Courses
The history department offers a variety of graduate courses in European, North American and trans-Atlantic history, as well as courses in the field of public history. Courses generally fall into three types:
- readings
- research
- methods or studies (including internships)
All M.A. students are required to take HIST 601, Historiography and Methodology. Additional requirements depend upon whether a student chooses to write a thesis or not. This decision is made at the end of the first year in the program.
Fall 2025 Course Offerings
Samuel Kessler, Ph.D.
Mondays, 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
In Person, Oliver Hall, 1033
This course explores the study of the development of history as a discipline from ancient times to the present, with specific emphasis on the evolution of historical theory and philosophy, great historians, schools of interpretation, and problems of historical methodology. Over the semester, students will read great works of history and historical theory as well as begin to develop their own perspectives on the nature, possibilities, and limits of historical scholarship.
KT Shively, Ph.D.
Mondays, 4:00 - 6:40 p.m.
In person, History Conference Room, 811 S. Cathedral Place
The literatures of the American Civil War and Reconstruction are abundant and constantly evolving. This course provides grounding in recent and older works in order to explore the major questions, themes, and methods of the field and how they have changed over time. Thematic elements include slavery and freedom, the intersections of military and politics, public history and memory, gender and sexuality, and material culture, among others. Together we explore the fact that this historical field was created by the generation that lived and fought the war, and we seek to understand how their memories shaped what records were preserved and what interpretations were emphasized—and conversely, which were lost and devalued. We seek new knowledge through readings, participation, discussion leading, short writing assignments, and a community enhancement project. All assignments have a public history option.
*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
Carolyn Eastman, Ph.D.
Wednesdays, 7:00-9:40 p.m.
In Person, Harris Hall, room 2107
This class demystifies the art and craft of developing an article-length research essay. We will undertake this in two key ways. First, during the early weeks of the semester we will meet to discuss a series of articles, and will focus on deconstructing what makes them effective: How did these scholars seek out their primary sources? How do they both tell a story and make an argument (two separate matters)? How do they fold in historiographic significance? What makes a strong and compelling introduction? How do they weave together narrative, analysis, context, and argument? Do you begin with your strongest evidence or build to it over the course of the essay? How do you work with weaker evidence, or discuss more speculative interpretations? Reading these essays will offer you the means to conceive, structure, and elaborate your own original ideas and research and think about the many ways of developing strong analyses. Although these articles will mostly discuss American history, this class is open to all.
The hardest thing about research classes like this one is that students often struggle with the rigors of independent research—sustaining a regular habit of working on your research even when your other classes have much more immediate demands (i.e., finish reading the book by Tuesday; write a book review by Friday). Thus, the second major way I want to demystify research is by proposing that everyone in class experiment with what I’m calling Grad Student Boot Camp: techniques designed to keep your research at the forefront of your schedule.
Daniel Morales, Ph.D.
Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
In person, History Conference Room, 811 S. Cathedral Place
An overview of the field of public history, intended to introduce students to the range of professional historical activities practiced outside the classroom. Explores methods and skills including archival work, documentary editing, historic preservation, museum studies, and oral history. The course also involves a sustained consideration of the theoretical issues that arise from public history work, defined as history of, for, by, and/or with the public.
*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
HIST 693 is a field internship, wherein students receive credit for work on historical projects with approved agencies. Internships are generally for students of senior standing, and student interns will register for Hist 693. Students may receive 2, 3, or 4 credit hours for work per semester, for a maximum of 6 credits. The work of the internship varies, and our Director of Internships takes particular care to place students in internships which match their interests and career goals. Interns have written research papers and mini-histories, developed interpretive programs, participated in archaeological projects, conducted oral history interviews, prepared exhibitions, catalogued manuscript collections, and discharged a variety of administrative duties. Contact Brian Daugherity, Ph.D. for more information.
Relevant Courses of Interest for Fall 2025
Catherine Roach, Ph.D.
M 1-3:30 p.m.
Buford House | Room 0202
An examination of the history, motivations and procedures of museums collecting. Considers the ethical and logistical issues involved in acquiring objects (through bequests and purchase), in releasing objects (through restitution and deaccessioning) and in stewardship of objects (through conservation and registration). Also provides understanding of the roles and responsibilities of curators, collections managers, registrars and conservators, as well as an understanding of the structural organization of curatorial/collections staff.
*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
Randy Barrack
Mondays 7-9:40 p.m.
701 West Grace Street | Room 2305
Explores the history, theories and dynamics of not-for-profit organizations in the United States, with focus on organizations with local or regional services areas. Emphasizes political, legal, cultural and constituent environments; revenue generation; decision-making; communications leadership; and organizational models. Compares the mission and operations of nonprofit organizations, government organizations and for-profit enterprises in the delivery of services.
*Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
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* Eligible for the Certificate in Public History
Bulletin Course Descriptions
HIST 511. Studies in American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in American history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 515. Studies in European History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in European history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 519. Studies in Ethnic and Social History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in ethnic or social history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 523. Studies in Virginia and Southern History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in Virginia or Southern history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 527. Studies in African-American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Study of a selected topic in African-American history, primarily through lectures and readings. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 591. Special Topics in History. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credits. An intensive study of a selected topic in history.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 601. Historiography and Methodology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of the development of history as a discipline from ancient times to the present. The course examines the evolution of historical theory and philosophy, great historians, schools of interpretation, and problems of historical methodology. This course is a prerequisite for research seminars.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 611. Readings in American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of American history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 615. Readings in European History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of European history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 619. Readings in Ethnic and Social History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of ethnic or social history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 623. Readings in Virginia and Southern History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of Virginia or Southern history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 627. Readings in African-American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of major studies and interpretative trends in a particular area of African-American history through readings and class discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 631. Research in American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of American history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 635. Research in European History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of European history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 638. Research in Transatlantic History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of transatlantic history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 639. Research in Ethnic and Social History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of ethnic or social history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 643. Research in Virginia and Southern History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of Virginia or Southern history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 647. Research in African-American History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Analysis of significant problems in a particular field of African-American history through research, writing, in-class presentations and discussions. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 651. Public History: Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of the field of public history, intended to introduce students to the range of professional historical activities practiced outside the classroom. Explores methods and skills including archival work, documentary editing, historic preservation, museum studies and oral history. The course also involves a sustained consideration of the theoretical issues that arise from public history work, defined as history of, for, by and/or with the public.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 652. Documentary Editing and Scholarly Publishing. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An overview of the processes by which historical scholarship is disseminated by publication. Students will practice editing scholarly editions of historic documents and reviewing manuscripts for publication in academic media. Special consideration will be given to the digital humanities and new technology's relation to the traditional publishing trade.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 653. American Material Culture. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Material culture is a term encompassing all things created or modified by people -- such as clothing, tools, furniture, works of art, buildings and even landscapes. This course introduces students to the field of material culture studies and challenges them to study the American past through examination of its artifacts and architecture. Students will explore a range of disciplinary approaches and time periods, as well as the role of politics in the preservation and exhibition of material culture.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 654. Oral History: Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the practice and theories of oral history, a method employing interviews or sound recordings of people with personal knowledge of past events. Students will consider the benefits and limitations of the method as well as learn the general legal issues involved. Students will conduct their own interviews and practice the transcription of oral testimony.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 655. Digital History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course explores the ways technology can change the way historians research, analyze, write, discuss and produce history. Beginning with the foundations of digital history, the course will consider a variety of media, platforms and projects, and will pay particular attention to the digital initiatives in the region. Students will experience hands-on training in web literacies and other skills, including sound editing, map editing and text mining, building toward presentations of final digital projects that employ at least one new skill. By the end of the course, students should gain a basic understanding of the field’s advantages and challenges along with enough technical expertise to begin participating in it, given their own interests and needs. Above all, the course should enhance students’ engagement with the past, not distract from it.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 656. Museums, Cultures and Communities: Historical Perspectives. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Focuses on the changing theory and practice of museum and public display work within cultures and communities (primarily in the U.S. but some internationally) from the late 1800s forward. Provides a methodological understanding of historical and current issues in museum studies and how they relate to museum practice, as well as opportunities to gain practical experience in exhibit, grant and community engagement project proposals.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 657. Controversy in Public History. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. It is essential for practitioners of public history to feel comfortable addressing controversial or difficult topics, whether in teaching, writing or developing public history products. To offer such preparation, this course will focus on ways that history has been contested and the role of historians in mitigating these clashes in the broader political culture. Just as these battles may play out at the national level, they similarly unfold in communities, institutions and workplaces. Students will learn — through readings and class discussions, practical exercises, and meetings with professionals from the field — strategies for understanding and accommodating various perspectives and for interpreting controversial historical material. This course encourages disagreement and respectful dialogue.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 691. Special Topics in History. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 lecture hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. An intensive study of a selected topic in history.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 692. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 credits. Maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisite: permission of department chair. Requires an analysis of a historical problem or topic in depth under faculty supervision.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 693. Internship in History. 2-4 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 2-4 credits per semester. Maximum of 6 credits. Determination of the amount of credit and permission of departmental internship coordinator must be procured prior to registration for this course. Students receive credit for work on historical projects with approved agencies.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.
HIST 698. M.A. Thesis. 1-6 Hours.
1-6 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.