DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, AND ECONOMICS

The Department of History, Geography, and Economics is primarily responsible for the instruction of courses in History (HIST), Geography (GEOG), and Economics (ECON). In addition to course offerings in these disciplines, the Department also provides instruction in one Geology (GEOL) course offered through the University. To complement course offerings, three undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics, and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in General Studies, and one graduate degree, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in History, may be earned through this instructional unit. Minors are available in History, Geography, Economics, African Studies, and African American Studies for students majoring in a discipline that requires the declaration of a minor.

For detailed information on the Master of Arts in History, students are referred to the Graduate School Bulletin of Texas Southern University.

The Department has a diverse mission that encompasses three distinct academic disciplines. Through the program of study in History, the Department is committed to providing students with modern research skills and computer skills that are appropriate to the discipline and to their chosen careers. On a more abstract level, it is the goal of the Department to increase students' awareness of the nature of history and the historical process, as well as to expand their knowledge of world history and American history while emphasizing the role of African Americans and other minorities.

Through the program of study in Economics, the Department is committed to providing students with a strong background in both macro and micro economics, as well as the tools to perform economic analysis of local, national, and international issues, including the price system, market analysis, labor force characteristics, the process of capital formation, and tax systems.

Through course offerings and the minor available in Geography, students are introduced to the environmental, cultural, and human aspects of the world and its various regions. In addition, they develop skills, through hands-on training, in areas such as cartography and geographic information systems.

Through all programmatic offerings in the Department, students are prepared for careers in either the public sector or private industry, for post-graduate professional degrees (in law, medicine, or business, for example), and for graduate studies in either History or Economics. On a broader level, members of the Department view knowledge of history, geography, and economics as fundamental to the understanding of one's background and to developing an appreciation of diverse peoples and cultures as students are prepared to function effectively as citizens of their community, their nation, and the world.

In pursuing either the Bachelor of Arts in History or the Bachelor of Arts in Economics through this instructional unit, students (as first-time degree seekers) are required to declare a minor in a second academic discipline.  In contrast, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (as first-time degree seekers) are NOT required to declare a minor in a second academic discipline. Specific requirements for each undergraduate degree are presented elsewhere in this section, and students are cautioned that grades of "C" or better (where grades of "C-" are unacceptable) must be earned in all courses specified as either major courses or required courses for the minor selected unless otherwise stated below. An exit examination is also required of graduating seniors, and all history majors must complete HIST 420 during their senior year. In addition, students seeking either one of the two B.A. degrees in the disciplines offered are strongly urged to seek detailed advisement from their designated advisors because the selection of a minor having representative courses in the core curriculum or other requirements for the degree sought could impact the total number of credits required. In no case will students qualify for graduation at the undergraduate level with fewer than 120 semester credit hours satisfactorily completed.

Students wishing to pursue one of the three undergraduate degrees or one of the five minors offered through the Department must first gain admission to the University, must satisfy ASSET requirements and eradicate identified deficiencies through the General University Academic Center (GUAC), and must petition the Department for admission as ASSET requirements are completed. Once admitted, students are each assigned an official faculty advisor who must be consulted with each term to ascertain progress toward graduation. Students are also expected to keep the Department Office apprised of changes in addresses and telephone numbers. Individuals interested in seeking certification for teaching in the public schools of Texas in academic disciplines offered through this unit should contact the Teacher Certification Officer in the College of Education at Texas Southern University for application instructions.

For the minor in History, 21 semester credit hours are required including the six hours required by the core and an additional 15 hours which must include two courses in world history and 9 hours at the 300-level or 400-level. The four required courses are as follows: HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 231, and HIST 232.

For the minor in Geography, 21 semester credit hours are required through enrollment in no less than 12 semester credit hours at the 300-level or 400-level. All students must enroll in GEOG 132 (3 semester credits), must enroll for 6 semester credits from each of the focus areas listed below, and must enroll for 6 semester credits of electives selected from either focus area. Focus area 1 for the minor in Geography focuses on Cultural/Human Geography and consists of the following three-credit courses that are described in detail elsewhere: GEOG 230, GEOG 231, GEOG 331, GEOG 332, GEOG 337, and GEOG 430. Focus area 2 for the minor in Geography focuses on Land Use Analysis and consists of the following courses that are described in detail elsewhere: GEOG 330 (3 credits), GEOG 338 (4 credits), GEOG 431 (3 credits), and GEOG 432 (3 credits).

For the minor in Economics, 21 semester credit hours are required. The following three-credit Economics courses are required for 12 of the 21 credits needed: ECON 231, ECON 232, ECON 330, and ECON 336. In addition, Economics minors must take 9 credits of upper-level Economics electives and MGSC 239 (3 credits and offered through the Jesse H. Jones School of Business). GEOG 332 (3 credits) may be substituted for one of the upper-level Economics electives.

