University Catalog 2005-2006

University Catalog > CAS > History and Art History

History and Art History

Phone: 703-993-1250
Web: chnm.gmu.edu/history

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Faculty

  • Professors:Bakhash (Robinson Professor), J.R. Censer (chair), J.T. Censer, Holt, Horton, Levine, Petrik, Rosenzweig (Fried Professor), Stearns (provost), Stewart, Wade, Wilkins (Robinson Professor), Zagarri
  • Associate professors: Carton, Copelman, Deshmukh, Hamdani, Karush, Lytton, O'Malley, Platt, Smith
  • Assistant professors: Barnes, Bristol, Chang, D. Cohen, M. Cohen, Hawkes, Kelly, Landsberg, Manuel-Scott, Schrag, Scully
  • Term professors:Garabedian, Greenberg, Leon, McCord, Orens, Scheinfeldt, Schrum,
  • Postdoctoral teaching fellows: Gardner, Giandrea, Harris, Ostwald, Pollack, Strong, Tulchin

Course Work

This department offers all course work designated HIST and ARTH in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Programs

History, BA

In addition to satisfying the university general education requirements and requirements for the BA degree in CAS, candidates for a degree in history must complete 36 credits of history, with at least 18 credits at the 300 and 400 levels. Additional credits of history in excess of 36 may be presented as elective credits to be counted toward graduation. The 36 credits must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 and are distributed as follows:

  • 6 credits of U.S. history (3 credits fulfilled by the university-wide requirement HIST 120)
  • 6 credits of European history (3 credits fulfilled by the university-wide requirement HIST 100)
  • 6 credits of global, Latin American, African, Asian, or Middle Eastern history (6 credits will be met if approved history courses are used to fulfill the university general education requirement in global understanding and the college-level requirement in non-Western culture).
  • 3 credits of HIST 300 Introduction to Historical Method, with a minimum grade of C (2.00)
  • 3 credits of HIST 499 Senior Seminar in History (fulfills university synthesis requirement)
  • 12 credits of history electives (at the 300 or 400 levels if necessary to complete the 18-credit, upper-division history requirement)

HIST 300 and 499 may not be used to satisfy requirements in the first three bullet points. Students should see an advisor before registering to help plan their history program to meet university general education and college-level requirements. The advisor also can help students choose electives or a minor.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

Mason requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in history may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing HIST 300 and 499.

Honors Program in History

History majors who have completed 75 credits (a minimum of 15 in history, 6 of which must have been taken at Mason) with a 3.50 overall GPA and a 3.50 GPA in history are eligible to apply to the history honors program. Candidates must have completed or be enrolled in HIST 300 at the time of application. The statement of application should include two Mason history faculty members as references. If a major part of the student's work includes transfer credit, transcripts may be required. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be accepted into the program.

To graduate with honors in history, students must complete HIST 490 and 491, which are linked, individualized courses normally given by the same instructor. Students must have completed at least one course in the field (or with the professor) chosen for these honors courses. HIST 490 should be taken before 491, although they may be taken concurrently. Either course may be taken concurrently with HIST 499 Senior Seminar in History. These 6 credits must be passed with a minimum 3.50 GPA, and the overall history GPA presented for graduation must be a minimum of 3.50. These 6 credits may be counted toward the 36-credit major requirement in history, but they do not replace HIST 499.

Minor in History

To receive the minor, students must complete 18 credits in history, including 12 credits at the 300 and 400 levels, and 9 credits concentrated in a region or topic related, if possible, to the student's major, with a minimum GPA of 2.00. The program must be approved by the undergraduate coordinator before graduation. A GPA in history courses of at least 2.00 is required.

For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog.

Interdisciplinary Minor

The department collaborates with various interdisciplinary minors including African American studies, ancient Mediterranean art and archaeology, Asia Pacific studies, Islamic studies, and Latin American studies. Students can earn credits toward these minors by taking selected history courses. See the interdisciplinary minors section of this chapter for a description.

Advising

The undergraduate coordinator advises majors and minors. History majors are urged to discuss their programs periodically with the coordinator.

Teacher Licensure

Students who wish to become teachers should consult the CEHD chapter and attend an information session early in their undergraduate career. For more information, call 703-993-2892, e-mail gseadmit@gmu.edu, or go to gse.gmu.edu.

