Master's ProgramWorld History
The Master of Arts Program in World History introduces students to the methods and approaches used by historians to study global and transnational phenomena. It also engages students in comparative and thematic work exploring the history of at least two world regions. It is aimed at those who are seeking an historical perspective on the increasingly interconnected global society in which we live. Among those whose needs it may serve are educators, professionals involved in international occupations, journalists or others working in the field of communications, and those exploring their own interest in further study. Acceptance into the M.A. Program does not constitute admission into the Ph.D. program in the History Department, but students who decide they want to pursue a Ph.D. may later apply for admission to it.
The core curriculum for the Program normally includes eight-one semester courses (32 credit points), including three core courses, three courses in a major field of study, and two courses in a minor field. Students must present a master’s essay, and they must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a foreign language relevant to their work. Students may take cognate courses in World History in the Draper Interdisciplinary Master’s program in Humanities and Social Thought, and, with approval, up to two courses in anthropology, sociology, politics, economics, or literature.
Students must undertake study of two regions of the world, one of which will be designated the major field and one as the minor. The available regions are: Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North America. Students must elect at least one field outside of Europe and North America.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
All M.A. students must take the M.A. Pro-seminar, usually in their first semester.
Students in the World History Program must take "Methods and Approaches in World History," usually in the first or second semester. This course will explore the conceptual issues involved in the study and teaching of world history. It will include a broad range of methodological perspectives and address current debates about world history.
Students in the World History Program must take a course covering comparative or transnational themes. Normally, this expectation will be addressed by a variety of courses offered each year in the History Department. Appropriate course topics include migrations and diasporas, globalization, frontiers and borderlands, colonialism and decolonization, global cities, biological and ecological exchanges, etc.
Each student is required to complete a master’s essay, which should address some of the thematic or comparative questions encountered in the core courses. Master’s essays must receive a grade of A- or higher.
The M.A. program is a terminal degree program and should not be seen as a precursor to the department's Ph.D. program in any way.
TYPICAL STUDENT PROGRAM
Semester I
MA Pro-Seminar
Methods and Approaches in world history
One elective.
Language exam.
Semester II
Course addressing comparative or transnational themes in World History
Two electives (at least one in the major area)
Semester III
Two electives.
Submit the master’s essay.
All students enrolled full-time will be expected to complete their course work after three semesters, including the passing of a language exam. They will qualify for the degree when their master’s essay has been approved. Part-time students will be allowed to stretch the program out over a maximum of six semesters. Students may petition to substitute one course that does not fit the above program if their special needs, interests, or background justify it.
For further information, please send your inquiries to Professor John Shovlin, Department of History, New York University, 53 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012.
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