Concentrations

A concentration within the History Major is a theme, subject or perspective that courses have in common. A concentration both links the courses together and also reflects your particular interests in history. Some examples of such linking themes are: economic history; race and ethnicity in history; imperialism; politics; intellectual history; modern America, gender; conflict and resistance; nation building, African history. The possibilities are nearly endless.

While looking through descriptions of the courses that the History Department is offering in the next two years, note the courses that are most interesting to you. Also consider the History courses that you have already taken. Think about why these courses interest you. You will find that several of them interest you for the same reason; they investigate similar issues, look at history from a similar perspective, or focus on the same time period or the same region of the world. You may then use these courses as the core of your concentration. Look through the History course offerings again to find other courses that also share this focus. Discuss your proposed concentration with your major adviser.  Your adviser may be able to suggest other courses you have not considered that would be appropriate to your concentration.

In devising your concentration, you must consider which of the seminars that the History Department is offering is most appropriate for your concentration. You should plan your major so that you have the necessary background for the advanced work that a seminar entails. For example, if you are devising a Concentration in Asian History, and you are planning to cap it with Professor Ericson's "The American Occupation of Japan," courses for your concentration might include:

• HIST 5.5: The Emergence of Modern Japan;
• HIST 6: Science and Technology in the Making of Modern Korea;
• HIST 9: Introduction to Korean History and Culture; or
• HIST 72: Late Imperial China in a Global Context.

Another example: if you are devising a Concentration in Imperialism and Resistance and planning to cap it with Professor Trumbull's seminar “Topics in the History of Islamic Africa,” you should be sure to include in your concentration plan HIST 5.8: Africa and the World; HIST 6: Nationalism and State-Building in the Middle East; or HIST 6: Conflict and Violence in the Middle East.

If you are planning a standard History major, any faculty member of the History Department can serve as your advisor. All you need to do is to visit a professor during his/her office hours or make an appointment. If you are planning a modified major or double major, then you must consult with the chair or vice-chair of the History Department.