Columbia University
This field offers training in historical literatures, conceptual frameworks, and research strategies that transcend conventional area divisions. Students may work with a variety of faculty interested in transnational and comparative methodologies, and in the historiographies of world and international history, combining it with work in more specific areas. Interested applicants should make clear how their work will not fit into one of the other existing admissions fields; some projects may be international or transnational, in other words, but still be centered in Modern European history, U.S. history, etc. Also, those admitted to IGH are typically able to do multilingual research, even if they take language courses at Columbia to complete their training.
Courses: First-year students are required to take GR8910 Introduction to History and Historiography, and GR8930 Approaches to International and Global History. Students will consult with their advisors in choosing four other courses in their first year, and four more courses in their second year for a total of 10 courses. At least six of the eight electives must be 8000-level courses, and at least one should be a research seminar.
Languages: Students are required to pass exams in at least two languages, as appropriate to their research and interests.
Orals: Oral exams are to be taken in the sixth term. Orals fields will be developed in close consultation with advisors, and will vary widely depending on the students’ research and teaching interests. They can be both thematic and geographical in scope. At least two out of the four examinations must be trans-regional in scope, and at least one must be in a specific regional history. Students will be required to retake the exams for any failed fields.