For the minor in African Studies, students must take 21 semester credit hours selected from the list below.  Of the 21 hours students must take:  AFS 132 Introduction to African Studies, ART 137 Introduction to African Art, and three hours of a foreign language, either in French or an African language. .  The remaining twelve credits must be chosen from among ART 135, ECON 443, ENG 243, FR 439, GEOG 132, GEOG 430, HIST 345, HIST 381, HIST 382, HIST 421, HIST 481, POLS 360, POLS 361, SC 432, SOC 238, or SOC 335.  Courses used to fulfill minor requirements in African Studies can not be simultaneously used to fulfill a major requirement.

For the minor in African American Studies, 21 semester credit hours are required through enrollment in four (4) three-credit courses and nine (9) additional credits at the 200-level or above. The four required courses are: HIST 321, ENG 244, POLS 410, and ART 139. The remaining nine credits may be selected from the following courses: HIST 322, HIST 381, HIST 382, HIST 478, HIST 481, SOC 254, SOC 335, ENG 243, ENG 440, ENG 441, POLS 412, ART 137, THC 339, and SC 436.

In summary, students must gain admission to the University, must satisfy ASSET requirements, and must petition the Department for major or minor status upon completion of ASSET requirements. Each student admitted is assigned an official advisor, and students interested in certification for teaching in the public schools of Texas should contact the Teacher Certification Officer in the College of Education. An exit examination is required of graduating seniors.  Further information may be obtained by contacting the Department Office at (713)-313-7794.

Members of the Department are housed on the third floor of Hannah Hall with the Department Office located in Room 340.

FACULTY IN THE DEPARTMENT

HISTORY COURSES

HIST 131                    World History to 1500                                                (3)
General survey of civilization from prehistoric times to the present with emphasis on the development of the ideas, events, and institutions that make up the modern world. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as HIST 2311 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

HIST 132                    World History since 1500                                          (3)
Continuation of HIST 131. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as HIST 2312 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

HIST 231                    Social and Political History of the United States to 1877      (3)
Survey of the history of the United States with particular emphasis on the institutions and events which transformed America from an English colony to a world power. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as HIST 1301 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

HIST 232                    Social and Political History of the United States since 1877 (3)
Continuation of HIST 231. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as HIST 1302 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

HIST 321                    African American History to 1865                             (3)
Survey of the history of African Americans in the United States from the colonization of North America through the Civil War. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 322                    African American History since 1865                        (3)
Continuation of HIST 321. Survey of the history of African Americans in the United States from the Civil War to the present. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 331                    Modern Europe from 1450 to 1815                           (3)
Examination of the political, social, and cultural history of Europe from the Renaissance through the French Revolution. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 231, and HIST 232.

HIST 332                    Modern Europe since 1815                                       (3)
Examination of the political, social, and cultural history of Europe from the Congress of Vienna to the end of the cold war. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 231, and HIST 232.

HIST 341                    Latin American History since 1500                           (3)

Examines the history of Latin America from the conquest in the sixteenth century to the present. Emphasizes the formation of society and the economy in the colonial era, the changes set in motion by independence in the nineteenth century, and the implications of industrialization in the twentieth century.

HIST 342                    History of Mexico                                                      (3)

Explores the history of Mexico from the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century to the present. Emphasizes the development of Mexico since independence. Particular attention is devoted to the evolving relationship between Mexico and the United States. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 343                    History of Brazil                                                         (3)

Explores the history of Brazil from the onset of Portuguese colonization in the sixteenth century to the present. Emphasizes the significance of slavery in Brazil’s development through the end of the nineteenth century, and the transformation of Brazil into a multiracial industrialized democracy in the twentieth century. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 344                    Constitutional History of the United States               (3)

                                    An examination of legal constitutional problems and issues in American history.  Three hours of lecture per week.

HIST 348                    Women and Empire                                                    (3)
Examination of the history of gender, sexuality, and racial and national identity. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 349                    Women's History                                                        (3)
Survey of the history of women in the United States from the colonial period to the present. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 371                    Texas History                                                             (3)
History of Texas from prehistoric times to the present. Special attention focused on the role of Texas as a crossroad between Anglo and Latin America. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 381                    African Civilizations to 1800                                      (3)
Introduction to the rise of African civilizations from the first African civilization in Egypt through the period of the Atlantic slave trade. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 382                    African Civilizations since 1800                                 (3)
Continuation of HIST 381. Examines the integration of African societies into the world economy and the responses of Africans to that integration. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 410                    Archival Methods and Records Management           (3)
Examination of the evolution of record collection and preservation in modern times.  Students work directly with historical records.  Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 420                    Capstone Seminar                                                      (3)
Directed reading course that may be repeated for up to six hours credit. Open to senior History majors and minors and required of majors. Students must undertake an independent research project leading to the production of an article-length senior thesis. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 131, HIST 132, HIST 231, and HIST 232.

