Courses | B.A. in History
Below are the course requirements for this academic program. In addition to these program-specific requirements, all majors include Biola's traditional undergraduate core curriculum. For more program details, including a sample course sequence, .
Major Courses
| HIST 100 | World Civilizations I |
Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations to 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum World History credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 101 | World Civilizations II |
Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations since 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. | |
| HIST 200 | United States History to 1865 |
A survey of U.S. History from the time of European settlement, to the colonial period, to independence from Britain, the formation of the republic and the constitution, the issues of the early 1800s, and the Civil War. | |
| HIST 201 | United States History Since 1865 |
A survey of U.S. history from Reconstruction, to the gilded age and progressive era, to the world wars, the cold war, and the present age. Major Supreme Court cases will be covered as will social and ethnic issues. | |
| HIST 290 | Research Methods in History |
| Required course for history majors. Introduces students to the discipline of history, to reading historical primary and secondary sources, to the steps of a quality research project, and to writing a research paper. Books on the methodology will be used, and one longer book on topics chosen by the instructor. Notes: Should be taken in the sophomore year or as close to that as possible for transfer students. .Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 321 | History of the Christian Church |
| A historical survey of Church history from Pentecost to the present. Emphasis given to leading personalities and movements within the Church. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 480 | Research Seminar |
| Special studies in history for majors utilizing the techniques of problem-solving, research and formal writing. Non-majors may undertake special study in specific geographical areas; Latin America, Europe, Asia, United States, Near East and Africa. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 490 | Honors Program |
| First semester of a year-long independent research project for history majors culminating in an honors thesis. First semester: reading and research under supervision. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 495 | Capstone: History in Christian Faith and Practice |
| This course asks students to summarize and reflect on the historical content, methodology, and academic skills learned as History majors. It tests the mastery of the learning outcomes of the major. It discusses life skills, career skills, the value of history to a Christian worldview, careers for History majors, and graduate school. Notes: Required for all History majors. Grade Mode: A. | |
Concentrations
Civilizations of the Americas
Select 12 credits (4 courses) from student's chosen concentration area. Select 9 credits (3 courses) from the other concentration area.
| HIST 300 | The Black American Experience |
| An historical examination of the black's experience beginning with the African kingdoms, slave trade, slavery in the New World, emancipation during the Civil War, and the search and struggle for equality, to the present. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 307 | The Colonial Period, American Revolution, 1607–1800 |
Settlement and growth of the Anglo-American civilization; the American Revolution; growth of political, economic, social and religious institutions to 1800. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 308 | American Democracy, Civil War and Reconstruction, 1800–1877 |
Nationalism and the growth of sectionalism reform movements; Manifest Destiny; disruption of American democracy, Civil War and political reconstruction to 1877. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 310 | Social and Intellectual History of the United States |
| Social impact of westward expansion, immigration, industrialization, urbanization and cultural pluralism combined with major intellectual ideas instrumental in the shaping of American society. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 312 | History of Latin America |
| Major indigenous civilizations; conquest by Spain and Portugal; colonial institutions and culture; wars of independence, political, economic and social developments to the present, including the role of the United States in the region. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 320 | The American Presidency |
| Historical development of the office of the presidency; formal and informal powers of the President in executive, legislative, judicial, military, diplomatic and political areas. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 321 | History of the Christian Church |
| A historical survey of Church history from Pentecost to the present. Emphasis given to leading personalities and movements within the Church. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 325 | Themes in American History |
| Sections offered each year on such topics as: the American South, the American West, Women in America, the Asian Americans. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 360 | Economic History of the United States |
| Growth and development of the American economy from the Colonial period to contemporary times. Emphasis on such dynamic factors as political, social, legal, technological and international developments affecting changes in agriculture, transportation, communication, commerce, industry and finance. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 390 | History of Mexico |
| Survey of the history of Mexico from pre-Colombian times to the present, emphasizing social, cultural, religious and political developments, as well as relations between Mexico and the United States. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 401 | The Rise of Modern America, 1877–1920 |
Post-Civil War economic growth, immigration, trans-Mississippi settlement, industrialization, urbanization; America's rise to world power, Progressive Era and World War I. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 402 | The United States Since 1920 |
| Shaping of American social, economic, political, religious and intellectual life and foreign policy in the era of the twenties, New Deal, World War II, Cold War; emphasis on America's new role in a world of global interdependence. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 403 | California History |
