History (HIST)

Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.

500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.

Course Fees

Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.


HIST 501. Independent Study3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall; minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the department, and at least 18 semester hours credit in the department.

Description: Opportunity for the student, under the supervision of a sponsoring faculty member, to pursue individualized study related to research or practice that is not included in regular courses in the curriculum.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 502. Independent Study3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall; minimum grade point average of 3.5 in the department, and at least 18 semester hours credit in the department.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 503. Advanced Studies in History3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

Description: Selected topics in history that cross traditional geographic or chronological boundaries.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 504. Research Seminar in the Americas - WR, CUE3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed and HIST 304 or permission of the instructor.

Description: This culminating undergraduate seminar explores topics in the history of the Americas. Topics will vary by semester and instructor. This course may be repeated twice for credit if different topics are taken.

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 505. Research Seminar in World History - WR, CUE3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed and HIST 304 or permission of the instructor.

Description: This culminating undergraduate seminar explores topics in world history outside of the Americas. Topics will vary by semester and instructor. This course may be repeated twice for credit if different topics are taken.

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 508. American Environmental History - CUE, WR3 Units

Description: Relationship between economic development and environmental change, focusing on America, pre-colonial to present.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 510. Studies in American History3 Units

Description: Intensive study of particular topic, to be announced in course schedule.

Note: May be repeated under different subtitles.
Note: Junior standing is recommended.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 511. History of the Old South - CUE, WR3 Units

Description: Economic life, society, and government in the southern states from colonial times to the Civil War.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 513. U.S. Social Justice Movements of the 20th Century3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

Description: Course will begin with abolitionism, then concentrate on social justice upsurges of the 20th century, with emphasis on women in the civil rights and Black liberation movements. (Social Sciences)

Note: Cross-listed with WGST 513, PAS 513, SCHG 513, WGST 613.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 519. Gilded Age and Progressive Era United States, 1877-1929 - WR3 Units

Description: An intensive study of the social, economic, political and intellectual aspects of American History from the end of Reconstruction to the beginning of the Great Depression.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 521. Colonial America to 1765 - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: History of North America, focusing on the British Colonies, beginning with the first native Americans, to the end of the Seven Years War.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 522. The American Revolution and the Confederation - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: An intensive study of the American Revolution and of the background of the Constitution.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written Communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 528. Recent American History, 1929-1945 - CUE, WR3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: An intensive study of the economics, policies, and social and intellectual developments of the Great Depression and World War II years in the United States.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 529. Recent American History, 1945 to Present - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: An intensive study of the economics, politics, and social and intellectual developments of the modern period in the United States.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 530. History of Radio - WR, CUE3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Spring Odd Years

Description: This course explores the history of radio broadcasting from its beginnings to the present, with a focus on the way radio both reflected and shaped the political, cultural, technological, and economic history of the twentieth century. The primary focus is on radio in the United States, but the radio in other national and regional contexts is also considered. While the course devotes most of its attention to radio's so-called 'golden age' from the 1920s to the 1940s, there is also ample discussion of radio during the television and internet eras.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: It is recommended that students have completed HIST 304 before taking this course.

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 540. Advanced Studies in History - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: Advanced study of a special topic; meets established guidelines for WR courses; writing and rewriting of papers throughout the term.

Note: Junior standing is recommended.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 542. Studies in Graeco-Roman History - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: Topics to be chosen by instructor (e.g., the Ancient Historians).

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 550. Studies in Ancient History - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: In-depth examination of special topics in ancient history.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 551. Studies in Medieval History - CUE, WR3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: Intensive work in selected periods of medieval history (e.g., High Middle Ages, Europe in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries).

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 579. History of European Ideas: Selected Topics - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: Selected topics on thinkers in the arts and sciences from one or more generations of European thought between the age of Charlemagne and the present. Includes the influence of ideas on their immediate society as well as on European culture and history.

Note: Topics will be announced in the Schedule of Courses.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 582. Contemporary Europe 1945-Present - WR, CUE3 Units

Description: History of Europe from the postwar era to the present.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication.