HIST 421                    Topics in African Diaspora                                         (3)
Directed readings course that may be repeated for up to six hours credit.  Topics examine the history of the peoples of the African Diaspora.  Three hours of lecture per week.

HIST 430                    Topics in U.S. History                                                (3)
Intensive study with reading and discussion of special topics in United States, African American, and world history. Special attention will be focused on selected national and international topics. Three hours of lecture per week. May be repeated for up to 9 credits as topics vary. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 431                    Topics in European History                                       (3)
Directed readings course that may be repeated for up to six hours credit.  Topics examine themes in the history of European civilization.  Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 432                    Topics in World History                                             (3)
Directed readings course that may be repeated for up to six hours credit.  Topics examine themes in the history of societies and cultures throughout the world.  Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 434                    Topics in Latin American History                              (3)

General study of the origins of the peoples, cultures, and politics of Latin America with special emphasis on the problems of colonialism, imperialism, and hemispheric solidarity. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232. May be repeated for up to six credits as topics vary.

HIST 438                    History of the South                                                   (3)
Examination of the South, including Houston during and after slavery with particular emphasis on race relations as well as cultural and economic development. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 439                    The United States since 1945                                    (3)
Examination of the rapid social and political changes experienced by the United States since World War II with particular attention given to America's involvement in foreign affairs. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 447                    Modern African American History                            (3)
Examination of the background and events of the struggle for legal, political, and economic equality by African Americans up to the present day. Three hours of lecture per week. May be repeated as topics vary. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 451                    Mexican American History                                        (3)
Examination of the Mexican-American people with special emphasis on Texas and the Southwest. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 471                    The American Revolution                                          (3)
Examination of the explosive political, social, and cultural developments between 1763 and 1789 which culminated in a war for independence and the adoption of the U. S. Constitution. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 478                    Slavery                                                                        (3)
Examination of the political, social, economic, and cultural impact of slavery on the Western world. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 479                    Urban History of the United States                            (3)
Examination of the process of urbanization in American history with special emphasis on the role of ethnic minorities, Blacks, and Browns, in an urban nation. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

HIST 481                    Topics in African History                                           (3)
Series of specialized topics in African history. Topics include ancient African kingdoms, history of South Africa, and the Atlantic slave trade. May be repeated up to 6 credits as topics vary. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: HIST 231 and HIST 232.

AFRICAN STUDIES COURSE

AFS 132                      Introduction to African Studies                                  (3)

                                    This course is a multi-disciplinary course designed to give students a broad overview of African history, culture, economics, and art.  Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOGRAPHY COURSES

GEOG 132                  World Regional Geography                                        (3)
Survey of the regions and nations of the planet and the geographical foundations of their physical and cultural characteristics. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as GEO 1303 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

GEOG 230                  Urban Geography                                                       (3)
Study of the form, function, land use, structure, and core-periphery relations of urban areas. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 231                  Geography of North America                                     (3)
Geographical analysis of the nations of North American. Relationships among natural resources, social structure, and economic structure and development discussed. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 232                  Population Geography                                                (3)
Designed to demonstrate how spatial variations in the distribution, composition, migration, and growth of populations are related to spatial variations in the nature of places. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 330                  Introduction to Cartography                                      (3)
Introduction to the fundamentals of cartography, including basic computer mapping techniques. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 331                  Geography of Texas                                                   (3)
Designed to acquaint students with the principal geographic factors influencing the development of the state of Texas. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 332                  Economic Geography                                                 (3)
Consideration of oceans, rivers, and highways as carriers of trade and of factors of location, minerals, and population as determinants in the commercial development of our civilization. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 337                  Geography of Asia                                                      (3)
Survey of the geography of Asia with emphasis on the Middle East, Far East, and Indochina. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 338                  Geographic Information Systems                               (4)
Survey of computerized spatial data handling systems for visual display or analytic modeling purposes. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: CS 116 or the equivalent.

GEOG 430                  The People and Culture of Africa                              (3)
Integrated overview of the African cultural history, social organizations, economic and political geography. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 431                  Geography of Health and Disease                              (3)       
Study of the spatial distribution of diseases and their relationship to the environment and the geographical aspects of health-related activities. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOG 432                  Geography and Transportation                                  (3)
Consideration of the nature of spatial interactions, the various kinds of transport media, and the relationship between transportation and economic and social patterns. Three hours of lecture per week.

