Current Courses

2025-26

1000 Level
2000 Level
3000 Level
4000 Level
6000 Level (Masters)

NB:

Cross-listed courses: certain courses offered by the Departments of Modern Languages and Classics, Anthropology, and Religious Studies may, in special circumstances, be cross-listed and counted towards a major, minor, or concentration in History. In such cases, the student must obtain the Department's permission. Those courses automatically acceptable in History are listed in the Academic Calendar and appear below.
The following denotes full-year courses: "1XX/2YY," "AXX/AYY," "BXX/BYY." Students must enroll for both semesters when registering. (The A and B designations denote different sections of the same course.)
"WW" denotes web courses.
Students are reminded that not every course listed in the Academic Calendar can be offered every year. Some classes are only offered every couple years. Students are encouraged to consult with the Department regarding course offerings in planning their schedules.
Students are reminded that courses in History can be applicable for credit towards majors and minors in other disciplines and interdisciplinary programs and that not all courses automatically appear as such in the Academic Calendar. Students are encouraged to consult with Departmental Chairs and Program Coordinators about specific courses in History that may be eligible for credit in programs outside History.

Class locations:

AG	Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
AT	Atrium
B	Burke Building
DA	Akerley Blvd., Dartmouth
DL	Dartmouth Library
DT	Spring Garden Road Library
HC	Homburg Centre
LA	Loyola Academic
ME	McNally East
MM	McNally Main
MN	McNally North
MS	McNally South
P21	Pier 21
SB	Sobey Building
WT	World Trade Convention Center

