HIST 499: RS: Senior Seminar in History

HIST 499-001: Age of Washington
(Fall 2025)

01:30 PM to 04:10 PM M

Innovation Hall 338

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Section Information for Fall 2025

This is the capstone course in the History major. Students will write research paper, approximately 20-25 pages, based on research drawing on primary and secondary sources related to George Washington. Washington’s life (b.1732-d.1799) occurred during a pivotal period in American history. Washington himself played a key role in many events, including the French and War, the American Revolution, and as the first President of the United States. He was also a major Virginia planter and slaveowner. Students will focus on a particular aspect of Washington’s life, such as Washington’s relationship with his wife Martha or with his enslaved people; his decision to allow Blacks to serve in the Continental Army; his support for inoculation of American troops for smallpox; his dealings with Indians before, during, or after the American Revolution, or his connections with other political or military leaders such as Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, General Lafayette, or with individual Native American leaders and their tribes. Papers may also focus on the role and memory of Washington in American culture, including the Washington monument or the building of the city of Washington, DC. 
  
This course is Research Intensive and requires a substantial time commitment from students. 

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Research on specialized historical topic culminating in seminar paper and oral presentation. Synthesis course; students expected to integrate knowledge and skills acquired in Mason Core courses. Notes: Subject determined by instructor. Student may present no more than 3 credits for graduation credit. Must receive passing grade to graduate with BA in history. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Mason Apex, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: History majors with 90 credits
Registration Restrictions:

Required Prerequisites: (HIST 300C or 300XS) and (ENGH 302C, ENGL 302C, ENGH 302XS, HNRS 110C, 110XS, 210C, 302C or 302XS).
C Requires minimum grade of C.
XS Requires minimum grade of XS.

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in History.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.