Honours History (54 credits)

Offered by: History and Classical Studies     Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Program Requirements

The Honours History program provides in-depth training, with emphasis on historical methods and research, while allowing students flexibility in choosing courses that match their academic needs and interests. It is designed especially for students who anticipate pursuing graduate studies in history or related disciplines.

Students wishing to complete the Honours History program should consult a Program Adviser at the beginning of their first year to map out a course of study. They should fill out a departmental program advising/audit form. For more information, visit the program’s website at http://www.mcgill.ca/history/undergraduate.

Important note: Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credits may not be included in the overall credit requirement for history programs.

Required Course (3 credits)

  • HIST 399 History and Historiography (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The nature and functions of history; changing conceptions of time and of the past; approaches to historical evidence; methods of reconstructing the past; how the discipline of history has changed over time.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024

    Instructors: Dew, Nicholas (Fall) Lewis, Brian D A; Zucchi, John (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: 6 credits of History

    • Restrictions: History Honours or Joint Honours Program students only, unless permission of instructor.

Complementary Courses (51 credits)

51 credits of HIST or cognate courses (see list below) according to the following requirements.

Distribution requirement:
-3 credits from Group A
-3 credits from Group B
-3 credits from Group C

Temporal Breadth requirement:
-At least 3 credits focused on the period before 1800
-At least 3 credits focused on the period after 1800
Notes: The same course may be used to satisfy both a Distribution and Temporal Breadth requirement. HIST 299 and HIST 399 may not be used to satisfy Temporal Breadth requirements.

Level requirement:
-Minimum 6 credits of honours seminars (500-level D1/D2 courses)
-Minimum 6 additional credits of 400-level or higher HIST courses. A second honours seminar may be used to fulfill this requirement.
-Maximum 18 credits complementary courses at 200-level

GPA requirements - 3.30 in program courses, 3.0 (B) or higher in each program course, CGPA 3.0 or higher.

Group A:

  • HIST 202 Survey: Canada to 1867 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : A survey of early Canada, from periods known mainly through archaeological records to the Confederation era. Social, cultural, economic and political themes will be examined.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Nerbas, Don (Fall)

    • Fall

  • HIST 203 Survey: Canada since 1867 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : A survey of the development of Canada from Confederation to the present day. Social, economic and political history will be examined in a general way.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Wright, David John; Dunsworth, Edward (Winter)

  • HIST 211 American History to 1865 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Introduction to the history of colonial North America and the United States up to the Civil War, in their Atlantic context.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: LaMonica, Michael; Gabriele, Felicia (Fall)

    • Fall

  • HIST 212 Medieval Europe (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An introduction to the history and culture(s) of Europe in the Middle Ages.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Bruce, Travis (Fall)

  • HIST 214 Early Modern Europe (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Survey of European history from the Late Middle Ages to the eighteenth century.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 215 Modern Europe (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Survey of European history from the eighteenth century to the present.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Elbourne, Elizabeth (Winter)

  • HIST 216 Introduction to Russian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The longue durée of Russian history from its origins in Kievan Rus and the Rurik dynasty, through the Romanov dynasty, the Soviet period, and post-Soviet developments.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken HIST 236.

  • HIST 221 United States since 1865 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Examines the defining moments and movements in the U.S. since Reconstruction, including populism, progressivism, the World Wars, the New Deal, the Cold War, the sixties and its consequences. Emphasis on the political, social and ideological transformations that ensued.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Teitelman, Emma (Winter)

    • Fall

  • HIST 226 East Central and Southeastern Europe in 20th Century (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Introductory survey of east central and southeastern European history from the twilight of nineteenth-century imperialism to the most recent expansion of the European Union. Consideration will be given to the two world wars and their consequences; nationalism, fascism, and socialism; and the revolutions of 1989.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Cornett, Natalie (Winter)

  • HIST 250 Making Great Britain and Ireland (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Survey of the development of the multinational state in the British Isles and Ireland from antiquity to the seventeenth century revolutions. Emphasis on state making and ethnicity formation in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as English overseas territories in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Group B:

  • HIST 200 Introduction to African History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : This course stresses the interactions of the peoples of Africa with each other and with the worlds of Europe and Islam from the Iron Age to the European Conquest in 1880.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Gooding, Philip; Gupta, Avishi; Sarwar, Maliha (Fall)

  • HIST 201 Modern African History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : While covering the general political history of Africa in the twentieth century, this course also explores such themes as health and disease, gender, and urbanization.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Monaville, Pedro (Winter)

  • HIST 205 Ancient Mediterranean History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An introduction to the history of the ancient Mediterranean world, focusing on Greek and Roman civilization.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Kleinman, Brahm (Fall)

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken HIST 275.

  • HIST 206 Indian Ocean World History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An introduction to the “global” system connecting eastern Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and the Far East, from the earliest times to c. 1900.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Campbell, Gwyn (Fall)

  • HIST 208 Introduction to East Asian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An introduction to the history of East Asian civilization from earliest times to 1600, with emphasis on China and Japan, including social, intellectual, and economic developments as well as political history.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Porter, David; Wen, Ruoxuan; Xue, Jiarui (Fall)

  • HIST 209 Introduction to South Asian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Charts the making of South Asian civilization, 2500 BCE- 1707 CE, through a selection of key themes and major trends. Focus on the transformation of local kinship ties into regional kingdoms and empires, the evolution of religion and the legacy of the expansion of Islam and consequent rise of Turkish, Afghan and Mughal empires in this area.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Basu, Subho; Farran, Andrea (Fall)

  • HIST 210 Introduction to Latin American History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Historical development of Latin America’s peoples through the pre-Columbian, colonial and national periods, c. 1300-2000. Introduces key historiographical debates of the subfield and emphasizes the interpretation of primary source texts (in translation).

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Blanc, Jacob (Fall)

  • HIST 218 Modern East Asian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An introduction to the history of China and Japan from the seventeenth century to the present, including modernization, nationalism, and the interaction of the two countries.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Suher, Dylan (Winter)

    • Winter

  • HIST 275 Ancient Roman History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : A survey of Roman history from the foundation of Rome to the fall of the Roman Empire.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken HIST 205.

Group C:

  • HIST 207 Jewish History: 400 B.C.E. to 1000 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An overview of Jewish history from the period of Ezra and Nehemiah to the death of Hai Gaon, c. 1035. Focus on the experience of the Jews in Hellenistic and Islamic civilizations. Topics include Jewish sects, rabbinic literature in its various genres, the Karaite schism, and the rise of the Gaonate.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Hundert, Gershon; de Carvalho, Matheus (Fall)

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken JWST 216

  • HIST 213 World History, 600-2000 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : A thematic and comparative approach to world history, beginning with the rise of Islam and ending with globalization in the late twentieth century. Trade diasporas, technology, disease, and imperialism are the major themes addressed.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Studnicki-Gizbert, Daviken (Fall)

  • HIST 219 Jewish History: 1000 - 2000 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The Jewish experience from the rise of the European centres to the present.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 222 History of Pandemics (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : A regional perspective (based on responsible instructor) to explore relevant pandemics over the long term, introducing the broader historical trends and impacts. The hidden dynamics of social, cultural, legal, and intellectual history while also helping us cope with current and future pandemics reasonably and responsibly. While providing basic medical and epidemiological information, its primary focus falls on the social and political contexts for--and responses to--each pandemic covered.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Opal, Jason (Winter)

  • HIST 223 Indigenous Peoples and Empires (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : History of Indigenous Peoples of North and South America and their early experiences of European conquest and colonization, c. 1400 - 1800.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Nawrocki, Iwa (Winter)

  • HIST 224 Introduction to the African Diaspora (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : African history is global history. Introduction to African civilizations, starting in the medieval period, the emergence of proto-Black racial consciousness, colour/race prejudice and anti-blackness, institutions of resilience (such as spiritual systems and kinship networks), enslavement in North Africa, Mediterranean, Levant, Arabia, Indian Ocean, and Americas, and revolutionary resistance against racial tyranny.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisites: HIST 204 or consent of instructor

  • HIST 238 Histories of Science (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An introduction to the history of science, with attention to conceptual development and to institutional and social settings. Coverage will vary by instructor, but will include a range of periods (from antiquity to the 20th century), geographical settings, and themes (e.g. instrumentation; visualisation; experiment; science and society).