1000 Level Courses

HIST 1000.1A - Making History (Fall)
T. Stretton MW 10:00 - 11:15 am Class location: LA271 Course description: Through examining a small number of historical events in depth, students will be introduced to the techniques required to practice history. They will have the opportunity to ‘make history’ by applying their skills in research, analytical thinking and writing to produce their own interpretations of select events.
HIST 1000.1B - Making History (Fall)
R. Barbosa MW 11:30 am - 12:45 pm Class location: LA271 Course description: Through examining a small number of historical events in depth, students will be introduced to the techniques required to practice history. They will have the opportunity to ‘make history’ by applying their skills in research, analytical thinking and writing to produce their own interpretations of select events.
HIST 1000.2A - Making History (Winter)
L. Warner TR 11:30 am - 12:45 pm Class location: LA275 Course description: Through examining a small number of historical events in depth, students will be introduced to the techniques required to practice history. They will have the opportunity to ‘make history’ by applying their skills in research, analytical thinking and writing to produce their own interpretations of select events.
HIST 1000.2B - Making History (Winter)
R. Barbosa MW, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm Class location: LA277 Course description: Through examining a small number of historical events in depth, students will be introduced to the techniques! required to practice history. They will have the opportunity to ‘make history’ by applying their skills in research, analytical thinking and writing to produce their own interpretations of select events.
HIST 1203.1XX/2YY - The 20th Century in Europe (Full Year)
K. Freeman TR, 8:30 - 9:45 am Class location: LA181 Course description: Students examine the major themes of the history of the twentieth century as they played out in Europe. Emphasis will be placed on the First and Second World Wars, the Nazi regime and the Holocaust, the Cold War, Decolonization, and the effects of these events on the lives of ordinary people.
HIST 1215.1WW - Ireland: An Introduction (Fall)
M. Vance TR 10:00 - 11:15 am Class location: LA171 Course Description: The course is a general introduction to Ireland through a survey of the island’s history. Although it is situated on the fringes of Europe, Ireland was influenced by developments on the continent from the earliest times. In addition, the later experience of overseas migration connected Ireland to developments across the Atlantic and beyond. This course will pay particular attention to how Ireland’s history reflects these broader European and transatlantic connections.
HIST 1222.1 - Intro to East Asian History (Fall)
X. Sun MW 10:00 - 11:15 am Class location: LA 277 Course description: This introductory course explores historical change and social transformation in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam from antiquity to the present. Emphasizing especially the Chinese and Japanese experiences, this class will examine some of the most salient social, intellectual, political, and economic features apparent in the heritage of these societies, as well as some of the ways each society has influenced the others.
HIST 1222.2 - Intro to East Asian History (Winter)
W. Sewell MW, 4:00-5:15 pm Class location: LA 171 Course description: This introductory course explores historical change and social transformation in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam from antiquity to the present. Emphasizing especially the Chinese and Japanese experiences, this class will examine some of the most salient social, intellectual, political, and economic features apparent in the heritage of these societies, as well as some of the ways each society has influenced the others.
HIST 1254.1 - The United States to 1877 (Fall)
S. Lurie TR, 4:00 to 5:15 pm Class location: Remote - Synchronous Course description: This course deals primarily with the major themes of American history from the colonial period to the Civil War and Reconstruction; the origins and nature of American government, politics, and society; the origins of slavery and racism; and expansion. These themes will be approached through a study of the major groups and events in American history (the New England Puritans, the Founding Fathers, Southern slaveholders; the American Revolution, the Civil War), as well as major political figures from Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Lincoln.
HIST 1255.2 - The United States: 1865 to Present (Winter)
S. Lurie TR, 4:00 - 5:15 pm Class location: Remote Synchronous Course Description: This course will explore the history of the modern United States since its Civil War, examining the social, economic, political, and transnational developments of the last century and a half. Through lectures and reading, we will cover such themes as political economy, international relations, urbanization, social movements, migration, and the development of the state.
HIST 1260.2 - History of the Americas (Winter)
R. Barbosa TR, 2:30-3:45 Class location: LA 276 Course description: This is an introductory survey of the history of the Americas, focusing on the era of European colonization and subsequent independence movements. This course is designed to help students understand the different historical experiences of the societies of this region and the ramifications of these differences for the present time.
HIST 1301.1A - Intro: History of Science & Technologies (Fall)
C. Mrazek TR, 1:00-2:15 pm Course location: LA187 Course description: The modern concept of science encompasses the study of the natural world in a systematic manner to accumulate knowledge. The term “science” dates only to the early nineteenth century, however, humans’ desire to understand the world around them stretches back through human history. Throughout the term we will follow the evolution of scientific inquiry and methodology from antiquity to modernity. This course examines the major developments in the history of science and technology, including the emergence of science in antiquity, medieval science, the Scientific Revolution, the expansion of science in the modern world, the relation between science and society, and the cultural significance of science and technology.
HIST 1301.1WW - Intro: History of Science & Technologies (Fall)
C. Mrazek Course location: Online Course description: The modern concept of science encompasses the study of the natural world in a systematic manner to accumulate knowledge. The term “science” dates only to the early nineteenth century, however, humans’ desire to understand the world around them stretches back through human history. Throughout the term we will follow the evolution of scientific inquiry and methodology from antiquity to modernity. This course examines the major developments in the history of science and technology, including the emergence of science in antiquity, medieval science, the Scientific Revolution, the expansion of science in the modern world, the relation between science and society, and the cultural significance of science and technology.
HIST 1301.2WW - Intro: History of Science & Technologies (Winter)
V. Auffrey Class location: Online Course description: The modern concept of science encompasses the study of the natural world in a systematic manner to accumulate knowledge. The term “science” dates only to the early nineteenth century, however, humans’ desire to understand the world around them stretches back through human history. Throughout the term we will follow the evolution of scientific inquiry and methodology from antiquity to modernity. This course examines the major developments in the history of science and technology, including the emergence of science in antiquity, medieval science, the Scientific Revolution, the expansion of science in the modern world, the relation between science and society, and the cultural significance of science and technology.
HIST 1826.2 - ST: Moments that Made Canada (Winter)
H. Green TR, 4:00-5:15 pm Class location: LA 273 Course description: TBA

