HIST 499: RS: Senior Seminar in History

HIST 499-002: History and Memory in NoVA
(Fall 2026)

01:30 PM to 04:10 PM W

Innovation Hall 338

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Section Information for Fall 2026

This course is the capstone of the History major. Students are required to produce a substantial research paper based on their reading of primary and secondary sources focused on forgotten and erased histories in the region. Students will explore topics based on a set of methodologies that will allow for the creation of research questions designed to be explored through the engagement with primary sources. Students may focus on topics within local history including political or military topics of their choice or on subjects relating to women, slavery, education, religion, or culture more generally. In other words, this seminar requires that you pull together your educational experiences and demonstrate a mastery of research, analytical, and communication skills by applying those skills to a particular historical project. This course also counts toward the writing intensive requirement for the History major.

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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, 302XS or 310C).
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.