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Year Course ID Course
HIST 390

Special Topics in History

An examination of special topics or issues in history that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, or instructor’s consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 HIST 390

Special Topics in History

An examination of special topics or issues in history that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 390

Special Topics in History

An examination of special topics or issues in history that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History or instructor’s consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
HIST 391

Canadian Governmental Leadership

In the setting of the historical Booth Mansion in Ottawa, students are invited to explore the history of Canadian political leadership. Using the historical method, including research in primary sources, they will evaluate the leadership of Canadian Prime Ministers and examine how they addressed the needs and crises of the nation. By means of their enquiries into Canada's political leadership, students will develop their own theories of effective leadership.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Laurentian Leadership Centre. (3-0; 3-0)
Cross-listed: POLS 391 SOCI 391
2025-2026 HIST 391

Canadian Governmental Leadership

In the setting of the historical Booth Mansion in Ottawa, students are invited to explore the history of Canadian political leadership. Using the historical method, including research in primary sources, they will evaluate the leadership of Canadian Prime Ministers and examine how they addressed the needs and crises of the nation. By means of their enquiries into Canada's political leadership, students will develop their own theories of effective leadership.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 HIST 391

Canadian Governmental Leadership

In the setting of the historical Booth Mansion in Ottawa, students are invited to explore the history of Canadian political leadership. Using the historical method, including research in primary sources, they will evaluate the leadership of Canadian Prime Ministers and examine how they addressed the needs and crises of the nation. By means of their enquiries into Canada's political leadership, students will develop their own theories of effective leadership.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Laurentian Leadership Centre
Cross-listed: POLS 391; SOCI 391
2025-2026 HIST 392

Sugar, Slaves, Silver: Atlantic World, 1500-1850

This course examines the Atlantic world during an era of immense global change. Since the navigations of the fifteenth century, the Atlantic has been a corridor for fundamental exchanges of peoples, crops, technology, and ideas. Topics include: early maritime explorations, the destruction and reconfiguration of indigenous societies, the labour migrations of Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans, slavery and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the establishment of an Atlantic economy, the maturation of EuroAmerican colonial societies and their struggles for autonomy and national independence.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 392

Sugar, Slaves, Silver: Atlantic World, 1500-1850

This course examines the Atlantic world during an era of immense global change. Since the navigations of the fifteenth century, the Atlantic has been a corridor for fundamental exchanges of peoples, crops, technology, and ideas. Topics include: early maritime explorations, the destruction and reconfiguration of indigenous societies, the labour migrations of Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans, slavery and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the establishment of an Atlantic economy, the maturation of EuroAmerican colonial societies and their struggles for autonomy and national independence.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History, third- or fourth-year standing, or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
HIST 392

Sugar,Slaves, and Silver: Atlantic World, 1500-1850

This course examines the Atlantic world during an era of immense global change. Since the navigations of the fifteenth century, the Atlantic has been a corridor for fundamental exchanges of peoples, crops, technology, and ideas. Topics include: early maritime explorations, the destruction and reconfiguration of indigenous societies, the labour migrations of Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans, slavery and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the establishment of an Atlantic economy, the maturation of EuroAmerican colonial societies and their struggles for autonomy and national independence.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, third or fourth year standing, or instructor's consent. (3-0; 3-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
HIST 400

Directed Studies in History

Independent but guided reading and research in a specialized area of history of interest to students.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history and instructor's consent.
2025-2026 HIST 400

Directed Studies in History

Independent but guided reading and research in a specialized area of history of interest to students.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 HIST 400

Directed Studies in History

Independent but guided reading and research in a specialized area of history of interest to students.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History and instructor's consent
HIST 403

Engendered History

This seminar examines specific topics in the history of gender throughout the period known loosely as the modern world. The course is designed to clarify the process through which ideas of gender evolved and the ways in which masculinity and femininity have been constructed and experienced in a global context. The seminar also examines group interactions across lines of race, class, ethnicity, region, and religion and the influence of groups striving to assert their own identities on ideas of gender.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, or instructor’s consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: GNDR 403
2025-2026 HIST 403

Engendered History

This seminar examines specific topics in the history of gender throughout the period known loosely as the modern world. The course is designed to clarify the process through which ideas of gender evolved and the ways in which masculinity and femininity have been constructed and experienced in a global context. The seminar also examines group interactions across lines of race, class, ethnicity, region, and religion and the influence of groups striving to assert their own identities on ideas of gender.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 403