2000 Level Courses

HIST 2202.1 Environmental History of North America (Fall)
H. Green TR 2:30-3:45 pm Class Location: B 218 Course description: Students explore the environmental history of North America by examining the historical relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world in a transnational setting. Students consider various meanings and perceptions of nature over time, assess human use of nature, conflicts around resource use and sustainability, and public engagement.
HIST 2203.2 - History of Childhood 1400-1900 (Winter)
L. Warner TR, 2:30-3:45 pm Class location: ME 104 Course location: Students consider the child in Europe from infancy to adolescence through swaddling, disease, play and toys, the life of girls and boys, child labour, schooling, foundlings and orphans to the development of children’s rights. Students analyze evidence such as letters, diaries, novels, paintings, court records, furniture and clothing.
HIST 2205.1 - Introduction to Art History (Fall)
L. Warner F, 10:00 am-12:45 pm Class location: ME104 Course description: Students examine major artistic movements, from the Classical period to Modern Period, while paying attention to global influences on Western Art. A range of art objects are investigated in order to develop skills in visual literacy and to understand how museums, galleries and institutions shape the ways we ‘see’ art.
HIST 2250.2 - Soccer: A History of Brazil (Winter)
R. Barbosa MW, 2:30-3:45 pm Class location: ME 110 Course description: Students will trace the historical forces behind the evolution of soccer in Brazil – from an elite sport to a national passion with unifying powers. Topics include: the transition to a slave free society, immigration, the development of a national identity, urbanization, the military dictatorship, as well as gender divisions and the role of the media and economics behind the popularity of the sport.
HIST 2251.1 - Pop Culture in Latin America (Fall)
R. Barbosa MW, 2:30-3:45 pm Class location: LA 274 Course description: Students explore the development of popular culture in Latin America to discover how diversity, social and political struggles influenced the diverse cultural aspects of the region. Music will be a major focus (samba, salsa, tango among others), but emphasis will be also given to visual arts, film and TV.
HIST 2336.1 Making Britain 1688-1870 (Fall)
M. Vance TR, 11:30 am-12:45 pm Class location: MM 227 Course description: The period examined in this course is not only associated with the creation of the British state, but also its rise, by the middle of the 19th century, to the leading world power. Yet recent literature has demonstrated that this development was accompanied by profound social and economic transformations that were highly contested. In order to appreciate the nature of these struggles, this course will cover such diverse topics as the impact of overseas expansion, warfare, agricultural and industrial change, migration, political radicalism, and 19th-century Victorian morality.
HIST 2341.1 Atlantic Provinces History to Confederation (Fall)
B. Brown MW, 11:30 - 12:45 pm Class location: LA 282 Course description: Commencing with the earliest Native-European contact in the Atlantic Provinces, students in this course will examine the interactions among the peoples who inhabited the region up until the mid-nineteenth century. Major events, such as wars, treaties, and Confederation will also be considered.
HIST 2342.2 - Atlantic Canada since 1867 (Winter)
B. Brown MW, 11:30 - 12:45 pm Course location: LA179 Course description: Beginning with the post-Confederation era, and then moving into the phases of industrialization and deindustrialization, students will study social, economic, and political developments in the region up to the end of the twentieth century and beyond. Major events such as the two World Wars will also be considered.
HIST 2397.2 - Imperial Britain 1870-Present (Winter)
M. Vance TR, 11:30 am-12:45 pm Course location: MM227 Course description: Since the late nineteenth century, many Britons have been preoccupied with notions of imperial, economic, and social decline. Students test the validity of these perceptions by surveying important changes that have affected British society from the height of British imperial power to the present.
HIST 2420.1 - The World at War 1914-1918 (Fall)
D. Campbell TR, 2:30-3:45 pm Class location: LA 177 Course description: Students are introduced to the First World War and its significance in the history of the twentieth century. Themes include the causes of the conflict, the war aims and strategies of the belligerent powers, the character of various military operations and the war’s impact on civilian populations.
HIST 2421.2 - The World at War 1939-1945 (Winter)
