UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG - Mercy College

220 / Course Descriptions
placed in the context of the broader developments of the people and the nation as we seek
to understand the things that make the English who they are and how they have influenced
American culture. Prerequisite: ENGL 110; Co-requisite: ENGL 111.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 239 (ENGL 239) American Studies I:
An interdisciplinary approach to American character and culture, treating such themes as the
frontier tradition; the American hero; the impact of popular culture; the significance of race,
ethnicity, and gender; and national values and ideals. Prerequisite: ENGL 112. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 263 (ENGL 263) The Black Atlantic: Literature/History:
This course examines the historical background of the Third World, the rise of nationalist
movements, and the issues that face these nations today. The course follows an interdisciplinary
approach that includes the study of Third World literature. Prerequisite: ENGL 112. 3 sem. hrs.
3 crs. (Previously titled: Third World Cultures)
HIST 295 Topics in History:
This offering will vary from term to term, allowing for the coverage of new subject matter or
the opportunity to make available an instructor’s special knowledge. Prerequisite: ENGL110
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 301 The World of Antiquity:
An examination of the significance of the cultures and societies of ancient Greece and Rome.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 304 Medieval Culture and Society:
An examination of the elements that contributed to the formation of Western culture and
society; the innovations and ideas of the “High Middle Ages”; and the interplay of popular
culture and the critical spirit. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 307 Early Modern Europe:
The transition of economics, institutions, society and culture, c.1300-c.1500; the “new
monarchies”; reform and revolt, c.1500-c.1650; social patterns and popular culture; the
“Scientific Revolution.” 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 308 Europe from the French Revolution to the Great War:
The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Era; the rise of liberalism, Marxism, and other
forms of socialism; Italian and German unification; imperialism; the background of the Great
War. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 309 Europe in Upheaval: 1914 to the Present:
The causes, course and results of the two world wars; the Russian Revolution; Hitler and
Mussolini, the Cold War; Europe’s role in the contemporary world. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
HIST 310 The History of Central Europe:
The vast area lying between the German border on the west and the Russian border on the
east and extending north to Poland and south to the Balkans, has a unique and rich history,
which, for the most part, has been ignored by traditional Western historians. Rather than
approaching Central Europe as a collection of nation-states, this course will consider broad
historical themes and patterns of conflict, cohabitation, and cooperation. The meeting ground
between East and West, Central Europe provides a context for understanding current issues
and worldwide conflicts. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.