Graduate Program

History, MA

The Department of History and Art History provides graduate training in historical methods and analysis for students with widely varying goals. The four MA concentrations that follow are designed to meet those goals.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the admission requirements for graduate study and for the Department of History and Art History. These include satisfactory scores on the GRE, and two letters of recommendation from history professors with whom the applicant has studied, or from others directly familiar with the applicant's professional competence and interests.

The GRE requirement is waived for students who received their undergraduate degrees 10 or more years ago, or who hold another graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Within the first three concentrations listed below, students must specialize in American history, modern European history, or comparative world history. Requirements for all concentrations include the following:

  • Minimum of 30 credits (36 credits in the teaching concentration) with a GPA of at least 3.00
  • HIST 610 The Study and Writing of History (3 credits), taken within the first 9 credits
  • Except in the teaching concentration, a comprehensive readings course (HIST 790, 791, or 792) designed by the student and a professor and taken during the last semester of course work. The course is used to round out general historical knowledge and prepare students for the comprehensive exam.

Written comprehensive exam. Students who do not pass are given the option of a second written exam following the original procedures. The second exam must be taken within a calendar year.

To remedy deficiencies in their undergraduate preparation, students may be required to take up to 21 additional credits of foundation courses, which cover broad thematic areas (HIST 601, 602 Themes in U.S. History I, II and 605, 606 Themes in European History I, II). If required as foundational, these credits cannot be applied toward the 30 credits required for the degree (36 credits in the concentration in teaching).

If foundation courses are not required at admission, students in the concentrations in enrichment (Track III) and teaching (Track IV) may apply one of the themes courses toward their degree. Students in the other concentrations may not apply these courses toward their degree.

Concentration in Predoctoral History, or Predoctoral History with a Cultural History Emphasis

This concentration is for students planning to continue into doctoral studies. In addition to HIST 610, it requires the following:

  • 15 credits in the area of specialization (American history, modern European history, or comparative world history), including a research seminar and the comprehensive readings course. The comprehensive readings course for students in this concentration generally requires reading beyond what is required in the other concentrations.
  • 6 credits outside the area of specialization, not including applied history courses (HIST 690, 691, 692, 693)
  • 6 credits in HIST 799 Thesis, or 3 credits in HIST 798 Directed Research and Writing in History. HIST 798 requires the completion of a major paper that is a substantial and original contribution to historical knowledge on the model of an article in a scholarly journal. If the major paper option is chosen, students must complete an additional 3 credits in the major field.

Reading proficiency in a modern foreign language, as demonstrated by course work or an exam.

Cultural History Emphasis

This emphasis is for students with a particular interest in cultural history as well as for students considering future work in the cultural studies doctoral program. Completion of this emphasis does not guarantee admission into the doctoral program; those interested in enrolling in that program should contact the cultural studies program directly. In addition to HIST 610, the cultural history emphasis requires the following:

  • 15 credits in the area of specialization (American history, modern European history, or comparative world history), including a research seminar. The comprehensive readings course for students in the cultural history emphasis generally requires additional reading similar to that in the predoctoral concentration.
  • CULT 802 Histories of Cultural Studies
  • Course in approaches to cultural history
  • 3 credits in HIST 798 Directed Research and Writing in History on a topic in cultural history
  • One additional course from outside the area of specialization, containing a significant cultural history component as defined by the instructor

Reading proficiency in a modern foreign language, as demonstrated by course work or examination.

Concentration in Applied History

This concentration is for students seeking expertise in applied history fields such as archival management, museum studies, historic preservation, and historical editing. It is also suitable for professionally employed historians who desire to further their careers. In addition to HIST 610, this concentration requires the following:

  • 15 credits in the area of specialization (American history, modern European history, or comparative world history), including a research seminar and the comprehensive readings course
  • 6 credits of applied history courses (historic preservation, museum studies, archives, historical editing, or new media and information technology)
  • 3 or 6 credits of internship (if 3-credit internship is selected, the other 3 credits are taken in applied history course work)

Proficiency in a relevant research tool (computers, statistics, or a modern foreign language), as demonstrated by course work or exam

Concentration in Applied History with New Media and Information Technology Emphasis

In addition to HIST 610, this concentration requires the following:

  • 15 credits in the area of specialization. (American history, modern European history, or comparative world history), including a research seminar and the comprehensive readings course
  • 6 credits in new media and information technology course work
  • 3 or 6 credits of internship in information technology (if 3-credit internship is selected, the other 3 credits are taken in applied history course work)

