History & Social Sciences

This course explores the lives and impact of three major American military leaders–Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, and Douglas MacArthur. Students examine their careers, challenges, and defining achievements, gaining insight into how each shaped U.S. military history across the Civil War, World War II, and the Korean War. Instructor: Gerard Walsh. 

This course explores how investigative genetic genealogy is used to identify suspects and unknown individuals, highlighting its benefits, ethical concerns, and evolving regulations. Students examine Maryland’s leadership in establishing IGG standards and learn about the scientific advances, challenges, and real-world issues shaping this rapidly developing forensic tool. Instructor: Andrew Hochreiter. 

Deepen your appreciation for the masterpieces that have shaped human history. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, explore how art reflects the world we live in. Through thoughtful discussion and visual study, gain fresh insights into centuries of creative expression. Final class meets at the Walters Art Museum. Instructor: Anne Rickert. 

Vast amounts of genealogical data available on the Internet are both “treasures” and “tribulations” for those searching family ancestry. Learn about the major providers of genealogical content, how to discern the difference between “good” and “questionable” data, and enhance your family tree searching skills. Explore a variety of sites to find valuable hereditary information. Instructor: Jon Smith. 

This course examines key military and political turning points of 1777-1778, including the Pennsylvania campaign, efforts to undermine Washington’s command, the real significance of Valley Forge, the impact of the Battle of Monmouth, and how Washington ultimately secured political victory over his rivals. Instructor: Roger Swartz. 

This course examines Northeast Asia after 1945, tracing how Japan, Korea, and Taiwan transformed into thriving economies and democracies. In contrast, students explore newly revealed evidence of the devastating human toll of Mao’s rule in China. The class highlights political shifts, economic change, and the sharply different paths taken across the region. Instructor: Linda Kato. 

This course traces the evolution of America’s early political parties, from the Revolution and Constitutional debates through the rise of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, Jefferson’s 1800 shift, the Age of Jackson, and the Whig Party’s emergence and collapse, highlighting each party’s core beliefs and the forces that shaped them. Instructor: Roger Swartz. 

Female artists have been involved in making art since time began, but many art forms dominated by women have been historically dismissed as craft instead of being considered fine art. This course will explore the contributions of female artists to art history, focusing on such women as Artemisia Gentileschi, Mary Cassatt, Rosa Bonheur, Georgia O’Keeffe, Kathy Köllwitz, Frida Kahlo, Barbara Hepworth, and Louise Bourgeois. Instructor: Kara LaRose.