GEOLOGY COURSE
 

GEOL 141                  Introduction to the Earth                                           (4)
Introduction to the study of the earth: the evolution of its landscapes, its weather, its climate, and its place in the universe. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Listed as GEOL 1403 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

ECONOMICS COURSES
 

ECON 131                  Introductory Economics                                             (3)
Study of the American macro and micro economic system and the basic economic principles which underlie the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. One-semester course designed to satisfy requirements in other disciplines like Education, Medical Technology, Pharmacy, etc. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as ECON 1301 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

ECON 231                  Principles of Economics I                                           (3)
Introduction to macro economic analysis pertaining to the overall performance of the economy. Emphasis on measurement of aggregate output, determination of the level of income and employment, and evaluation of various monetary and fiscal policies of government. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 6 semester credits of Mathematics. Listed as ECON 2301 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

ECON 232                  Principles of Economics II                                         (3)
Introduction to micro economic analysis of pricing and output decisions, resource allocation, market structure, income distribution, and international trade. Problems of agriculture, labor unions, and other sectors of the economy addressed. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 6 semester credits of Mathematics. Listed as ECON 2302 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.

ECON 315                  Environmental Economics                                         (3)
Introduction to the economic analysis of environmental problems. Emphasis placed on the cause of environmental problems, types of externalities, determination of the optimal rate of pollution, alternative strategies for solving environmental problems, and the current state of U.S. environmental policy. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ECON 131 or ECON 232.

ECON 325                  Health Economics                                                      (3)
Introduction to the economic analysis of health services and health policy. Emphasis placed on the effects of uncertainty and incomplete information on the market for medical care and alternative strategies for controlling the cost of health care. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: ECON 131 or ECON 232.

ECON 330                  Intermediate Microeconomics                                   (3)
Economic theories pertaining to business and household decision-makers and to market behavior under various degrees of competition. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

ECON 332                  Labor Economics                                                        (3)
Economic theories and analyses of labor markets, wages, rates, collective bargaining, labor legislation, unemployment, and other labor problems. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

ECON 336                  Intermediate Macroeconomics                                  (3)
Economic theories pertaining to the determination of aggregate income, output, employment, and price level. Economic policies to achieve stability and economic growth analyzed. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

ECON 337                  Monetary Theory and Policy                                      (3)
Study of the money supply and the impact of monetary policies on interest rates, prices, and the level of aggregate income. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

ECON 339                  Economics of Money and Banking                            (3)
Theory and analysis of money, banking, and the financial system. Emphasis on money creation and the Federal Reserve System's control of the money supply. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

ECON 431                  Economics of Public Finance                                      (3)
Study of the theoretical structure employed in examining the economic role of government and the use of this structure to explore a number of current policy issues. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 330 and ECON 336 or consent of the instructor.

ECON 436                  Urban Economics                                                       (3)
Survey of urban economic problems, including those concerned with transportation, health services, and taxation. Analysis of alternative remedies for issues related to the urban economy addressed. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

ECON 437                  Introduction to Econometrics                                    (3)
Basic mathematical, statistical, and computer techniques used in estimating and testing relationships among economic variables. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 6 semester credits in statistics.

ECON 440                  Managerial Economics                                               (3)
Application of economic theory to managerial decision making with emphasis on optimization, uncertainty, demand theory, production theory, cost theory, and profit analysis. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

ECON 442                  International Economics                                            (3)
Analysis of problems and effects of international trade with emphasis on import-export imbalances, balance of payments, international flows of capital, foreign exchange rates, and international trade financing. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232. Offered as needed.

ECON 443                  Economics of Development                                       (3)
Analysis of the problems and issues involved in the economic modernization of developing and third world nations. Various theories of economic development and their applicability in specific instances examined. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: ECON 231 and ECON 232.

* Students should be advised by a major advisor prior to registering for any credit, particularly any core curriculum credit as listed.

** (N) represents the number of course credits.

*** Select one of the following: THC 130, THC 231, MUSI 131, MUSI 239, ART 131, or ART 132.

**** Select one of the following: ECON 231; ECON 232; PSY 131; SOC 157; SOC 158; SOC 221; or SOC 238.

^* The foreign language credits required may be substituted by (6) additional CS credits plus PA 301 to accompany CS 116 (3).

^** When computer science courses are substituted for foreign language courses, an additional three (3) credits of electives will be required.  All students must have a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate.

MAJOR/ASSOCIATED COURSES FOR THE

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN HISTORY

BY LEVEL AND SEQUENCE