Britain: Courses and Seminars
Each year the Chicago faculty offers at least one graduate seminar relevant for students of British History. There are a number of courses in British History that are regular offerings, while there are some that are one-time offerings. In addition there are often courses taught by faculty in the Law School, the English Department, the Divinity School, the Political Science Department, and the Sociology Department which have a direct bearing on British History.
Entering graduate students in British History are required to take a two-quarter research seminar in their first and (unless they enter and receive credit for a masters degree from another institution) their second year. Generally speaking the theme of the seminar alternates each year. The purpose of the seminar is to introduce students to aspects of method, historical and historiographical problems, and critical interpretation of sources, and results in the writing of an original and professional-level research paper by the end of the winter quarter.
Other courses in the field are offered each year in accordance with faculty research and expertise. Recent course offerings have included Early Modern Britain and Europe, Seventeenth-Century Britain, Glorious Revolution, The Origins of the British Empire, Eighteenth-Century Britain, Victorian History, Science in Victorian Britain, and Modern Irish History. Students are also required to take some courses outside the department. For the full listing of courses being offered in the department this academic year, please refer to the graduate course listing and undergraduate course listings.