| Exploration, colonization and geography; indigenous people; the Mexican period; statehood; the social, economic and political developments in the 20th century. Examination of contemporary California diversity and regional issues. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 408 | The Church in the American Experience |
| A religious history of the United States from the Colonial to the contemporary period, emphasizing the Church's effect on and its response to Puritanism, the westward movement, social and intellectual ferment, industrialization, immigration, urbanization and war. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 412 | The American West |
| Survey the history of the American West, beginning with Lewis and Clark and continuing to the present. Will briefly cover the West prior to the arrival of the Americans, but focuses primarily on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Will examine some of the major themes in Western history, including early explorers, the expansion of the American frontier, the experiences of Native American tribes, the growth of ranching, railroads and mines, conflicts over urbanization and environmentalism, and the role of the federal government in the economic development of the west in the 20th Century. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 415 | Oral History |
| The class will focus on the design and implementation of an oral history project. Students will receive training in the methodology and techniques of oral history. Students will carry out background research, conduct fieldwork interviews, and learn the basic procedures of processing and making available oral history tapes and transcripts. These oral histories are designed to accommodate the 'real world' to continue collecting the personal accounts of people who have contributed to Biola over the last 100 years. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 418 | The History of the City |
| An examination of urban life over the millennia focusing upon the meaning of life to its inhabitants in the city. Traces the development of the city beginning in Mesopotamia to today's post-industrial suburban metropolitan hubs and metacities. Explores the issues that have faced urbanized societies throughout history; how and in what ways urbanization and demographics have shaped the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of world civilizations; why Western cities are different from Asian ones; and how urban life has shaped civil society. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 425 | War and Civilization |
| Survey of military history emphasizing the development of technology, tactics, war theory, ethical standards and worldview. Grade Mode: A. | |
Secondary Instruction
Below is a sample of the courses included in the History: Secondary Instruction Concentration program. See the catalog for details.
| HIST 100 | World Civilizations I |
Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations to 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum World History credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 101 | World Civilizations II |
Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations since 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. | |
| HIST 200 | United States History to 1865 |
A survey of U.S. History from the time of European settlement, to the colonial period, to independence from Britain, the formation of the republic and the constitution, the issues of the early 1800s, and the Civil War. | |
| HIST 201 | United States History Since 1865 |
A survey of U.S. history from Reconstruction, to the gilded age and progressive era, to the world wars, the cold war, and the present age. Major Supreme Court cases will be covered as will social and ethnic issues. | |
| HIST 290 | Research Methods in History |
| Required course for history majors. Introduces students to the discipline of history, to reading historical primary and secondary sources, to the steps of a quality research project, and to writing a research paper. Books on the methodology will be used, and one longer book on topics chosen by the instructor. Notes: Should be taken in the sophomore year or as close to that as possible for transfer students. .Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 321 | History of the Christian Church |
| A historical survey of Church history from Pentecost to the present. Emphasis given to leading personalities and movements within the Church. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 360 | Economic History of the United States |
| Growth and development of the American economy from the Colonial period to contemporary times. Emphasis on such dynamic factors as political, social, legal, technological and international developments affecting changes in agriculture, transportation, communication, commerce, industry and finance. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 480 | Research Seminar |
| Special studies in history for majors utilizing the techniques of problem-solving, research and formal writing. Non-majors may undertake special study in specific geographical areas; Latin America, Europe, Asia, United States, Near East and Africa. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 495 | Capstone: History in Christian Faith and Practice |
| This course asks students to summarize and reflect on the historical content, methodology, and academic skills learned as History majors. It tests the mastery of the learning outcomes of the major. It discusses life skills, career skills, the value of history to a Christian worldview, careers for History majors, and graduate school. Notes: Required for all History majors. Grade Mode: A. | |
| LEDU 301 | Introduction to Teaching |
This course examines the structure and function of the school, foundations of education, qualities required for teacher effectiveness, and contemporary issues in education. Successful completion of this course constitutes one of the requirements for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program. CBEST must be taken or basic skills requirement met during this course for acceptance to a credential program. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 25-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Special approval required. Must submit Certificate of Clearance forms and valid negative TB test results. Credential candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Grade Mode: A. | |
| LEDU 330 | Psychological Foundations of Education |
| Application of psychological principles to the education process, role of the teacher and learner, human growth and development, learning styles, motivation, memory, transfer of learning, measurement and evaluation, research and experimentation in learning theory. Notes: Special approval required. Restricted to formal application and acceptance to the School of Education. Credential candidates must pass this course with a "B-" or higher. This course is designed to fulfill the University's writing competency requirement for credential students. Grade Mode: A. | |