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Coverage will vary by instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken HIST 239 or HIST 335.

  • HIST 240 Modern History of Islamic Movements (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Islamic revival in the Middle East which led to the rise of different versions of Islamic traditions and beliefs. Emphasis on the nature and character of leading nationalist and Islamic movements and their ideologues since the late 19th century.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 249 Health and the Healer in Western History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The natural history of health and disease and the development of the healing arts, from antiquity to the beginning of modern times. The rise of "western" medicine. Health and healing as gradually evolving aspects of society and culture.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Weisz, George; Kroupa, Sebestian (Fall)

    • Note: Also available to first-year medical students in their options program.

  • HIST 262 Mediterranean and European Interconnections (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Introduction to the cultural practices and political experiences that have shaped the Eastern Mediterranean and South-Eastern Europe examined diachronically. Topics adressed include empires and nations, religion, politics of memory and space, archeology and historical legacies, migrations.

    Terms: Summer 2024

    Instructors: Anastassiadis, Tassos (Summer)

    • Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken HIST 462.

    • The course is composed of two to four interrelated seminars and includes field excursions. One section of 30 students maximum will be offered.

    • There is a fee of $3,300 (in 2018) for the McGill Summer Studies in Greece activity associated with registration in course HIST 262. The fee includes accommodation based on double room occupancy, meals, onsite visits, course packs and travel within Greece when associated with onsite visits. Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements and travel insurance costs.

    • Des frais spéciaux liés à l'activité d'Etudes estivales en Grèce de McGill d’un montant de $3,300 (en 2018) sont associés à l'inscription au cours HIST 262. Ces frais comportent l'hébergement sur la base d'une chambre double, les répas, les visites aux sites, les coursepacks et les frais de déplacement liés aux excursions/visites en Grèce. Les étudiants sont responsables pour leur propre le voyage vers et de Grèce ainsi que pour les coûts de leur assurance médicale et de rapatriement.

  • HIST 292 History and the Environment (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Sketch of the history of the material aspects of human interaction with the rest of nature. Included will be a historian's view of the social, technical, and ecological implications of the great variety of activities devised by our species. Though global in outlook, this course will emphasize the relevant historiography of France, England and North America.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 298 Topics in History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : An introduction to a topic or theme in History.

    Terms: Fall 2023, Summer 2024

    Instructors: Shaw, Melissa (Fall) Wallace, Riley (Summer)

  • HIST 299 The Historian's Craft (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Introduction to the discipline of history. What is history? Where is history done? How is history done? Why do history? Historical writing is emphasized. Recommended for history majors.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Bruce, Travis (Fall)

    • Restrictions: Open to U0 or U1 students only, except by permission of instructor

Courses Offered by Other Units

The following non-HIST courses may be counted as complementary courses toward a history program. Faculty regulations stipulate that a course may not be counted toward more than one program.

  • CLAS 303 Ancient Greek Religion (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Classics : Focus on the history of Greek religion in the Classical Period. Particular attention will be paid to the Greek concept of divinity, local pantheons, civic festival calendars, the topography of myth and ritual, ideas concerning the afterlife, mystery cults, oracles and games and the literary representations of religion.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Wendt, Heidi; Bennett-Flammer, Briar (Fall)

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken CLAS 380.

    • Prerequisite(s): CLAS 203 or HIST 205 or permission of instructor.

