Guidelines for Designing a Thematic Major Field

(The thematic major cannot be used for a second or third field.)

In recognition of the fact that there is much to be gained intellectually from the possibility of exploring a single theme across multiple periods or cultures, history majors now have a new option, an opportunity to pursue a major field that has been designed explicitly around a theme or problem. Examples are history of women/gender history; colonialism; comparative revolutions; Central Asia. Consisting of at least four courses (just as the existing major field does), the thematic field must draw these courses from at least two distinct regions and periods and must also involve more than a single professor.

Please note: The current geographically determined fields will remain unchanged and are fully valid ways of pursuing the major and for many majors may be the preferable way to structure their work in history at Carleton.

Because the thematic field requires more specific course selections (and will be jeopardized more easily by sabbaticals and scheduling changes) and often requires a more developed theoretical framework to be successful, majors who design their own thematic field are required to:

1) Develop a field proposal (typed) that contains:

A) a clear and detailed statement of the intellectual rationale for the subject and design of the field, including a description of how the course selections fit together.

B) a two year course plan for completing the thematic field, minor fields, and requirements for the major.

N.B. This plan, while indicating a serious commitment on the student’s part to a coherent program of course work, shall not preclude the student, in consultation with her/his advisor, from modifying the selections to take advantage of unexpected offerings or to adjust to unexpected faculty leaves or course changes.

1. To obtain the support of at least two faculty members (usually those offering the relevant courses) who agree to advise the major’s thematic comps (indicated by signatures).

3) To submit their field proposal for departmental approval no later than spring of their junior year. (Date to be announced)

Evaluation and approval of the proposals for thematic fields shall be entrusted to a departmental subcommittee of three to four faculty members which shall have the right to accept, to reject (with a written explanation of the reasons), or to recommend further work on the rationale or changes in the course plan . Majors shall have the right to resubmit their proposal during their junior year.

Sample Course Outlines for Thematic Majors

Thematic Major Field: Central Asia

HIST 110 The Silk Road

HIST 265 Empires of the Steppe

HIST 343 Empire and Nation in Russian History

HIST 233 Byzantium, 847-1453

Senior Seminar: HIST 395: Comparative Frontiers: Conquest, Colonization, and Assimilation, 300-1500

Thematic Major Field: Nationalism

HIST 110 The 1947 Partition of India

HIST 262 India Constructed/Contested

HIST 248 Germany: Nation and History, 1648-1998

HIST 343 Empire and Nation in Russian History

Senior Seminar: HIST 395: Nationalism

Thematic Major Field: Comparative Revolutions

HIST 110 The Chinese Revolution of 1949

HIST 140 Modern Europe

HIST 252 The Chinese Revolution

HIST 241 History of Russia Since 1861

Senior Seminar: HIST 395 Topics in East Asian History

Template for Proposal for Thematic Major Field

(Please Type)

I Rationale for the thematic field

1. Courses contributing to the thematic field (at least 4 are required)

III Minor fields and their relationship to thematic field (one western and one non-western minor field of 2 courses each are required)

IV Course Plan (this plan should address the following departmental requirements: History 298, History 395, History 400 (Essay or Thesis), major field (4 courses min), two minor fields (2 courses min./field). When planning your courses, also keep in mind any college distribution requirements you may have remaining. (Use a separate sheet)

V Faculty Support and Comments

Advisor I

___________________________________

Advisor II

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