| LEDU 341 | Methods of Teaching Linguistically Diverse Students |
Survey of the theories, programs, and instructional practices for English language development, including first and second language acquisition and individual factors affecting language acquisition. Strategies for the application of theory to classroom practice and instruction in content area literacy are emphasized. Principles of educational equity, diversity, and cultural and linguistic responsiveness are examined. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. CalTPA #1. Grade Mode: A. | |
| LEDU 425 | Secondary Content Area Reading |
| Methods and materials for teaching reading through content areas in secondary schools; attention to reading techniques, testing, and individualization. Lecture/Lab Hours:Â A 35-hour fieldwork practicum component is required. Notes: Credential candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. CalTPA #2. Grade Mode: A. | |
| LEDU 433 | Single Subject Pedagogy |
During interrelated activities in program coursework and fieldwork, Single Subject candidates relate the Common Core and the state-adopted K–12 academic content standards for candidates in their specific subject area to major concepts and principles in their discipline, including planning, organizing, and implementing effective instruction (Grades 7–12). Grade Mode: A. | |
| LEDU 438 | Secondary Curriculum, Differentiation, and Assessment |
The course emphasis is curriculum and instruction through the planning and teaching of a variety of developmentally and ability-appropriate instructional strategies for all learners, including Universal Design of Learning and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTTS), differentiation, and assessment. Candidates will complete 60-hours of fieldwork. Candidates will design and teach several classroom lessons in local secondary schools. | |
| LEDU 450 | Secondary Student Teaching I |
Full-time laboratory experience in school classrooms under the direction of qualified supervising master teachers and University supervisors. University seminar required. Notes: Special approval required. Restricted to formal application. Must pass course with a grade of "B-" or higher. CalTPA #4. Candidates doing student teaching are limited to a maximum of 15 credits that semester with approval. Must register for LEDU 452 if completing student teaching in one semester. (See also SEED 514/515). Grade Mode: A. | |
| PHIL 215 | Introduction to Ethics |
| An introduction to philosophy through a study of the principal ethical theories and thinkers; basic ethical problems and related biblical teaching. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Philosophy credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 211 | Introduction to Political Economy |
| This introductory survey course covers a broad spectrum of micro- and macro-economic theories, terms, methods, and principles that will enable students in the Social Sciences to understand the basic mechanics and processes of the political economy. Students will also engage and integrate the subject matter themes with concepts of political theory, such as justice, freedom, property ownership, Biblical human relationships and stewardship. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 225 | Survey of American Government |
| The history, organization and function of the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the American government. Includes one hour per week involving students in a local government civic service or life experience activity. Satisfies the state requirement in institutions in American history. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum US History credit. Meets the requirement for United States Constitution for California teacher certification. Grade Mode: A. | |
| PSYC 200 | Introduction to Psychology |
| A survey of psychology as an empirical/behavioral science with a consideration of underlying philosophical bases in light of a Christian worldview. Topics to be surveyed include development, cognition, learning, motivation, physiology, socialization, personality and psychopathology. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum Behavioral Science credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
Civilizations of the World
Select 12 credits (4 courses) from student's chosen concentration area. Select 9 credits (3 courses) from the other concentration area.
| HIST 304 | Ancient Near East |
| A study of the culture of the Ancient Near East with emphasis on history, literature, religion and the modes of thought. Attention is given to cultural preparation for the biblical faith. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 305 | English History |
| Survey of British history from the Anglo-Saxon period to contemporary times; emphasis on social, intellectual, religious and political developments. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 306 | Studies in British History |
| Period and thematic studies in British history to include: Tudor-Stuart England, Victorian England, Empire and Commonwealth, Religious History of England, British Politics and the English Middle Class. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 313 | Medieval Europe |
| Medieval Europe from the fall of Rome through the 14th century; emphasis on the church, theological development, political institutions, society, literature and economics of the period. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 318 | Studies in Modern Europe |
| Thematic and period studies in 16th through 20th century Europe including: Age of Revolutions, Age of Ideologies, Enlightenment, Industrialization, Holocaust, and Global Interdependence. Notes: May be taken multiple times for credit with different focus. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 323 | Ancient Greece |
| History of Ancient Greece from the Minoan-Mycenaean cultures to the Hellenistic period; emphasis on the literature, religion, art and modes of thought of the period. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 324 | Roman History |
| Roman history from its beginning to the fall of the Empire; Rome's part in the preparation of the Mediterranean world for the spread of Christianity; Rome's contributions to Western civilization. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 331 | History of East Asia |