D. Campbell TR, 2:30-3:45 pm Class location: MM 227 Course description: Students are introduced to the Second World War and its importance in global history. Themes include: the war’s roots in the 1920s and 1930s, the goals of Axis and Allied powers, and military operations on land, at sea, and in the air. Special attention will be paid to the war’s impact on civilians.
HIST 2451.1 - Greek History I: Minos to Medes (Fall)
A. Barclay TR, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm Class location: LA 177 Course description: Students are introduced to the history and culture of the ancient Greeks from the Bronze Age through the Persian Wars. Students explore Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations and the social, historical and cultural development of the Archaic period, including the origins of the Greeks and the evolution of the polis and early political systems. Among the topics students will examine are the evaluation of the Spartan military state, Athenian democracy, pre-Classical Greek religion, art, architecture and literature. Students read the works of various ancient authors and to consider the archaeological and epigraphical evidence for this period of Greek history.
HIST 2453.2 - Republic & Revolution: Roman History I (Winter)
J. Farr TR 10:00-11:15 am Class location: B 221 Course description: Students are introduced to the history of Italy and the city of Rome from the Iron Age through the end of the Roman republican system of government. Students explore the origins and evolution of the Roman Republic, including the interaction among Romans, their Italian neighbours such as the Etruscans, and the Greek and Phoenician peoples of the eastern Mediterranean. Among the topics students examine are the political and military history of the period as well as the social and cultural context that encapsulates and informs this history, and the eventual decline of the republican system amidst the political turmoil and revolution of the first century BC. Students read the works of various ancient authors and to consider archaeological and epigraphic evidence for this history of the Roman republic. Content will vary from year to year.
HIST 2826.1 - ST: History of Korea (Fall)
B. Wright Class location: Remote Asynchronous Course description: After a brief survey of the rise of Korean civilization since antiquity, this course examines three turbulent eras in Korean history: (1) the long era of gradual change during the Yi dynasty that culminated in confrontation with imperialist powers, (2) the half-century of Japanese domination, and (3) the era of civil war and continuing division. Although the course proceeds chronologically, in order to provide students with a more analytical understanding the course employs a thematic approach, considering political, economic, intellectual, and social issues in each era.
HIST 2827.2 - ST: History of Vietnam (Winter)
W. Sewell MW, 1:00-2:15 pm Class location: LA 273 Course description: After surveying the emergence of Vietnamese civilization from antiquity, students will explore Vietnam’s history since the founding of the Nguyen Dynasty. These roughly two centuries fall into four eras—dynastic, colonial, Cold War, and independent socialist republic—in which political, economic, intellectual, and social issues are addressed. No previous study of Vietnam is required.
HIST 2830.1 - ST: China before 1800 (Fall)
X. Sun Class location: Remote Asynchronous Course description: This course explores four millennia of Chinese history, from the distant origins of Chinese society to its zenith during the Qing Dynasty. Divided into three eras – Ancient, Early Imperial, and Late Imperial – the class follows a topical approach that considers the dynamics of political, economic, intellectual, and social change within each era. No previous study of China is required.
HIST 2831.2 - ST: China Revolution 1800-1949 (Winter)
X. Sun Class location: Remote Asynchronous Course description: Students in this course explore the collapse of imperial China and the ensuing efforts to renew Chinese society. While chronological, the course takes a thematic approach, considering the dynamics of political, economic, intellectual, and social change within the Late Imperial and Republican eras. Note: No previous study of China is required, but HIST 1222 or HIST 3381 (formerly HIST 2381) are recommended
HIST 2840.2 - ST: Japan before 1800 (Winter)
W. Sewell MW, 10:00-11:15 am Class location: MM 227 Course description: After a brief survey of prehistoric Japan, students in this course explore two formative eras in Japanese history: the era of courtly (or aristocratic) society and the era of the samurai (warriors). Although the course proceeds chronologically, in order to provide students with a more analytical understanding a thematic approach is employed, considering political, economic, intellectual, and social issues in each era. No previous study of Japan is required.