  • CLAS 304 Ancient Greek Democracy (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Classics : Examines the conceptual history of popular government in the context of Greek political culture, from the 6th century BCE to the Roman conquest of Greece.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • CLAS 305 Roman Religion (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Classics : Approaches to and problems of Roman religion. The formation of religious topography, problems of religion and empire, the religious interaction between Rome and other Mediterranean peoples, the complex discourse between religion and philosophy, the reformulation of Roman religion during the imperial period, and the rise of Christianity within a pagan Roman world.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken CLAS 381.

  • CLAS 345 Study Tour: Greece (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Classics : A study of Greek history and culture through the sites and monuments of ancient Greece. Includes preparatory meetings, site and museum visits, and specialized lectures on site. A fee is charged of $2400 to cover certain travel expenses within Greece, accommodation including breakfast and entrance fees to all sites visited throughout the tour.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisites:Permission of instructor.

    • Course includes preparatory class meetings at McGill followed by study tour in Greece. Typically offered in alternating summers.

    • Students are responsible for all expenses associated with travel, accommodation, food, etc.

  • CLAS 406 Greek and Roman Historiography (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Classics : Seminar on the works of the Greek and Roman historians (in translation) who founded a new literary genre for the exploration of past and present events; interpretation of their approaches towards history and theories for their study.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Gladhill, Charles (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): 3 credits in Classics at the 300 level or up or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken CLAS 490.

  • ISLA 305 Topics in Islamic History (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be made available in Minerva.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • ISLA 315 Ottoman State and Society to 1839 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The emergence and development of the Ottoman Empire from its beginnings around 1300 until the Tanzimat Edict of Reform in 1839. A trajectory of Ottoman history from a small principality to a centralized empire, then to a decentralized governmental structure. In addition to chronological developments, questions of imperialideology and the management of ethnically and religiously diverse communities across a vast territory. Exploration of the place of the Ottomans in the early modern world, and their ideological and diplomatic rivalry with other major empires.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Gürbüzel, Aslihan (Fall)

  • ISLA 350 From Tribe to Dynasty (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The political and intellectual developments shaping Arab and Persian societies from the rise of Islam in the 7th century until the early mid 8th century, including the major social changes, political revolts, religious schisms, and the consolidation of lasting cultural institutions.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Fall

  • ISLA 355 Modern History of the Middle East (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Assessment of the historical transformation of the modern Middle East concentrating on its internal socio-economic changes, as well as the colonial experience and encounters with the West since the early 19th century. Examination of the historical conditions that led to the rise of nationalism, the nation-state, the Arab-Israeli conflict.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 210 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 410 History: Middle-East 1798-1918 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : A study of the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Parsons, Laila (Fall)

    • 3 hours

  • ISLA 411 History: Middle-East 1918-1945 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The impact of WWI on Middle Eastern society and politics; the British and French mandates; the growth of nationalisms, revolutions and the formation of national states; WW II and the clash of political interests within the region.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • 3 hours

  • ISLA 511 Medieval Islam, 10th-12th Century (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Socio-political, religious and intellectual developments in Muslim societies following the weakening of the Arab-Sunni Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad during the tenth century. Emphasis will be placed on the historical formation and features of the Seljuq and Buyid dynasties as well as the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisites: Isla 200

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have take ISLA 511D1/D2

  • ISLA 515 The Medieval School in Islam (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Schooling in medieval Islamic society particularly in Iraq, Greater Syria, Persia, and Egypt. Sheds light on the structure of learning, aims of education, the life of students including women, and their relationship to their teachers. Illuminates forms of academic evaluation, and looks closely at the "scholarly license" as an accrediting tool delineating its function and scope. Through a set of representative studies on the medieval school, it brings attention to the heated debates surrounding the academic rigor of this form of learning, and the place of scientific learning in it, as well as the historical connection between it and the early European college.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Abisaab, Rula (Winter)