Engendered History

This seminar examines specific topics in the history of gender throughout the period known loosely as the modern world. The course is designed to clarify the process through which ideas of gender evolved and the ways in which masculinity and femininity have been constructed and experienced in a global context. The seminar also examines group interactions across lines of race, class, ethnicity, region, and religion and the influence of groups striving to assert their own identities on ideas of gender.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History, or instructor’s consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: GNDR 403
2025-2026 HIST 406

War, Peace & Society

Examines the changing nature of, and approaches to, war and its effect on society from the ancient world to the present, including an assessment of various visions and proposals for peace. The course includes an assessment of historic and relatively recent armed conflicts, exploring the causes of contemporary conflict and some of its distinctive characteristics. It also evaluates the effectiveness of various strategies for preventing, abating and terminating current forms of conflict. Questions discussed include: Why do states go to war? How do they create a lasting peace? What role does morality play in foreign policy? What is our obligation to just peace or just war?

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 406

War, Peace & Society

Examines the changing nature of, and approaches to, war and its effect on society from the ancient world to the present, including an assessment of various visions and proposals for peace. The course includes an assessment of historic and relatively recent armed conflicts, exploring the causes of contemporary conflict and some of its distinctive characteristics. It also evaluates the effectiveness of various strategies for preventing, abating and terminating current forms of conflict. Questions discussed include: Why do states go to war? How do they create a lasting peace? What role does morality play in foreign policy? What is our obligation to just peace or just war?

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History, or instructor’s consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: POLS 406
HIST 406

War, Peace and Society

Examines the changing nature of, and approaches to, war and its effect on society from the ancient world to the present, including an assessment of various visions and proposals for peace. The course includes an assessment of historic and relatively recent armed conflicts, exploring the causes of contemporary conflict and some of its distinctive characteristics. It also evaluates the effectiveness of various strategies for preventing, abating and terminating current forms of conflict. Questions discussed include: Why do states go to war? How do they create a lasting peace? What role does morality play in foreign policy? What is our obligation to just peace or just war?

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, or instructor’s consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: POLS 406
2025-2026 HIST 409

Nature, Society & History in Global Perspective

Human interaction with the environment is the most fundamental of all relationships. This course examines the different ways in which societies have defined, understood, and used their nonhuman surroundings and the processes through which the environment influences culture and adapts to human communities. Students explore the historical context of the human-nature interaction in global perspective and compare the ways in which the concepts of politics, nationalism, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. inform and guide the relationship.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 409

Nature, Society & History in Global Perspective

Human interaction with the environment is the most fundamental of all relationships. This course examines the different ways in which societies have defined, understood, and used their nonhuman surroundings and the processes through which the environment influences culture and adapts to human communities. Students explore the historical context of the human-nature interaction in global perspective and compare the ways in which the concepts of politics, nationalism, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. inform and guide the relationship.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History, or instructor’s consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: GENV 414
HIST 409

Nature, Society, and History in Global Perspective

Human interaction with the environment is the most fundamental of all relationships. This course examines the different ways in which societies have defined, understood, and used their nonhuman surroundings and the processes through which the environment influences culture and adapts to human communities. Students explore the historical context of the human-nature interaction in global perspective and compare the ways in which the concepts of politics, nationalism, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc. inform and guide the relationship.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, or instructor’s consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: GENV 414
2025-2026 HIST 411

History, Culture & Interpreting the Past

The study of history relies on the written and oral record of human experience. The use to which words have been put has varied over time ranging from the ancient world's innocent acceptance of recorded inventories and boastful heroic conquests, to the postmodern era where the text is not a bearer of truth but an instrument of power. This course traces the place of the text in the human effort to know and remember the past. Although the written text has been foundational for the study of the past, people have left other signs of their presence and we interact with other realities than the text. This course brings in additional disciplines including philosophy, literary criticism, biology, psychology, physics, and biblical studies.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Approved alternative to IDIS 400.
2026-2027 HIST 411

