Department of History and International Studies

B.A. History and International Studies

SUMMARY OF COURSES                                   

100 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

100 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

200 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

200 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

300 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

300 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

400 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

400 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

COURSE DESCRIPTION

HIS 111: HISTORIOGRAPHY

This course introduces the students to the meanings of history, the history of historical writings, and the use of history, and the relationship of history with other disciplines and African historiography. It also exposes them to the problems of writing history, limitations of writing African history, sources of history.

HIS 112: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

This course introduces students to the basic concept in international relations such as national interests, sovereignty, power, balance of power, foreign policy etc. It also exposes students to the subfields of international relations: international security, international political economy, international relations theory, international organizations and international law.

HIS 113: INTRODUCTION TO DIPLOMACY

This course introduces students to the concept and historical developments of diplomacy. It also makes some conceptual clarifications on the nature of diplomacy and the importance of negotiations. It also introduces students to the forms of diplomacy such as multilateral, summit, security/coercive, preventive, economic, and environmental diplomacy. The course will also clarify and simplify the changing impact of individuals, crisis, public, culture, terrorism and globalization on diplomacy and most significantly, the various components of modern diplomacy.

HIS 114: AFRICA TO 1800

This course focuses on issues of African history up to 1800. Its central themes are the possibility of African history and sources such as oral traditions and archaeology, origin of man in the continent and his relations with other continents via trans-Saharan and trans- Atlantic slave trade, early civilizations and inventions.

HIS 115: EUROPE TO THE AGE OF REVOLUTIONS

The course surveys the origins, development of Western civilization and the elements of inter-state relations. It emphasizes their historic cultures, the city system, the development of Greek democracy and influence, imperial Rome, the medieval period through the renaissance to the scientific revolution and the French revolution in the18^th century.

HIS 121: THEMES IN AFRCIA HISTORY

This course exposes the students to Africa’s interaction with the Europeans and the Arabs. It examines the impacts on African developments, slave trade, and produce trade. It also discusses imperialism and neo-imperialism.

HIS 122: EVOLUTION OF CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

This course examines the evolution of the contemporary international system by exploring how relationships of power have evolved and changed as the contemporary international system began from the structure of regional systems. It uses the notion of empire (the Roman Empire before 1648) to reveal the changing nature of order, power and of power relations in the system. This allows both the lecturer(s) and students to view international relations as a thick set of social, political, cultural and military relations, offering a variety of viewpoints that are habitually hidden/unnoticed by concentrating basically on the international system as one of sovereign states. The course uses the relationship between empire and the evolution of concepts such as region, sovereignty and hegemony. It further looks at the relationship between empire and conflict, pointing in particular at the twentieth century. The course also reflects the supposed departure and reappearance of empire in the contemporary period, giving us the clout to reflect in conclusion on the usefulness of the concept in the contemporary world politics.

HIS 123: PRE-COLONIAL DIPLOMACY IN AFRICA

The course enables students to have a full understanding of how Pre-colonial African State sustained diplomatic relations with themselves and with the outside world, the usefulness of this diplomacy and the sustenance of peace and peaceful co-existence through the diplomatic relations.

HIS 124: NIGERIA UP TO 1800

This course centres on the geo-physical environment, historical origin of the Nigerian peoples, their interactions with neighbours, the developments and emergence of political organizations among them in early times. It deals with the problems attendant on state formation, and state building, encountered by the kingdoms and empires. It also dwells on their interactions and activities at the coast and the hinterland as well as other peoples and states.

HIS 125: MAJOR WORLD CIVILIZATIONS

This course introduces students to a general survey of some of the major world civilizations and their contributions to major developments, e.g. Egyptians, Arabs, the Greeks, the Romans, the Chinese and the Europeans.

HIS 211: INTER GROUP RELATIONS IN NIGERIA UP TO 1900

This course interrogates the traditional roots of the modern state system. It marks out the various groups which developed in the early times, the beginnings of state institutions and the extent to which they promote intergroup and external relations.

HIS 212: THE INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL SYSTEM

This course reveals the crucial theoretical and practical tools needed to understand the contemporary international system. Precisely, the objective of the course is to acquaint students with the historical survey of the evolution of the international system and the establishment of the modern state system. It features the early organized groups, inter-state relations and the issues which necessitated the emergence of the modern state and the Westphalia Treaty. It also focuses on the nature requirements and instruments of the modern state. It explains the concepts of state, sovereignty, and territoriality, mode of state interaction, international behaviour, state interest, and control in the international system.

