Prospective
Student
Students admitted to the master's program normally are expected to finish their degree requirements within one academic year. Employed or otherwise occupied students may distribute courses over a two-year period with a minimum of six units in any one quarter. They must successfully complete a minimum of thirty-six units, of which at least twenty units must be in colloquia, conjoined courses, directed readings, and seminars. In addition to meeting these course requirements, each student must pass a comprehensive oral examination. Students in European and Latin American history, and in certain special areas, are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language relevant to their course work. This requirement should be satisfied before the end of the spring quarter. The basic M.A. programs of study are
- Chinese Studies
- Modern European History
- History of Science
- Judaic Studies
- Latin American History
- United States History
M.A. Chinese Studies
Chinese Studies is an interdisciplinary program that allows the graduate student interested in China to take advantage of the university's offerings in various departments to build a coordinated graduate program leading to an M.A. degree in history. Although the program is offered under the auspices of the Department of History, the student selects courses in Anthropology, Linguistics, Literature, Political Science, and Sociology, as well as History.
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M.A. Modern European History
Candidates for the M.A. degree in European history pursue a program concentrating on the history of modern Europe. The program provides background in earlier European history in order to place modern Europe in perspective. Some training in a discipline other than history is also recommended. The requirement of nine courses (thirty-six units) is normally distributed as follows:
- A two-quarter research seminar, to be selected from HIGR 230, 231, or 232.
- Three one-quarter courses concerning the historical literature about central problems in European history: HIGR 200, 220, 221, and 222 are the preferred options. If any of them are not scheduled for the year, other graduate-level colloquia may be substituted with approval of the student's graduate adviser.
- Two courses in pre-industrial Europe, 1450-1750: HIGR 200, 220, and 221 may be counted for this distribution requirement.
- Two courses in industrial Europe since 1750: HIGR 221 and 222 may be counted for this requirement, as well as appropriate graduate level colloquia.
Note: HIGR 221 may NOT be used for both (C) and (D).
- One course in a discipline other than history, if relevant to the student's program.
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History of Science
The master's program in history of science provides a broad background in preparation for a variety of careers related to science and technology, business, journalism, education, government, or for more advanced degree work. The nine courses (thirty-six units) required are normally distributed as follows:
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Two courses in science in early modern Europe.
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Two courses in science since 1750.
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A two-quarter research seminar
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The remaining courses are chosen in consultation with the faculty in history of science. For students whose previous training has been mainly scientific, these will include courses in historical fields other than the history of science. For students who already have historical training, they may include one or more courses related to the sciences.
M.A. Judaic Studies
Judaic Studies is an interdisciplinary program offered under the auspices of the Department of History. Students take courses in Anthropology, History, and Literature, with possible specialties in archaeology, biblical studies, or the Judaism of the Greco-Roman period.
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M.A. Latin American History
This program offers students a general preparation in the history of Latin America. Students will have opportunities to specialize in the national or colonial periods and can emphasize work in one country. Advanced work in another discipline related to Latin America may also be included in the program. The nine courses (thirty-six units) should normally be distributed as follows:
- History 245A-B-C.
- Three other graduate courses in Latin American history.
- Three other courses related to Latin America in history or in other disciplines.
For more information on Latin Ameican studies, please visit the Center for Iberian and Latin Ameican Studies webstie at: http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/las/
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M.A. United States History
This area of concentration offers a broad grounding in the literature of American history from the colonial period to the present. In addition to a shared core of courses, students specialize in a topical field of their own choosing. Training in a related discipline outside of history is encouraged. The requirement of nine courses (thirty-six units) is distributed as follows:
- HIGR 265A-B-C: first-year graduate colloquia devoted to the literature of American history. These colloquia are required of all entering graduate students in United States history.
- Two courses (eight units) in a single topical field chosen from African-American history, Atlantic history, history of the borderlands and Southwest, Chicano history, economic history, legal and constitutional history, political history, social and cultural history, history of the South, history of the West, or history of women and gender.
- Four additional courses (sixteen units) chosen in consultation with the student's adviser, two of which may be in a related field outside the department.
- At least six of the nine courses must be colloquia or graduate level courses. Students may take conjoined courses, directed readings, research seminars, or the 265 series to meet this requirement.
