Coursework
All students will complete the following required courses, as enumerated in the University Catalog.
Historiography
Students take HIST 610: The Study and Writing of History (3 credits) to learn historical research techniques and methodology, genres of historical analysis, and major historiographical interpretations.
History Doctoral Colloquium
Students take 6 credits of HIST 810: History Doctoral Colloquium. Students must enroll in this 1-credit course until they advance to candidacy (a minimum of four semesters and a maximum of six semesters). This course is designed to enhance professional development and to provide a focal point for students in the Ph.D. program. Colloquium meets in alternating weeks and is scheduled to not conflict with other graduate classes. Events may include presentation of faculty and student research, workshops on various topics, and visiting speakers.
Digital History
Students take 6 credits of courses in digital history, including HIST 696: Clio Wired: An Introduction to History and New Media (3 credits). Clio Wired provides a basic overview of the uses of new media in history. It includes an examination of the history of media and technology, theories of hypertext, and critical evaluation of digital history.
Students take at least one additional digital history course, chosen from HIST 697: Data Analysis for History, HIST 698: Creating Software for History, and HIST 688: Topics in History and New Media. In these seminars, students create original historical projects in digital media. Students may elect to take additional credits of Digital History, to count towards major or minor fields or their electives.
Research
- Students take 3-6 credits of HIST 797: Research Seminar in History (3 credits). In this course, students produce an article-length piece of original historical research grounded in primary sources. Each seminar is organized around a topic or theme (ex: Policy and Technology; War and Modern Society) that varies semester to semester. Students may receive 3 transfer credits for taking a similar course elsewhere or completing HIST 797 as part of their master's degree at George Mason, but all doctoral students will take at least one semester of HIST 797 with us as part of the doctoral studies.
- Students take 3 credits of HIST 811: Doctoral Research Seminar (3 credits). This advanced research seminar is preparation for dissertation research and writing. Students pursue individualized projects with the goal of producing a publishable scholarly article or the beginnings of a dissertation chapter. Unlike HIST 797, this course allows students to do research in their area of specialization rather than in the instructor’s specialty. This course is open only to Ph.D. students.
Dissertation-Related Courses
- HIST 998: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (minimum of 3 credits): An independent study taken while writing the dissertation proposal. Although the initial registration must be for 3 credits, subsequent credits can be taken one at a time. Students may use a maximum of 6 credits of HIST 998 toward the Ph.D. Once registered for HIST 998, a student must maintain continuous enrollment every semester (excluding summers) until they graduate. Students register for HIST 998 by filling out an individual section request and sending it to the Graduate Coordinator to request a Course Record Number (CRN) so they can register through Patriot Web. Registration requires the approval of the student’s advisor and the Ph.D. Director. While registered for HIST 998, students receive a grade of IP (“in progress”), which is converted to S or NC (“satisfactory” or “no credit” if the work was unsatisfactory) once the dissertation committee approves the proposal.
- HIST 999: Doctoral Dissertation Research (minimum of 15 credits): Once the proposal has been approved and all other requirements except the dissertation have been met, students may register for HIST 999. Once registered for HIST 999, a student must maintain continuous enrollment every semester (excluding summers*) until they graduate. Students must register for a minimum of 3 credits in the first semester after advancing to candidacy. After completing 15 credits, students may register for 1 credit per semester.
*If you defend your dissertation in summer, you are required to enroll in at least 1 credit of HIST 999 that summer.