HIS 213: NIGERIA FROM 1800 TO INDEPENDENCE

The course surveys the key issues in the political, economic, and social developments in Nigerian communities and the factors responsible for such developments in the nineteenth and twentieth century. It also pays attention to the study of changes in pre-colonial societies- political, social, economic, demographic and intellectual-generated by internal and external forces and stimuli. To this extent issues like the conquest, amalgamation of the North and South Protectorate, the British administration, the evolution and growth of nationalism, constitutional developments, decolonization and independence are explored.

HIS 215: NORTH AFRICA- THE MAGHREB IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

This course explores the study of the indigenous people of the Northern Africa, the nature and effects of geographical factors and foreign conquest, the processes of state formation, the study of Egypt to the Napoleonic era, the character of European imperialism, colonial rule, Islamic politics and the emergence of modern states in the Maghreb, European rivalry in Egypt, and condominium government in the Sudan. It also introduces students to nationalism and pattern of post-independence developments in the Maghreb.

HIS 216: EUROPE FROM THE AGE OF REVOLUTION TO 1945.

This course examines the European state system and interstate system, their actors, method of interaction and instruments of diplomacy. It examines the concept of balance of power, the First World War, the inter war years, collective security and problems of applications, the reconstruction of Europe, Second World War, the League of Nations, the United Nations, diplomacy of colonialism and decolonization, Axis and Allied diplomacy, appeasements and cold war.

HIS 217: HISTORY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

This course focuses on the study of the indigenous peoples of South African region. The coming of the Europeans as adventurers, explorers, miners, settlers, and rulers.it discusses the inter relationship between the Bantu, Boer and Great Britain. It also a study of the disturbances in Bantu and Boer societies, roots of racialism, apartheid policies, black resistance and the struggle for Black majority rule, international involvements, and the post-apartheid South Africa.

HIS 221: EUROPEAN IMPERIALISM AND AFRICAN REACTION

The course examines the internal and external factors and developments which created the setting in Europe and Africa that brought the two continents together, the events that provided the platform for asymmetric relationships which later culminated in European imperialism. It brings to the fore the nature and processes of partition, and the nature of African reactions. It also considers the impacts of imperialism and African reactions on Africa and the world.

HIS 222: WEST AFRICA IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

This course explores the study of the peoples and states of West Africa from earliest times. It studies the human activities in states like Ghana, the Benin kingdom, and the Sudanese states such as trade, dynastic rivalries, war, and external influences- trans-Saharan and trans-Atlantic trades, Islam, Christianity, colonization. Emphasis would be placed on the patterns of colonial rule, nationalist struggles, post-independence domestic and international relations developments.

HIS 223: NIGERIAN FOREIGN SERVICE AND DIPLOMACY

The course examines the meaning, origin and development of the diplomacy and Foreign Service as well as Nigeria’s Foreign Service. It examines the changing structures of the Nigerian Foreign Service, its roles, problems and prospects in the changing Nigerian environment; the Nigerian ambassador and his tasks; and career Vs. Non-Career Diplomats.

HIS 224: DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR LAW

This course provides an overview of the rules and principles that comprise diplomatic and consular law.  The following topics will be covered:  the theoretical and historical basis for diplomatic law; diplomatic and consular immunity (including full and partial immunity); personal inviolability of diplomats (i.e., protection from arrest, imprisonment), inviolability of communications (the diplomatic bag), and diplomatic premises; and the taxation of diplomats.

HIS 225: ECONOMIC HISTORY OF NIGERIA IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

This is a survey of the various units and institutions of production and distributions in the pre-colonial communities such as arts and crafts of the indigenous interior kingdoms, the medium of exchange, iron implements and agricultural revolution, salt and fishing industries and their impacts. It also stresses the changing pattern of production and exchange among Nigerians, and Europeans economic imperialism, the colonial political framework for economic exploitation, the achievements and limitations of economic policies, the nature and problems of Nigerian post-independence economic development.

HIS 226: HISTORY OF CENTRAL AND EAST AFRICA SINCE 19TH CENTURY

The course explores gender construction and identity formation in international perspective. Case studies will be drawn from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Topics include theories and methodologies for examining gender relations in cross-cultural perspective, political and socio- economic status of women, gender ideologies and symbolic representations, women's activism.