  • ISLA 516 Medieval Islam, 13th-15th Century (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The historical circumstances surrounding the Crusades against Muslims in Greater Syria and Egypt. The socio-economic, political, and cultural transformation of Muslim society following the destruction of the Abbasid Caliphate, and the rise of the Ikl-Khanid Mongols in Iran and Iraq, as well as the Mamluks in Syria and Egypt. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of new Persian, Turkish, and Indian populations into Islamic imperial culture.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 240 The Holocaust (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Consideration of the history of the Holocaust and the literary, theological and cultural responses to the destruction of European Jewry.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Madej-Krupitski, Urszula (Fall)

  • JWST 245 Jewish Life in the Islamic World (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Until the early modern period, most of the world’s Jews spoke Arabic and called the Islamic world home. This course explores the Jewish experience among Muslims from the seventh century until the present. Through close readings of primary sources and historical scholarship, students will learn how Jews under Islam shaped modern Judaism, how engagement with Arabic in Islamic Spain led to the revival of Hebrew, and how the Jewish-Muslim relationship fared in the twentieth century. The course also probes themes of history and memory in light of the departure of Jews from the Islamic world in the 1950s and 1960s.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Silver, Christopher (Fall)

  • JWST 303 The Soviet Jewish Experience (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Sovietization both fueled the modernization of Russian Jewry and contributed to its eventual suppression. This experience will be examined from two perspectives: history and literature. The interrelationship between culture and politics and the effects of ideology and censorship on literature will be discussed.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 311 Gender in Jewish History (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : How does the inclusion of women and issues of gender change our understanding of the Jewish past? By examining a broad range of historical sources from around the world—including prayer books, letters, newspapers, novels and diaries to music, art and film— this course examines this question from the Middle Ages to the present day. Major topics to be covered include: religion and spirituality, economic life, the body and sexuality, domesticity, relations with non-Jewish neighbours, and political activism.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 312 Modern Jewish History (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Exploration of major transformations to Jewish society and identity in the modern period. Topics include nationalism, emancipation, acculturation, modernity, relations with non-Jews, popular culture, and literature.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Silver, Christopher (Winter)

  • JWST 334 Jews and Muslims: A Modern History (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : This course examines the modern history of Jewish-Muslim relations beyond just conflict. We will look at the experience of Jews and Muslims -- as individuals and communities -- who charted new cultural territory while navigating colonialism, nationalism, war, and decolonization, through close readings of a wide variety of primary sources (including letters, memoirs, fiction, music, film, and photography) and historical scholarship.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Silver, Christopher (Winter)

  • JWST 348 Modern Jewish Studies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Topics in Jewish Studies. Semesters will be devoted to specific issues and periods of the Jewish Experience since 1500 and the literature produced by Jews during this period.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 365 Modern Jewish Ideologies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : The rise and development of the various ideologies which attempt to define the Jews in historical, national and socio-cultural terms will be analyzed within the context of modern European nationalism. Selected texts of the Jewish Enlightenment, Science of Judaism, Peretz Smolenskin, Leon Pinsker, Simon Dubnow, Chaim Zhitlowsky and Ahad Ha-Am.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Madej-Krupitski, Urszula (Fall)

  • JWST 366 History of Zionism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : An examination of the development of the Zionist idea, the most influential expression of modern Jewish nationalism, which led to the creation of the Jewish state. The transformation of elements of traditional Jewish messianism into a modern political ideology. Hibbat Zion, Political Zionism, Cultural and Synthetic Zionism will be discussed.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • JWST 371 Jews and the City (3 credits)

    Offered by: Jewish Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Jewish Studies : Examination of Jewish life in metropolitan centres in Europe and beyond.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Cognate course allowance:

6 credits of non-HIST courses directly related to the student’s program may be counted as complementary courses for the program with signed Program Adviser permission.

Notes: 200-level cognate courses count against the 18-credit limit of 200-level courses allowed for the program. Cognate courses may not be used to replace 400-level or 500-level requirements. Courses listed in the complementary course list as HIST equivalent (e.g., CLAS 304) are counted as HIST courses, not as "cognate" courses.

Faculty of Arts—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 31, 2023) (disclaimer)
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