Department of History
Graduate Course Levels

Graduate Course Levels

6000-Level Courses

These are small-sized courses (up to 15) designed to give students opportunities to master historical research, writing, and oral communication. These courses focus on closely defined periods/geographic areas or key historical developments, and encourage students to identify and pursue their own original research interests within this framework. They are taught in conjunction with parallel undergraduate courses at the 5000 level. 

7000-Level Courses

These are seminar courses which make up the majority of a PhD student's coursework while in the program. Small groups meet regularly with a professor to discuss a particular book or topics prepared in advance. All students are expected to participate actively in the discussion. This form of teaching does not involve lectures. If unfamiliar with the background to a topic, students are normally expected read up on it themselves.

8000-8600 Level Courses

These are readings courses, consisting of regular meetings with a professor to discuss particular books or topics, prepared in advance. The workload will be equivalent to that of a seminar. Students taking readings courses are normally expected to have had prior coursework in the field.