HIS 227: BLACKS IN DIASPORA

A historical study of the black communities found in areas outside Africa, especially in the new world (America); the origin of the Diaspora; the nature of the black peoples interaction and experiences in the Diaspora with references to3 race relations. It brings to the fore the social, economic, cultural, and intellectual contributions of the blacks to world civilizations and development. The underlying cultural unity or similarity among the blacks and their role in the contemporary world affairs will be emphasized.

HIS 228: PRINCIPLES AND POLITICS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

This course starts from the assumption that increasingly policymakers need to know more about international law in order to understand and act in world politics. International politics is now so interpenetrated with international law concepts and practices that one can no longer be an effective policy maker working on international topics without a basic familiarity with international law. The central goal of the course is to familiarize students with a broad range of analytical and policy tools to enable them to think and act critically when drafting and implementing policies related to international law. The course provides an introduction to some aspects of the method and substance of international law, including some key legal concepts like sovereign immunity, jus cogens, general principles of international law, principles of jurisdiction etc. But this is not a law course. We cover legal subjects to understand how politics and law interact in shaping international relations today. We will explore the following issues: How do we explain where particular laws and norms come from? Why do states commit to international treaties and to soft law? How do these affect the shape of global politics and the outcomes of particular events? How often do states obey or comply with international law, and why? We will also examine substantive areas of international law such as the use of force and the laws of war, human rights, environmental law, trade law, and international criminal law. The course uses cases, role-playing, and simulations to help students learn how to work with international law.

HIS 311: PHILOSOPHY AND METHODOLOGY OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES I

The focus is of this course is to examine the philosophical and methodological problems in history and international studies. History as a unique science, historical truth, facts, determinism and explanation; and methodological operation in historical and international studies research, sources of data, methods of collecting, analysing and validating data, methods of structural and statistical procedures in history and international studies and the craft of writing history and international studies and demonstration through a minor history and international studies research project.

HIS 312: FROM TSARIST RUSSIA TO SOVIET UNION

This course introduces the students to an in-depth study the demographic and social origins of the Tsarist rule and emergence of the monarchical absolutism; the serfdom emancipation of 1861and its consequences, the growth of radical ideologies and movements and the Bolshevik revolution. Attention would also be on Russia as an imperial power, and its roles in world affairs.

HIS 313: HISTORY OF THE USA UP TO 1860

This course is concerned with a study of the emergence of the British colonies in the new world (America), the rise of mercantilismand the factors which gave rise to the USA. It is designed to introduce the students to the origins of the United States, the making of the constitution, the growth of slavery, the Manifest Destiny, early reforms movements, the Civil War and the challenges of the young nation.

HIS 314: CONTEMPORARY STRATEGIC STUDIES  

This course covers strategic thinking from Carl Von Clausewitz to the 21st century. Importance will be given to the relationship between force and international politics including the role of strategy in limiting international competition and attempts to restrain the use of force. The course begins by introducing a number of key enduring themes, concepts and problems associated with strategic studies before it considers the relevance of these considerations to the contemporary international security environment.

HIS 315: ECONOMIC HISTORY OF WEST AFRICA IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

The course focuses on the major economic developments and activities of the West Africa sub region in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the motivating factors of demand and supply from within and the external factors of the Europeans and the industrial revolutions, the pattern and nature of trade and the link between economic and political developments.

HIS 316: LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

This course centres on aspects of political and economic history of the Latin America and the Caribbean region from the 15^th century to the present with emphasis on the 19^th and 20^th centuries. In examining the interrelationships the various peoples who came to inhabit the countries of the region, the course will cover such topics as society and culture in the pre-colonial era; the Encomienda system, plantation society and slavery; the Haitian revolution; independence movements; the decline of Europe and the rise of the United States in the Americas; nation building processes; regional integration and modern political parties and military regimes.

HIS 317: ASIA IN WORLD POLITICS

This course gives a general review of the politics and other aspects of Asia, with importance on the contemporary Pacific Asia. Starting with the general environment of Asia, this course covers the history, politics, and international relations of major Asian powers and discusses the main economic and security issues that concern Asian countries today. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be familiar with the international and domestic politics of Pacific Asia; to gain a better understanding of the historical and current developments of Asian countries; and to apply appropriately the concepts and theories to the study of Asia.