History, Culture & Interpreting the Past

The study of history relies on the written and oral record of human experience. The use to which words have been put has varied over time ranging from the ancient world's innocent acceptance of recorded inventories and boastful heroic conquests, to the postmodern era where the text is not a bearer of truth but an instrument of power. This course traces the place of the text in the human effort to know and remember the past. Although the written text has been foundational for the study of the past, people have left other signs of their presence and we interact with other realities than the text. This course brings in additional disciplines including philosophy, literary criticism, biology, psychology, physics, and biblical studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History, or instructor’s consent
NB: Approved alternative to IDIS 400.
HIST 411

History, Culture, and Interpreting the Past

The study of history relies on the written and oral record of human experience. The use to which words have been put has varied over time ranging from the ancient world's innocent acceptance of recorded inventories and boastful heroic conquests, to the postmodern era where the text is not a bearer of truth but an instrument of power. This course traces the place of the text in the human effort to know and remember the past. Although the written text has been foundational for the study of the past, people have left other signs of their presence and we interact with other realities than the text. This course brings in additional disciplines including philosophy, literary criticism, biology, psychology, physics, and biblical studies.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, or instructor’s consent.
NB: Approved alternative to IDIS 400
HIST 412

Senior Thesis

A program of independent readings and research on a specific topic leading to a written paper for students choosing the European area. A research project involving the use of primary sources, archives, etc., for those choosing the North American area.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 15 sem. hrs. of history including HIST 411.
NB: For history majors only. See department chair.
2025-2026 HIST 412

Senior Thesis

A program of independent readings and research on a specific topic leading to a written paper for students choosing the European area. A research project involving the use of primary sources, archives, etc., for those choosing the North American area.

Course Credits: 3
NB: For history majors only. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 412

Senior Thesis

A program of independent readings and research on a specific topic leading to a written paper for students choosing the European area. A research project involving the use of primary sources, archives, etc., for those choosing the North American area.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 15 sem. hrs. of History including HIST 411
NB: For history majors only. See department chair.
HIST 423

History of the First World War

A seminar course involving an examination of the origins and course of the First World War. Primary focus on various campaigns and fronts of the war, and on specific issues such as the nature and impact of trench warfare, the domestic policies of the belligerent powers, and the social, economic, and political impact of the conflict

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, or instructor’s consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
HIST 424

History of the Second World War

A seminar course involving an examination of the origins and course of the Second World War. Primary focus on main campaigns of the war in Europe and Asia, the domestic policies of the belligerent powers, and the social, economic, and political impact of the conflict.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, or instructor’s consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
HIST 435

Social History of Canada

An examination of major developments in the society and culture of Canada with a particular spotlight on the diverse experience of the people who made Canada. The course highlights aspects of Canadian identity as seen through the lenses of gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and region. The focus is on the interaction between migrant groups and the host society, rural and urban societies, education and social reforms, labour and capital, and changing gender roles.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history including one of HIST 135 or 136. (3-0 or 0-0)
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 HIST 435

Social History of Canada

An examination of major developments in the society and culture of Canada with a particular spotlight on the diverse experience of the people who made Canada. The course highlights aspects of Canadian identity as seen through the lenses of gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and region. The focus is on the interaction between migrant groups and the host society, rural and urban societies, education and social reforms, labour and capital, and changing gender roles.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 435

Social History of Canada

An examination of major developments in the society and culture of Canada with a particular spotlight on the diverse experience of the people who made Canada. The course highlights aspects of Canadian identity as seen through the lenses of gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and region. The focus is on the interaction between migrant groups and the host society, rural and urban societies, education and social reforms, labour and capital, and changing gender roles.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History including one of HIST 135 or 136
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
HIST 436

Canadian and U.S. Relations

A survey of relations between the two countries from their origins, ranging from military and diplomatic contacts to intellectual and cultural. Comparative developments in the two nations.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history including one of HIST 135, 136, 251, or 252.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair
Cross-listed: POLS 436
HIST 440

The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy

An overview of the formulation and trends of Canadian foreign policy in the period since Confederation. The domestic and external determinants of Canadian foreign policy, the nature of the foreign policy-making process, and the evolution of key themes in Canadian foreign policy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history including one of HIST 109, 135, or 136.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: POLS 440
2025-2026 HIST 440

The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy

An overview of the formulation and trends of Canadian foreign policy in the period since Confederation. The domestic and external determinants of Canadian foreign policy, the nature of the foreign policy-making process, and the evolution of key themes in Canadian foreign policy.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 440

