits)
Development of knowledge and skills in fields related to history, for example, museum work or digital projects. A minimum number of clock hours in approved placement is required.
HIS 497 Historical Research (3 Credits)
In this capstone course, students formulate and carry out an original historical research project which applies their writing, critical thinking and public speaking skills to a self- directed research project. With the help of the instructor, students dev
HIS 497H Honors Historical Research (3 Credits)
In this capstone course, students formulate and carry out an original historical research project which applies their writing, critical thinking and public speaking skills to a self- directed research project. With the help of the instructor, students dev
Danny Adams, Ed.D., Professor
dadams@nsu.edu
757-823-2082
William Alexander, Ph.D., Professor
whalexander@nsu.edu
757-823-8843
Geoffroy de Laforcade, Ph.D., Professor
gdelaforcade@nsu.edu
757-823-2080
Charles Ford, Ph.D., Professor
chford@nsu.edu
757-823-8344
Derrick Lanois, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
dalanois@nsu.edu
757-823-8864
Aprilfaye Manalang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
atmanalang@nsu.edu
757-823-9489
Patrick Mbajekwe, Ph.D., Associate Professor
pumbajekwe@nsu.edu
757-823-8865
Eddie Modlin, Ph.D., Associate Professor
eamodlin@nsu.edu
757-823-9457
Khadijah Miller, Ph.D., Professor
komiller@nsu.edu
757-823-2864
Dennis Montgomery, J.D., Lecturer
dlmontgomery@nsu.edu
757-368-4150
Stephanie Richmond, Ph.D., Associate Professor
sjrichmond@nsu.edu
757-823-9073
Janira Teague, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
jpteague@nsu.edu
757-823-2436
Adrienne Washington, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
arwashington@nsu.edu
757-823-2143