The minimum core courses are listed here. Students entering with a BA should complete their MA qualifying exam by the spring quarter of their second year. Those entering with an MA should complete their MA exam by the end of their first year. All students should complete their foreign language certification before taking their MA exam, and pass the second foreign language qualifications before taking their doctoral written exam.
| FIRST YEAR |
| FALL |
- History 275A
- History 200/201N
- African Studies 201A
- Language study
Consider applying for funding for summer language training or travel to Africa
|
| WINTER |
- History 200/201N
- Other course in history or in another department (that may become your minor field in history and your outside field in another department)
- Language study
|
| SPRING |
- History 200/201N
- Other course in history or in another department
- Language study
Complete first foreign language exam
Foreign language certification and MA exam (for students entering with an MA) |
| SUMMER |
| Intensive language study, primary research at the Young Research Library, travel to Africa and/or preparation of a dissertation proposal |
| SECOND YEAR |
| FALL |
- History 275A
- History 200/201N
- Other course in history or in another department
- Language study
Start thinking about constituting your committee, choosing a chair and committee members in minor fields. If you have well-developed ideas about your dissertation proposal, consider applying for doctoral research funding this fall. Otherwise, look for opportunities for summer research trip or intensive language training.
|
| WINTER |
- History 278A
- History 200/201
- Other courses in history or in another department
- Language study
|
| SPRING |
- History 278B or 597 (preparation for exams)
- History 200/201N
- Other courses in history or in another department
- Language study
Foreign language certification and MA exam (for students with a BA)
|
| SUMMER |
| Language training, travel to Africa and/or revision of dissertation proposal |
| THIRD YEAR |
| FALL |
- Relevant coursework
- History 596 or/and 597
- Language study
Apply for dissertation research grants Second foreign language certification Officially constitute your doctoral committee by submitting four fields for approval Start thinking about scheduling your written exam to be taken before the end of the year
|
| WINTER |
- Relevant Coursework
- History 596 or/and 597
- Language study
Prepare prospectus, bibliography and exams Consider taking your written
|
| SPRING |
- Relevant Coursework
- History 596 or/and 597
- Language study
Language study Take written exam before the end of the quarter. Take oral exam sometime after the written exam and before the end of the fall quarter (note that the oral exam must be completed within 6 months of the written exam)
|
| FOURTH YEAR |
| Overseas research
|
| FIFTH (AND/OR SIX) YEAR |
| Dissertation writing
Start studying the job market, and postdoctoral fellowship opportunities |
