History First Year
Welcome to History's first year!
We offer a wide array of classes for our majors and minors and for anyone else with an interest in history. Students in our History program become informed and engaged global citizens through courses exploring every region of the world. We also offer thematic courses on the global history of sports, religions, and science and technology, to name a few. Our faculty have particular strengths in the histories of Canada, Scotland, Britain and Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Please check our course outline webpage to learn more about the content and format of each HIST course. We look forward to seeing you on our beautiful campus.
Our first-year survey courses are:
HIST*1010 The Early Modern World
This course deals with the evolution and expansion of European society during the pre-industrial era. Commencing with the Renaissance and Reformation it surveys such themes as the voyages of exploration, the impact of western culture on indigenous societies, the development of commercial capitalism, the transformation of science and technology, and the conflict between imperial powers in Europe and overseas.
HIST*1150 The Modern World
This course is a survey of the twentieth century, focusing on major events and themes such as: the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression, the rise and fall of fascism, social movements, revolutions, genocides, decolonization, nationalism, the Cold War, and the rise and decline of American power. The course draws its examples and case studies mainly from regions across the world, with the intention of broadening critical awareness and fostering global Citizenship.
HIST*1250 Science & Technology in Global Context
This course is an introduction to the culturally specific ways in which science and technology have developed historically from the ancient period through the twenty-first century. Emphasis is placed on the patterns in which scientific knowledge and practices have traveled and been constructed across cultures and the interconnected but distinct histories of science and technology.
The Department of History also offers small-class opportunities starting in the first year:
HIST*1050 Invitation to History
Invitation to History is a required course for all first year History majors, minors, and area of concentration. It introduces students to the basics of the historian’s craft including interpreting primary sources, locating and critically analyzing secondary sources and writing for History. In small classes of fourty students or less, it will provide you with the tools you need for success in our Program. Topics change with each offering of the course, but all teach the same skills to prepare you for your other history courses.
Fall 2026 Topics
HIST*1050*01 Invitation to History: The Tudors
HIST*1050*02 Invitation to History: Death and Dying in Medieval and Early Modern Europe
HIST*1050*03 Invitation to History: Coffee and Globalization
Winter 2027 Topics
HIST*1050*01 Invitation to History: The Automobile in North America
HIST*1050*02 Invitation to History: Canada at Play - Sports and Leisure
HIST*1050*03 Invitation to History: Gender, Race and Sexuality in Early Modern England