| Survey of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean civilizations from ancient times to the present, stressing the religio-philosophical developments and their impact upon culture. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 332 | Studies in Asian Civilizations |
| In-depth study of specific regions of Asia; one or more sections offered every year in such areas as: Modern India, Pacific Rim Nations, Modern Japan, and Modern China. Notes: May be taken multiple times for credit with a different focus. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 335 | History of Modern China |
| The history of China from 1800 to the present. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 400 | Studies in Developing Nations |
| Regional studies in the Third World; stress on indigenous cultures. European exploration and colonization; independence movements in the post World War II era; contemporary problems including economic growth and cultural conflict. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 415 | Oral History |
| The class will focus on the design and implementation of an oral history project. Students will receive training in the methodology and techniques of oral history. Students will carry out background research, conduct fieldwork interviews, and learn the basic procedures of processing and making available oral history tapes and transcripts. These oral histories are designed to accommodate the 'real world' to continue collecting the personal accounts of people who have contributed to Biola over the last 100 years. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 418 | The History of the City |
| An examination of urban life over the millennia focusing upon the meaning of life to its inhabitants in the city. Traces the development of the city beginning in Mesopotamia to today's post-industrial suburban metropolitan hubs and metacities. Explores the issues that have faced urbanized societies throughout history; how and in what ways urbanization and demographics have shaped the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of world civilizations; why Western cities are different from Asian ones; and how urban life has shaped civil society. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 420 | History of Russia |
| Russia from the origin of the nation, the Soviet period, and post-Soviet era. Analysis of Czardom, the Revolution and international relations in the modern world. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 422 | Renaissance and Reformation |
| Europe from the late 14th to early 17th century. Stress on changes inaugurated by the Renaissance and Reformation; rise of nation-states and foundations of modern European society. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 423 | Early Modern Europe |
| The history of Europe, including Russia, from 1550 to 1900. Wars of Religion, Scientific Revolution, Absolutism and political theory; the Enlightenment; the French Revolution; the nineteenth century. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 424 | Twentieth Century Europe |
| Europe in the era of World War I, the rise of Communism, Fascism and Hitler's Nazi Party; World War II and the post-war period; the Cold War and the collapse of the communist system. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 425 | War and Civilization |
| Survey of military history emphasizing the development of technology, tactics, war theory, ethical standards and worldview. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 426 | German History and Culture |
| History of German-speaking lands and Germany from 1500 to present. Covers the Protestant Reformations, the Enlightenment, the rise of Prussia, unification, the two world wars, Wiemar Republic, Nazism, the Holocaust, divided Germany, and reunification. Art, classical music, and philosophy will also be explored. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 430 | History of the Jewish People |
| Post-biblical period to the present; social, political and cultural history of the Jew in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas; Anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, the State of Israel and Arab-Israeli tensions in the contemporary world. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 433 | History of Christianity in Africa |
| A study of the major developments in the history of Christianity on the continent of Africa from the first century to the present. Emphasis will be on the role of missionaries and African agents in the emergence and growth of both mission and indigenous African churches and how Africans have engaged the gospel and adapted it to their social, religious, economic and political contexts. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 441 | History of the Middle East and Islam I |
| Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization to 1453. Special emphasis on relationships of Muslim and non-Muslim peoples under Islamic rule. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 442 | History of the Middle East and Islam II |
| Political, social and cultural history of the Middle East with an emphasis on Islamic civilization from 1453. Special emphasis on the development of the Middle Eastern state system following the First World War. Special emphasis on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 445 | Africa: History, Peoples and Culture |
| African society and culture from antiquity to the present. Emphasis on regional diversity, with particular focus on the effects of Islamization, African diaspora, colonialism, Christianization, modernization and nationhood. Special emphasis on contemporary religious movements. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 447 | Topics in African History |
| An in-depth study of a significant topic, period, or region in African history. These may include but are not limited to African religious history; African economic history; ancient African civilizations; trans-Atlantic slave trade; European colonialism; armed conflicts in Africa; pre-colonial Africa, gender issues in Africa, and postcolonial Africa. Notes: May be taken multiple times for credit with different content. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 454 | Arab-Israeli Conflict |
| Focusing on Jerusalem, students will study the diplomatic and political history of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis. Emphasis on Christian Zionism, political Islam, and international relations. Depending on the students in the class, position papers will be used either in simulated negotiations or panel discussions. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 456 | Muslim, Jewish and Christian Relations |
| History of Muslim, Jewish and Christian relations. Multidisciplinary approach. Questions of church and state, morality, Scripture. Grade Mode: A. | |