History
History
History is exclusively neither an art nor a science, but a subtle blend of the two. The historical imagination reaches beyond the limits imposed by scientific method, but it does not enjoy unfettered poetic license. What is not required of art is required of history to discover what the old universe was like rather than to invent a new one. We study the past in order to influence, no matter how modestly, the world around us and the world within us. Historical inquiry is always a response to the human need for information, an understanding of the broad patterns of social development. Concentration in history can provide students with the analytical skills and intellectual judgment required in a number of fields. From academic research and teaching to a career in publishing, journalism or the media, the historian's contribution is substantial. Training in history is appropriate preparation for a career in law, or in government service (for example, as a researcher, archivist or policy analyst).
The U of T Mississauga History program is designed to give its students a wide-ranging perspective on Canada and the world through reflection on the past, both recent and distant. The department provides a diverse and global curriculum, with faculty offering a range of specialized expertise on Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. The curriculum is also characterized by sets of thematic emphases that include imperialism, colonialism and nationalism, culture and society, religion, the environment, source criticism, labour, gender, ethnicity, war and politics.
The History program at UTM is also designed to give students a comprehensive view of the modern world. Strong core areas in European and Canadian History are supplemented by courses on Britain, Russia, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Economic, Environmental, Cultural and Gender history add an interdisciplinary element. Courses in ancient Greek and Roman History are under the Classics rubric. Introductory 100 and 200 level courses are normally conducted as a combination of lecture and tutorial; 400-level courses are offered as seminars, allowing students experience in independent research and in presentation.
History is an ancient discipline, but its modern practioners are often by necessity interdisciplinary and are frequently positioned at the crossroads of the humanities and social sciences. U of T Mississauga's historians actively participate in a variety of interdisciplinary programs, including Canadian Studies, Diaspora and Transnational Studies, European Studies, Industrial Relations, Medieval Studies, Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations, and the Study of Women and Gender.
A concentration in history can provide students with the critical-thinking and communication skills required to excel in a number of professions. The student of history is in a position to pursue a diversity of career paths from academic research and teaching to media, law, journalism and government service.
Faculty & Administrators
Professors Emeriti
S. Aster, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., FRHisS.
R.E. Johnson, B.A., Ph.D.
D.P. Morton, M.A., Ph.D.
A.C. Murray, B.A., Ph.D
D.L. Raby, B.A., Ph.D.
Professors
M. Cowan, B.A., B.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
Y. Eyal, A.B., A.M., Ph.D.
J. Hanssen, D. Phil.
M. Kasturi, B.A., M.A., M. Phil., Ph.D.
H.K. Kwee, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
T. Lam, B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D.
L.S. MacDowell, B.A., M.Sc., Ph.D.
J. Noel, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
M. Tavakoli-Targhi, M.A., Ph.D.
D. Williams, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
R. Wittman, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
Chair
Shafique Virani
Rm. 153A, North Bldg.
905-569-5283
Departmental Supervisor
Duncan Hill
Rm. 153B, North Bldg.
905-569-4913
historical.studies@utoronto.ca
Academic Counsellor
Sharon Marjadsingh
Rm. 153C, North Bldg.
905-569-4914
sharon.marjadsingh@utoronto.ca
HIS Programs of Study
Specialist Program ERSPE0652
History (Arts)
Limited Enrolment - Students applying to enroll at the end of first year (4.0 credits) must have a CGPA of at least 2.00 and a mark of at least 70% in each of 2.0 HIS credits. Students applying to enroll after second year (8.0 credits) must have a CGPA of at least 2.30 and a mark of at least 70% in each of 2.0 HIS credits.
Note: 100 and 200 entry-level courses provide intensive introductions to the history of areas and periods. These are typically conducted as a combination of lecture and tutorial. 300- and 400-level courses focus on more specialized or thematic topics. 400-level courses are offered as seminars, allowing students opportunities for collaborative discussion, independent research, and oral presentations.
Within an Honours degree, 10.0 HIS credits are required meeting the following requirements:
|
First Year |
0.5 credit in HIS101H5. It is recommended that this course be taken in the first year. |
|
Higher Years |
A total of 9.5 credits, of which at least 4.0 credits must be 300-level courses, and at least 1.0 credit must be at the 400 level. As well, the following distribution requirements must be met: |
Specialists are permitted to substitute non-HIS courses for up to 2.0 HIS credits. All Classical Civilization and History of Religions courses in the Department of Historical Studies are suitable substitutions. Other substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the submission of the relevant syllabus.
For current lists of courses falling under the various geographical and topical areas of study, see the departmental handbook.
Major Program ERMAJ0652
History (Arts)
7.0 HIS credits are required meeting the following requirements:
|
First Year |
0.5 credit in HIS101H5. It is recommended that this course be taken in the first year. |
|
Higher Years |
At least 0.5 200/300 level credit in three of the four following geographical areas of study: |
Majors are permitted to substitute non-HIS courses for up to 2.0 HIS credits. All Classical Civilization and History of Religions courses in the Department of Historical Studies are suitable substitutions. Other substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the submission of the relevant syllabus.
For current lists of the courses falling under the various geographical and topical areas of study, see the departmental handbook.
Minor Program ERMIN0652
History (Arts)
4.0 HIS credits are required meeting the following requirements:
|
First year |
0.5 credit in HIS101H5. It is recommended that this course be taken in the first year. |
|
Higher years |
At least 0.5 200/300 level credit in each of two of the four following geographical areas of study: |
Minors are permitted to substitute non-HIS courses for up to 1.0 HIS credits. All Classical Civilization and History of Religions courses in the Department of Historical Studies are suitable substitutions. Other substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the submission of the relevant syllabus.
For current lists of the courses falling under the various geographical and topical areas of study, see the departmental handbook.
Students without pre- and co-requisites or written permission of the instructor can be de-registered from courses at any time.