HIS 318: HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO THE 19TH CENTURY

This course examines different themes am paradigms of scientific explanation from Aristotle through Descartes to Newton investigating grand theories, social and intellectual context of devices forged to adapt man to his environment from the stone tools of the earliest man to the steam engine and gun powder of the possibility and content of science and technology in Africa.

HIS 321: Research Methodology in History and International Studies II

This course is a continuation of HIS 111and HIS 311. It further examines the major problems encountered in doing research in history of non-literate and literate societies and international studies. The techniques of collection, collation, and interpretation of evidences- oral, archaeological and documented sources will be emphasized. This includes practical exposure to the use of library, museum, archives, fieldworks and interpretation of official documents etc. 

HIS 326: SOVIET UNION SINCE 1917

This course discusses the social, economic and political consequences of the revolution, the institutions created to effect proletarian rule, political centralisation and industrial and technological development under Stalin; the development plans, politics and policies of Perestroika and Glasnost and disintegration. Also the international relations of the Soviet Union will be examined.

HIS 323: HISTORY OF THE USA SINCE 1860

The course examines the politics of post-war reconstruction in America, the dynamics and transformation of the American economy into an industrial capitalist monopoly, the problems of labour and urbanisation are also considered. Also to be examined is the question of American foreign policy in the age of expanisationist imperialism leading to her involvement in the First World War, post-war economic boom and the economic depression of 1929 will be examined. The main features of American international relations in the post-war period including the politics of the Cold War Era and after the global level will be emphasized.

HIS 324: COMPARATIVE INDUSTRIAL GROWTH: (NIGERIA, INDIA, CHINA, BRITAIN, USA, USSR, etc.)

The course examines the internal conditions for, and external influences on the industrial growth of the US, USSR, Japan China, European Countries and the “Asian Tigers.” It compares approaches, polices and management systems, and achievements as well as its impacts on Africa.

HIS 325: THE MIDDLE EAST IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

The course examines the structure of society and government in the Ottoman Empire, the Balkans problem and he consequences of the world wars on political organization in the region. Also the question of Israel and the power of Arab oil in international relations.

HIS 326: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SINCE 1919

This course focuses on major developments in international relations, evolution of international law, changes in the rules and organisation of the international system. The League of Nations, the United Nations, and NATO with special reference to their roles in Africa are of importance to this course.

HIS 327: GENDER AND NON STATE ACTORS IN WOLD POLITICS

The course explores gender construction an identity formation in international perspective. The course also introduces students to the role Non-State actor’s play in international relations.  Case studies will be drawn from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. It also examines political movements such as Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Irish Republican Army (IRA), the National Liberation Front (NLF), South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), and Multinational Corporation as actors in international relations.

HIS 328: THE MILITARY IN AFRICA

This course interrogates and evaluates the military as an institution from pre-colonial era to modern times; the sociological theories associated with military, its functions, role, and organization, in pre-colonial settings, the transformation brought to it by colonialism and its emergence as non-formal player in state politics in post-independence Africa.

HIS 411: NIGERIAN FOREIGN POLICY SINCE INDEPENDENCE

The course teaches the basic principles underlying Nigeria’s foreign policy; Nigeria’s role in Africa, her relations with the Great Powers, UN, Commonwealth, ECOWAS etc. Major factors, internal and external, shaping the foreign policy of Nigeria; the role of political parties, the press, parliament, public opinion in formulation of policy, the role of the foreign service, and Federal Executive Council in the foreign policy process; presidential system and Nigerian foreign policy under the Second Republic; the role of the Executive office of the President etc.

HIS 412: INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

This course introduces students to key concepts and theories of international institutions and their dynamics in international relations and world politics. International Institutions that encompass both international organizations and international rules play important roles in shaping dynamics of international relations and world politics. This course focuses on both international organizations (IOs) and international institutions that include formal treaties and informal rules, norms, and strategies of actors that shape world politics. We will study key theoretical concepts and analytical frameworks through case studies and the literature on international organizations and non-state organizations.