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 584. Women in East Asian History3 Units

Description: The history of women in China from ancient times to the twentieth century, with comparisions to women's experiences in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Note: Cross-listed with WGST 584.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 589. History of American Sexualities - WR3 Units

Description: Focuses on sexual behaviors and meanings in America from the Colonial period to the late twentieth century, and how sexual meanings impact on people's identities, choices, and social positions. Also concerns the interaction of gender, race, and class.

Note: HIST 211 and HIST 212 is recommended.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Credit may not be earned for this course and WGST 532.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 590. Studies in African History - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or faculty consent.

Description: Intensive study of a particular topic chosen by the instructor (e.g., slavery and the slave trade, traditional kingdoms).

Note: Cross-listed with PAS 590.
Note: Junior standing and completionf of 9 hours of HIST and/or PAS are recommended.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 594. Studies in Middle Eastern History - WR3 Units

Description: Selected topics in Middle Eastern history and societies.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 595. Principles of Cultural History - WR3 Units

Description: The study of major systematic views of the development of Western culture.

Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Credit may not be received for this course and HUM 595.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 597. Introduction to Public History3 Units

Description: Introduction to nature, history, and methods of public history. Emphasis on relationship of historical scholarship to nonacademic applications.

Note: Credit may not be earned for both HIST 597 and HIST 697.
Note: Faculty consent is recommended.
Note: This course is cross-listed with HIST 697 and HUM 671.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 599. Oral History - WR, CUE3 Units

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours completed.

Description: A study of the nature and development of oral sources in history, the creation and evaluation of them, and their application to research and teaching.

Note: Faculty consent is recommended.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).

Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 601. Directed Study3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 602. Directed Study3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 603. Thesis3-6 Units

Description: Thesis hours.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 605. Research Methods and Materials3 Units

Prerequisite(s): Graduate students only.

Description: Techniques of historical research, analysis,organization, and writing; documentation,historiography; use of research libraries,manuscript depositories and electronic resources. Experience in analysis, research, writing, and criticism.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 607. Oral History3 Units

Description: An introduction to the method and theory of oral history.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 608. Practicum in Public History3 Units

Prerequisite(s): A minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and in History.

Description: Supervised experience in a public history setting.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 610. Introduction to Historic Preservation3 Units

Description: An introduction to historic preservation. Includes history and theory of historic preservation, law, government and presevation, strategies for conserving historic resources, and local initiatives.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 611. Studies in American History3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 612. Studies in American History3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 618. Practicum in Public History II3 Units

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Prerequisite(s): Good standing in history graduate program; permission of instructor.

Description: An independent work experience in a public history setting. This course is reserved for MA students majoring in public history and taking their second internship requirement.

Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 621. Seminar in American History3 Units

Description: In-depth examination of a topic in American history.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 622. Seminar in American History3 Units

Description: In-depth examination of a topic in American history.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 629. Studies in Military History3 Units

Description: Advanced reading in the fundamental works of military history.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 641. Seminar in Modern World History3 Units

Description: Graduate readings course in a topic or geographic area of world history.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 650. Seminar in Ancient History3 Units

Description: In-depth examination of a topic in ancient history.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 651. Studies in Medieval History3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 662. Seminar in Early Modern European History3 Units

Description: In-depth examination of a topic in early modern European history (late 15th-18th c.).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 682. Studies in Modern European History3 Units

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 683. Seminar in Modern European History3 Units

Description: In-depth examination of a topic in modern European history (after 1800).

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 690. Studies in Middle Eastern History3 Units

Description: Graduate studies in Middle Eastern history. Lecture, student papers and oral presentations.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes

HIST 697. Introduction to Public History3 Units

Description: Introduction to methods and theory in the field of public history.

Note: Credit may not be earned for both HIST 597 and HIST 697.
Note: Faculty consent is recommended.
Note: This course is cross-listed with HIST 597 and HUM 671.

For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes