Types of Courses

1000 level courses take broad geographic or thematic perspectives over long periods of history to provide a background to many subsequent History courses. 2000 level courses typically deal with countries and transnational regions over a couple of centuries. 1000 level courses assume no prior university-equivalent preparation; second-year courses assume that students have the skills typically developed in the first year of university study. At the 1000 and 2000 levels, courses are usually lecture format, three hours per week, with tutorials featured in some courses. 2000 level courses begin more specialized study of an area of History as a major or minor.

3000 and 4000 level courses provide opportunities for the intensive pursuit of interests developed in previous courses. The relatively small size of 3000 level courses (usually 30 students) allows intensive discussion of demanding primary materials and secondary publications, as well as students’ presentation of their independent work. 4000 level courses are taught in a seminar format to cultivate students’ independent research skills; undergraduate enrolments are limited to 15 or less; some are cross-listed as graduate courses. These courses are particularly recommended for Honours students and prospective Honours students.