Course Descriptions

An introduction to ancient world history through an exploration of the development of diverse cultural, religious, social, economic and political systems. Various themes will be explored, such as the origin of cities, the rise and fall of empires, the relationship between religion and politics, and the relationship between citizen and state. Several geographical areas will be discussed including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indian Subcontinent, China, Greece and Rome.

This course covers a colourful and creative period in European history from the 3rd century to the 15th century. Topics include the late Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity, monasticism and the church, feudal society and politics, the rise of towns, the crusades, the Black Death, and the art, culture and society of Renaissance Italy.

A survey of early modern European history that addresses the political, social and cultural upheavals initiated by the Protestant Reformation including the Wars of Religion, Absolutism, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the Old Regime and the French Revolution.

This course examines the development of what became the United States from before colonization by Europeans to the end of the Civil War. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of American domestic politics, race relations, economic and social trends, and westward expansion.

This course examines the development of the United States as a world power after the Civil War. Special emphasis is given to foreign policy, domestic politics, social movements, and race relations.

A study of Aboriginal-European relations, New France and British North America. Special emphasis is placed on issues and ideas which have been significant in the creation of Canada and, in particular, the making of Canadian society before 1867.

This course examines the development of Canada since 1867. In particular it emphasizes prosperity and poverty; class, gender, aboriginal, and regional relations; French-English tensions; the influence of the United States; and Canada in the world community.

This course will examine a variety of themes, events and circumstances related to Canadian military history, investigating our nation’s military experience from pre-colonial times to the late 20th century. This course will also meaningfully explore how our military history has, and continues to, profoundly shape and influence virtually all facets of Canadian society.

Pirates have been the scourge of the seas since maritime trade and commerce began. From its classical origins to the modern day, piracy has had significant economic, political, social, and cultural effects. The motives for becoming a pirate and the nature of that reality will be examined by exploring themes of race, class, gender and religion, as well as the democratic ideals of fraternity, equality, and liberty.

This course will explore various themes and events in world history during the first half of the twentieth century, including imperialism, colonialism, nationalism, the First World War, interwar despotic states, the Second World War and the early Cold War.

This course will explore various themes and events in world history during the second half of the twentieth century including the global impact of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, the transformation of Asia, the processes of decolonization, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the emergence of the Middle East as a major geopolitical influence.

This course examines the complexities of key current events through a lens of historical inquiry. Specific topics may vary year to year, but it may include, for example, the historical causes of recent military conflicts, the allure of authoritarianism in Western democracies, or the struggles of various groups for political, economic, and social rights and opportunities.

From the first contact between First Nations and Europeans in the 18th century to the present, this course analyses the main issues that have affected British Columbians. It also examines some aspects of the development of the North Shore.

This course introduces learners to a broad outline of environmental history in these lands now known as Canada from time immemorial to the early twenty-first century. The course centres Indigenous perspectives and relationships with the land while providing opportunities for learners to critically analyse settler colonialism and its impacts on the environment. There is an emphasis on nineteenth-century inventory sciences, eco-tourism and the conservation movement and twentieth-century industrial capitalism. The course concludes with consideration of the environmental movements of the late-twentieth century and the confluence of questions of sustainability with the push for truth and reconciliation.

This Canadian history course examines the major events and themes that have shaped the Canadian-American relationship. From the American Revolution, the war that ultimately created both countries, to recent years, we analyze the influence that the United States has had on Canada.

This course will introduce students to the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada from time immemorial to the early 21st century. The course emphasizes the interactions between First Peoples and newcomers within the context of colonialism, the establishment and expansion of the Canadian nation-state, and the movements for reconciliation and revitalization of the late 20th century.

This course will explore the history of the First World War, from the origins of the global conflict to the Paris Peace Conference of 1919. Many military, diplomatic, political, technological, economic and social aspects of the war will be examined.

This course explores the events and circumstances of the Second World War. The military, diplomatic, political, economic, cultural and social aspects of this global conflict will be examined and the themes of race and gender will be considered.

This course takes a comparative approach to world history, looking at major themes and developments in the history of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

This course will examine themes and events in the history of Nazi Germany from its inception to its fall. Emphasis will be placed upon various aspects of Nazi Germany’s political, social, military and economic policies and actions.

This course will examine the history of revolutionary ideas in nineteenth century Europe. It will explore some of the major revolutionary theories (such as socialism, conservatism, Darwinism, and feminism) and their application to events, such as the Napoleonic era, industrialization, the development of the modern state, and the 1848 Revolutions. As well, the impact on society, colonization, and the international tensions that loomed over the end of the century will be explored through the lens of the various revolutionary ideas.

This course will examine a variety of themes in Greek and Roman history from the 8th century B.C.E. to the 4th century C.E. This course will address the complex political, social, intellectual, and cultural settings of the ancient world. Special emphasis will be given to classical Athens and Sparta, Alexander the Great, the Hellenistic world, the Roman Republic, and the Roman emperors.

This course will explore the nature and significance of the Soviet experiment from its inception to its fall. Emphasis will be placed upon the various personalities and events that shaped the formation, transformation and ultimate collapse of the Soviet Union.

This course will explore U.S. History from 1945 to 2001. This course will focus on the development of America as a world power after WWII with special emphasis on U.S. foreign policy, the Cold War, domestic policies, the Civil Rights movement, and the implications of the fall of the Soviet Union.

This course will explore the relationship between revolution and society during specific historical periods and circumstances. Main themes will include the role of the state in revolutions, views and attitudes towards revolutions, the ideas and thoughts behind revolutions, as well as the outcome of these revolutions on the wider world.

This course will examine a variety of historical mysteries and conspiracies. We will explore the various aspects of these mysteries and conspiracies and place them in their proper historical context. Main themes will include the views, attitudes, and outcomes, both perceived and actual, of these diverse historical events and circumstances.

This course will examine a variety of historical disasters and catastrophes, from ancient times to the current era. This course will explore the various aspects of these disasters and catastrophes and place them in their proper historical context. Main themes will include the views, attitudes, and outcomes, both perceived and actual, of these diverse historical events and circumstances.

This course will explore the history of slavery and antislavery from the mid sixteenth century to the late nineteenth century. The course focuses on topics such as the Atlantic slave trade, the rise of slave trading empires in Africa, and the impacts of slavery and antislavery in the Atlantic World. Core themes of the course include freedom and bondage, race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, imperialism, agency and resistance, and identity and subjectivity.

Spanning the globe and ranging in time period from antiquity to present day, this course surveys how epidemics and plagues changed society by examining social, religious, political and economic reactions and adaptations to various diseases.

This course will examine the development of warfare and its relationship, role and impact on society between 1850 and the nuclear age. Main themes will include: the role of war in contemporary societies, views and attitudes towards war, the technology and science of war, as well as the tactics and strategy of war.

This course will examine historically how violence has shaped various societies' political, social, economic, religious and intellectual goals and beliefs.

From 1485 to 1689, England transformed itself from a minor feudal state to the first modern European society, and emerged as the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world. This course explores epidemics and famines, invasions, two civil wars, violent religious reformations, and confrontations with two of the most powerful monarchs in Europe, Louis XIV of France and Philip II of Spain.

Students will work with a History faculty member to guide them in the development of a research-based project. Specific course details will be arranged between individual students and faculty members. See the Department of History website for complete details on the application process.