Proficiency in a relevant research tool (computer science, statistics, information technology, or a modern foreign language), as demonstrated by course work or exam

Concentration in Enrichment

This concentration is for students who want to study history for intellectual self-fulfillment or for vocational reasons. It allows more flexibility in the selection of courses, and does not require a foreign language. In addition to HIST 610, this concentration requires the following:

  • 15 credits in an area of specialization (American history, modern European history, or comparative world history), including a research seminar and the comprehensive readings course
  • 12 credits of electives

Six credits of thesis work are optional. If a thesis is elected, 3 credits in the major and 3 credits in electives are assigned to it.

Concentration in Teaching

This concentration is intended for students already licensed for teaching or seeking licensure. Unlike the other three concentrations, it requires a minimum of 36 credits and does not include the comprehensive readings course. Although it includes course work in history and education, completion of this concentration alone is not sufficient to qualify for licensure. That program is offered by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and admission is limited. Students are advised to consult with CEHD for specific requirements regarding licensure. In addition to the general MA in history requirements, this concentration requires the -following:

  • 24 credits in history, including 3 credits in HIST 610 The Study and Writing of History; at least 3 credits each from U.S., European, and non-Western history course offerings; and one research seminar

12 credits in graduate education courses, including EDCI 567

History, PhD

The PhD in history prepares students for careers in college teaching, digital media, publishing, educational administration, public history, and historical research. Students gain expertise in both conventional historical methods and web-based technologies. Major fields include U.S. history, European history, and comparative world history; minor fields include public history, constitutional studies, and new media and information technology. Depending on career goals and interests, students can also focus their degrees in one of four areas:

College/university teaching: This emphasis is for students who are seeking a career in teaching or research at the community college, college, or university level.

New media and information technology: Although all students in the program take some courses in new media, students in this emphasis seek careers specifically in new media (publishing, education, or a college or university history department where they would serve as the department's lead person in new media and information technology). This emphasis requires more advanced work in new media than any other.

Public and applied history: This emphasis prepares students for work in applied areas of history, such as museums, archives, federal government work, preservation, and editing; or helps students already working in those areas to advance. In some cases, students will do advanced course work in their field of work; in other cases, they will acquire knowledge or skills that will foster their professional work (such as nonprofit management).

Professional development: This emphasis responds to the needs of students who have already launched a career and want a doctoral degree to further career goals or fulfill personal intellectual goals. Candidates who need flexible scheduling will be advised on a case-by-case basis.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study at Mason, applicants should submit the following:

  • Three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues or academic mentors
  • GRE score
  • Goals statement that explains the applicant's academic credentials, professional background, intellectual interest in Mason's doctoral program in history, and ultimate career goals

Writing sample consisting of a history essay, research paper, or professional paper

Admission decisions are ordinarily sent in early March.

Financial Assistance

The department offers several research and teaching assistantships to highly qualified applicants. Other aid is available in the form of work study and federal student loans.

Reduction of Credit

For students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree, the number of required credits may be reduced by a maximum of 30 credits, subject to approval of the program faculty. Requests for reduction of credit are reviewed only after acceptance to the doctoral program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete a min-imum of 72 graduate credits. In addition to core courses, students must complete course work in a major field of study and two minor fields; pass a comprehensive exam; and complete a dissertation. The dissertation demonstrates mastery of the subject matter, methodologies, and conceptual foundations in the chosen field of study. This requirement is generally achieved through consideration of a problem on the boundaries of knowledge in the discipline.

Core courses: 21 credits distributed as follows:

  • HIST 610 The Study and Writing of History (3 -credits)
  • HIST 696 Clio Wired: An Introduction to History and New Media (3 credits)
  • HIST 697 Creating History in New Media (3 credits)
  • HIST 711/731/751 Research Seminar in U.S. History/Eur-o-pean History/Comparative World History (3 -credits)
  • HIST 810 History Doctoral Colloquium (1 credit a semester for 6 credits)
  • HIST 811 Doctoral Research Seminar (3 credits)

Major field: 15 credits chosen from U.S. history, European history, comparative world history

Minor fields: 18 credits in two minor fields (9 credits each)

Doctoral research skills: Students must demonstrate basic competency in computers. Students whose research requires knowledge of a foreign language must also demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language. The department sets specific research skills requirements for students, depending on their field of study.