HIS 413: INSURGENCY AND COUNTER INSURGENCY

This course is an exploratory study of the nature, character and manifestations of insurgencies in history and the methods that were adopted to counter them. The aim is to acquaint the student with the prevalence of rebellious uprisings in various ramifications, and the evolution of strategies to tackle them. Issues that would be discussed include: the British civil war, the Spanish Civil War, the American Civil War and the French Revolution, various rebellious uprisings in pre-colonial Africa and post-colonial Africa, etc.

HIS 414: OAU/AU: A STUDY IN AFRICA INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

This is a study of the factors that led to the formation of the O.A.U, how it transited to become AU and the role which the organization has played in the promotion of African International Relations since 1963. The course examines the agencies of the AU and their roles in the promotion of the ideals for which the OAU/AU was founded. Attention is paid to the role of the AU in the management and resolution of conflicts in Africa and the promotion of good and peaceful neighbourliness, among African States.

HIS 415: HISTORY OF NIGERIA SINCE INDEPENDENCE

This course examines the independence and post-independence crisis/ problems of nation building, military involvement in Nigeria politics and governance civil war, political, social and economic developments since the end of civil war. It also examines the problems of insecurity, corruption, marginalization, secession threats along other challenges associated with industrial developments.

HIS 416: ADVANCED THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

This course presents the importance of theoretical perspectives and debates in the study of international relations. It covers studies that address different levels of analysis from the international system to domestic politics to individual leaders and that span major theoretical paradigm, including Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism. It also discusses intellectual history as well as cutting-edge contributions to the field.

HIS 421: FOREIGN POLICIES OF AFRICAN STATES

This course emphasis is on the determinants of the foreign policies of African states. It dwells on the historical circumstances which have affected the dispositions of African states in the international system; their orientations and operational strategies. The course will further examine the problems of Afro-Arab relations and Africa’s relationship with regional organizations and institutions.

HIS 422: INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS

The focus is on international political economy and it includes comparative political economy. It exposes students to the international factors influencing domestic policy-making, while comparative political economy examines economic policy-making in a domestic context. The course deals with important contemporary topics such as foreign trade, capital flows, monetary policy and exchange rates, issues in globalization, and international organizations and institutions such as NAFTA, GATT, the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF and World Bank) and the EU.

HIS 423: WAR AND STRIFE IN AFRICA: ISSUES IN PEACE KEEPING, IDPs AND THE REFUGEE CRISIS

This course deals with inter-state wars, and conflict, irredentism, social upheaval, natural disasters, the burgeoning refugee crisis, impoverished continents, conflicts of the horns of Sudan, Central Africa civil wars, militancy and insurgencies among others.

HIS 424: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENTS IN AFRICA

The course begins with the concept of cooperation, integration in Africa. It examines the various regional organizations in Africa which have been set up by the joint efforts of African states to facilitate economic developments; problems encountered and prospects of such efforts.

HIS 425: COMPARATIVE LEGISLATIVE STUDIES: NIGERIA, USA, BRITAIN, FRANCE AND INDIA

This is an in-depth study of the legislative systems as practised in Nigeria, USA, Britain, France and India. Common trends and distinguishing differences are identified and explained against the varying historical experiences of the states involved.

HIS 499: RESEARCH PROJECT

This is an essay in partial fulfilment of the award of B.A. in History and International Studies. The essay should be between 4,000 to 6,000 words written in English language on a subject related to any area of History and International Studies. Students are to write an original project topic to be approved by a supervisor and the Head of Department.

General Requirements for Admission into the Department

1. Admission Requirements:

Candidates for admission into the B.A. History and International Studies programme must satisfy the EUI University’s minimum entry requirement, which stipulates 5 credits including English Language and Mathematics in GCE/SSCE 0 Level, NECO/WAEC (in not more than two sittings).

1. UME (4-year B.A. History and International Studies Programme): Candidates seeking admission through JAMB UME into the 4-Year B.A. History and International Studies programme must satisfy the Edo University requirement for admission into the Department of History and International Studies. In addition, they must have at least credit passes in History or Government and any other two Arts or Social Sciences subjects.
2. DIRECT ENTRY (3-year B. A. History and International Studies programme): All candidates seeking admission into the 3-year B.A History and International Studies programme must satisfy the Edo University O level requirement for admission into the Department of History and International Studies. In addition, they must have at least credit passes at the Advanced level GCE, or at Principal level in the HSC examination, NCE, or IJMB examination.