The Evolution of Canadian Foreign Policy

An overview of the formulation and trends of Canadian foreign policy in the period since Confederation. The domestic and external determinants of Canadian foreign policy, the nature of the foreign policy-making process, and the evolution of key themes in Canadian foreign policy.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History including one of HIST 109, 135, or 136
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
Cross-listed: POLS 440
HIST 490

Special Topics in History

An examination of special topics or issues in history that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of history, third or fourth year standing, or instructor's consent.
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2025-2026 HIST 490

Special Topics in History

An examination of special topics or issues in history that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
2026-2027 HIST 490

Special Topics in History

An examination of special topics or issues in history that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): 6 sem. hrs. of History, third- or fourth-year standing, or instructor's consent
NB: Not offered every year. See department chair.
HIST 497

Honours Thesis

A 12,000-15,000 word thesis based on a review of the secondary literature and research in primary sources in archival, published, microform, microfiche, or electronic form, on an approved topic. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. Taken in fourth year by all Honours students in History.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours Program in History. See Department chair. (3-0; 3-0)
2025-2026 HIST 497

Honours Thesis

A 12,000-15,000 word thesis based on a review of the secondary literature and research in primary sources in archival, published, microform, microfiche, or electronic form, on an approved topic. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. Taken in fourth year by all Honours students in History.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 HIST 497

Honours Thesis

A 12,000-15,000 word thesis based on a review of the secondary literature and research in primary sources in archival, published, microform, microfiche, or electronic form, on an approved topic. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. Taken in fourth year by all Honours students in History.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours Program in History. See department chair.
HIST 498

Honours Thesis

A 12,000-15,000 word thesis based on a review of the secondary literature and research in primary sources in archival, published, microform, microfiche, or electronic form, on an approved topic. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. Taken in fourth year by all Honours students in History.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours Program in History. See Department chair. (3-0; 3-0)
2025-2026 HIST 498

Honours Thesis

A 12,000-15,000 word thesis based on a review of the secondary literature and research in primary sources in archival, published, microform, microfiche, or electronic form, on an approved topic. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. Taken in fourth year by all Honours students in History.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 HIST 498

Honours Thesis

A 12,000-15,000 word thesis based on a review of the secondary literature and research in primary sources in archival, published, microform, microfiche, or electronic form, on an approved topic. An oral defence and a library-acceptable copy are required. Taken in fourth year by all Honours students in History.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Application and acceptance into Honours Program in History. See department chair.
HIST 503

Engendered History

Examines specific topics in the history of gender throughout the period known loosely as the modern world and is designed to clarify the process through which ideas of gender evolved and the ways in which masculinity and femininity have been constructed and experienced in a global context. Also examines group interactions across lines of race, class, ethnicity, region, and religion and the influence of groups striving to assert their own identities on ideas of gender.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 HIST 503

Engendered History

Examines specific topics in the history of gender throughout the period known loosely as the modern world and is designed to clarify the process through which ideas of gender evolved and the ways in which masculinity and femininity have been constructed and experienced in a global context. Also examines group interactions across lines of race, class, ethnicity, region, and religion and the influence of groups striving to assert their own identities on ideas of gender.

Course Credits: 3
2026-2027 HIST 503

Engendered History

Examines specific topics in the history of gender throughout the period known loosely as the modern world and is designed to clarify the process through which ideas of gender evolved and the ways in which masculinity and femininity have been constructed and experienced in a global context. Also examines group interactions across lines of race, class, ethnicity, region, and religion and the influence of groups striving to assert their own identities on ideas of gender.

Course Credits: 3
HIST 504

Late Medieval Europe

An inquiry into a period of Europe's past in which beliefs, attitudes and institutions, moulded in the previous centuries, were consolidated into shapes that mark modern European (and North American) culture. The outlines of the modern state and of the modern family are examined. It is also an examination of late medieval civilization for indications of decline and rebirth. The course looks for signs of struggle between forces of tradition and of innovation, and between idealism and material or corporeal realities.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 HIST 504

Late Medieval Europe

An inquiry into a period of Europe's past in which beliefs, attitudes and institutions, moulded in the previous centuries, were consolidated into shapes that mark modern European (and North American) culture. The outlines of the modern state and of the modern family are examined. It is also an examination of late medieval civilization for indications of decline and rebirth. The course looks for signs of struggle between forces of tradition and of innovation, and between idealism and material or corporeal realities.

Course Credits: 3