Comprehensive exam: Students need to pass a comprehensive exam that consists of a written field statement for each minor field, and an oral exam for the major field.

Dissertation: HIST 998 (3 credits minimum; 6 credits maximum) and HIST 999 (15 credits) Once enrolled in 998, students must maintain continuous registration in 998 or 999 each semester until the dissertation is submitted to and accepted by the university library.

Students will be terminated from the program if they receive more than one unsatisfactory grade (defined as C or F).

Art History Faculty

  • Professors:ffolliott, Mattusch (Mathy Professor of the History of Art)
  • Associate professors: Butler, DeCaroli (coordinator), Todd
  • Assistant professor: Greet
  • Adjuncts:Bauman, Guignon, Poole

Undergraduate Programs

Art History, BA

As a liberal arts discipline, art history emphasizes the analysis of visual data in a historical context. The major program prepares students for graduate study in art history as well as for professional work.

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for a BA degree in CAS, students must complete 33 to 34 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00. These include 30 credits of ARTH: 3 to 6 credits at the 100 to 200 level, 18 to 21 credits at the 300 level, and 6 at the 400+ level, plus 3 to 4 credits of studio art (AVT). Specific requirements are as follows:

  • 3 to 6 credits in ARTH at the 100 or 200 level, including 3 credits from ARTH 200, 201, or 203 (203 fulfills the university general education requirement in global understanding. All other 100- or 200-level courses, excluding 204, fulfill the university general education requirement in fine arts).
  • ARTH 394 or 594 (fulfills the university synthesis requirement)
  • 18 to 21 credits of ARTH at the 300 level (may include ARTH 394)
  • 6 credits of ARTH at the 400 level or above, including 3 credits from ARTH 400, 420, 430, 440, 471, or 482
  • 3 to 4 credits in the Department of Art and Visual Technology in the College of Visual and Performing Arts: AVT 103, 104, 392, or others with permission of that department.

All art history majors are encouraged to pursue internships in art history (ARTH 393 or, with permission, ARTH 593) in their junior or senior year. Up to 6 credits in art history internships may be applied toward ARTH requirements for the major, with permission of the art history undergraduate coordinator.

Students are strongly recommended to participate in a study abroad program. Students contemplating graduate study in art history should acquire a reading knowledge of French or German.

Students contemplating museum or arts administration careers should consider taking electives from the following: AVT 370, COMM 330, ENGL 410, ENGL 503, and PUAD 505.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

Mason requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in art history fulfill the university's writing-intensive requirement by successfully completing any 400-level ARTH course.

Honors Program in Art History

Art history majors who have completed 75 credits (a minimum of 15 credits in art history, with 6 credits taken at Mason) with a 3.50 overall GPA and a 3.50 GPA in art history are eligible to apply to the art history honors program. Eligible students should apply to the undergraduate coordinator by November 15 or April 15 with a statement of application, which includes the names of two Mason art history faculty members to serve as references; transfer students may also submit transcripts. Not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be accepted into the program. Selection is made by the Art History -Committee.

To graduate with honors in art history, students must complete ARTH 492 and 493, which are linked, individualized courses that culminate in a research paper. Students must have completed at least one course in the field (or with the professor) chosen for these honors courses. ARTH 492 should be taken before 493, but they may be taken concurrently. These 6 credits must be passed with a minimum 3.50 GPA, and the overall art history GPA presented for graduation must be a minimum of 3.50. These 6 credits may be counted toward the 33- to 34-credit major requirement in art history, but they do not replace the 6 required credits in ARTH 400, 420, 430, 440, or 471.

Minor in Art History

The minor requires 18 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00, and covers a broad spectrum of periods, cultures, and themes, with an emphasis on historical context. Requirements for the minor are as follows:

  • 3 to 6 credits of 100- or 200-level art history courses
  • 12 to 15 credits of 300- or 400-level art history courses

ARTH 394 is not required for the minor, but is strongly encouraged.

For policies governing all minors, seethe Academic Policies chapter of this catalog.

Interdisciplinary Minor

The art history program coordinates the interdisciplinary minor in ancient Mediterranean art and archaeology. See the Interdisciplinary Minors section of this chapter for a description of the minor.

Courses in Support of Graduate Programs

Although a graduate degree program in art history is not available, the following courses are offered in support of other graduate programs: ARTH 593, 594, 596, 599, and 699. See the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog.