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History
The Department of History offers graduate research leading to a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree. The major study areas are the Americas, Asia, Canada, Europe and the Middle East.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work, comprehensive examinations, and a thesis.
Students must complete
A requirement for all PhD students, this course is based on a reading list of the equivalent of 40 to 45 books agreed upon by the student and faculty field supervisor in the first semester of study. Students cover the material on these lists through a structured reading program in order to demonstrate scholarly proficiency in a specific field of historical inquiry determined by the student and the student's supervisory committee. The assessment of scholarly proficiency takes the form of a written and oral examination to be scheduled in the fourth semester of study. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
A requirement for all PhD students, this course is based on a reading list of the equivalent of 40 to 45 books agreed upon by the student and faculty field supervisor in the first semester of study. Students cover the material on these lists through a structured reading program in order to demonstrate scholarly proficiency in a specific field of historical inquiry determined by the student and the student's supervisory committee. The assessment of scholarly proficiency takes the form of a written and oral examination to be scheduled in the fourth semester of study. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
A requirement for all PhD students, this course is based on a reading list of the equivalent of 40 to 45 books agreed upon by the student and faculty field supervisor in the first semester of study. Students cover the material on these lists through a structured reading program in order to demonstrate scholarly proficiency in a specific field of historical inquiry determined by the student and the student's supervisory committee. The assessment of scholarly proficiency takes the form of a written and oral examination to be scheduled in the fourth semester of study. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
and one graduate course in consultation with the supervisor and supervisory committee*
and a thesis
* Normally HIST 814-Historical Methods (5), if a methodology course has not already been taken in a master's program.
Language Requirements
Students must demonstrate a reading ability in one language other than English that is acceptable to the supervisory committee. Students proposing to study Canadian history must demonstrate a reading ability in French, determined by a time limited examination consisting of the translation of a history passage in the particular language. A dictionary will be permitted.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in 10 to 15 terms.
Other Information
Comprehensive Examinations
The supervisory committee and the student determine three fields of study, at least two of which must be in the Department of History. A third field may be outside the Department of History with permission of the graduate program committee. Comprehensive examinations are normally written during the fourth term. All written examinations must be passed before the oral comprehensive exam. A student who fails one of the written examinations, and one only, will have one additional chance for re-examination before sitting the oral exam. A 'fail', 'pass', or 'pass with distinction' will be assigned by the examining committee after oral exam completion. Students failing at this stage are not permitted to continue in the program.
Thesis
Within one term of successful completion of comprehensive exams and formal candidacy admission, students submit a thesis prospectus.
When the thesis is complete, a thesis examining committee will be formed, composed of the departmental graduate program committee chair or designate; the student's supervisory committee; a faculty member or a person otherwise suitably qualified who is not a supervisory committee member; and an external examiner who is not a University employee.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.