HIST 3000.1 - The Discipline of History (Fall)
T. Stretton MW, 1:00 - 2:15 pm Class location: B201 Course description: This course addresses the theories, methods, principles and problems associated with the discipline of history. It examines the following basic areas of historical inquiry: the purposes of historical study; the relevance of the past; the relationship between the past and present; the nature and validity of historical knowledge; the relationship of history to other disciplines; and the development of historical interpretation.
HIST 3000.2 - The Discipline of History (Winter)
T. Stretton MW, 11:30 am-12:45 pm Class location: MN219 Course description: This course addresses the theories, methods, principles and problems associated with the discipline of history. It examines the following basic areas of historical inquiry: the purposes of historical study; the relevance of the past; the relationship between the past and present; the nature and validity of historical knowledge; the relationship of history to other disciplines; and the development of historical interpretation.
HIST 3110.1 - Women in the Two World Wars (Fall)
K. Freeman TR, 11:30 am-12:45 pm Class location: SH 325 Course description: Students examine women’s experiences during the First and Second World Wars. During both conflicts, women fought as soldiers and spies, worked in industry and support services, tended to the wounded and served as symbols of home and family. Women were also targets of unprecedented violence.
HIST 3203.2WW - History of the Body, Health and Sexualities, 1400-1900 (Winter)
L. Warner Class location: Online Course description: Students surveys the changing knowledge of human anatomy, attitudes to health care, hygiene, and clothing, understandings of conception, pregnancy and childbirth as well as the histories of sexuality and same-sex relationships in the centuries from the Renaissance to the early industrial era.
HIST3325.1 - Shakespeare's London (Fall)
T. Stretton TR, 1:00-2:15 pm Class location: LA 178 Course description: The city of London was central to William Shakespeare’s success as a poet and playright. Students examine the history of the cosmopolitan capital where he lived and worked from the 1580s to the 1610s. They explore historical themes and realities he engaged with, such as the creation of Britain and the cosmopolitan mix of nationalities in the fastest growing city in Europe, as well as subjects such as theatres and theatregoers, entertainment, education, law and litigation, the royal court and censorship.
HIST 3340.1 - Protest in the Early US (Fall)
S. Lurie TR, 1:00-2:15 pm Class location: Remote Synchronlous Course description: Students push beyond elections and legislatures to explore the wide array of American political behavior enacted in the early United States (approx. 1763 to 1865). Students assess the impact of various protests on the halls of power and analyze the strategies employed by marginalized groups.
HIST 3352.2 - Race & Racism in the US (Winter)
S. Lurie TR, 1:00-2:15 pm Class location: Remote Synchronous Course description: The racial roots of US history are traced in order to explore the importance of struggles for racial justice as well as changes and continuities in forms of racial oppression.
HIST 3416.1 - Love & Family in China (Fall)
X. Sun M, 4:00-6:29 pm Class location: LA275 Course description: Students explore how Chinese private life has intersected with the public arena from the late 19th century to the present. Key topics include affection and bonding, changing perceptions of masculinity and femininity, marriage choices and social networking, the impact of the “one- child” policy, and re-interpretations of gender roles and family life before and after the Cultural Revolution and the economic reforms since the 1980s.
HIST 3451.0YY Film and History (Winter) 6 credits in one semester
H. Green W, 1:00-3:45 pm Class location: LA 276 Class description: Students explore the relationships between cinema and historical events and contexts. Although this is a 6 credit hour course, it is normally offered over one term. Students should expect a significantly larger workload when compared to a three credit course.
HIST 3470.2 - British Black Atlantic (Winter)
M. Vance TR, 10:00-11:15 am Class location: MM 227 Course description: The term the “Black Atlantic” has been used to describe the interconnected nature of Black communities in the Atlantic world. This course examines the British dimension of that transatlantic experience. Among topics covered are: Britain’s involvement in African slavery, the migration of Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone, and the nature of the Black community in the United Kingdom.
HIST 3475.1 Histories of Indigenous & Settler Relations (Fall)
H. Green MW, 10:00 am-11:15 am Class location: LA 177 Course description: Relations between indigenous peoples and settler societies have been problematic wherever European colonization has taken place. Students study how these relationships have evolved over time with a view to developing a historical understanding of contemporary issues.
HIST 3505.2 Museum Studies (Winter)
S. Joudrey MW 10:00 - 11:15 am Class location: LA 273 Course description: Students are introduced to the world of museums and museum studies. They will learn about the history of museums, the constantly evolving purpose of such institutions, particularly during the twentieth century and in the contemporary world, their role in public education, archival and collections management, exhibitions, funding models, governance, and current debates in the field. This course is a combination of seminars and site visits to museums, which will require that students engage with the museum community in Nova Scotia.

4000 Level Courses

HIST 4500.1XX/2YY - The Honours Seminar (Fall/Winter) 6 credits (full-year course)
N. Neatby W 1:00 - 3:45 pm Class location: MN219 Course description: Honours History students have the opportunity to engage in independent research and write an honours thesis with the help and direction of a supervisor. The Honours Seminar provides a framework to assist each student in the preparation of the thesis. The seminar places an emphasis on research skills, historical methods and approaches, theories of history and the use of sources and evidence in order to help students develop and write the honours thesis. Students will be evaluated on their course work and presentations as well as the honours thesis.
HIST 4501.0YY/6501.0YY Public History (Winter)
N. Neatby T, 1:00 - 3:45 pm Course location: MM219 Course description: Public history includes the practices and presentation of history outside academia involving a wide range of practitioners - from historians, museum curators, and film makers, to researchers, journalists, and archivists. This course will examine the evolution of public history as a discipline and a practice through both a classroom and a workplace component - including mentored volunteer work in a public history setting.
HIST 4567.1/6667.1 - British Colonization (Fall)
M. Vance F, 10:00 am-12:45 pm Class location: MM 227 Course description: Migrants from the British Isles established settlements in places as far afield as Jamaica, South Africa, New South Wales and Vancouver Island. This course will examine some of the recent literature that touches on such diverse topics as: the encounter with indigenous peoples, the pioneering experience and the formation of colonial settlement identity.
HIST 4574.2/6574.2 - Interdisciplinary Study Asia (Winter)
X. Sun W, 4:00-6:45 pm Class location: MN219 Course description: Students explore select topics in East Asian history in an interdisciplinary manner, after which students examine a topic of their own choosing in consultation with the instructor. Student term papers must consider that topic from at least two different disciplinary perspectives, one being the discipline of history.
HIST 4831.1/6671.1 - ST: Road to US Civil War (Fall)
S. Lurie M, 2:00 - 5:00 pm Class Location: Remote Synchronous Course description: This is a seminar course in which we will explore the economic, political, social, and cultural causes of the American Civil War.

6000 Level Courses

HIST 6650 1XX/2YY - Seminar in Advanced Historiography (Fall/Winter) - Required 6 credits (full-year course)
N. Neatby W 1:00 - 3:45 pm Class location: MN219 Course Description: This seminar will examine selected contemporary historiographical issues and guide Masters students in the preparation of their thesis proposals.
HIST 6690 1XX/2YY – Thesis Research (Fall/Winter) - Required 6 credits (full-year course)
N. Neatby Course description: Students will engage in the research and writing of a thesis under the supervision of a thesis supervisor. The student must satisfy the supervisor that thesis research and all other methodological and disciplinary preparation for the successful handling of the thesis topic have been completed. Supervisors may require a demonstration of language competence or extra course work as preparation for the treatment of certain thesis topics. Students will publicly defend their thesis, following which a final grade will be determined by the thesis committee. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Faculty of Arts

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902-420-5141

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