Please note:
To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.
History
The Department of History offers graduate research leading to a master of arts (MA) degree. The major study areas are the Americas, Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.
間眅埶AV Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the 間眅埶AV Calendar. Normally, an undergraduate 3.33 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is required in History or its equivalent over the last two years of the undergraduate program. A degree in a discipline related to History may be accepted in exceptional cases.
Demonstrated ability in a language or languages other than English may be a requirement for admission to the program, at the discretion of the nominal supervisor.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work, a thesis prospectus, and a thesis for a minimum of 41 units.
Students must complete
and three other graduate courses for a minimum of thirteen units*
and a thesis
* Students may choose graduate courses in another 間眅埶AV department, or from another university that is part of the Western Dean's Agreement. Supervisory committee and departmental graduate program committee approval is required.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in four to six terms. In most circumstances students will complete course work in two terms.
Other Information
The prospectus workshop, HIST 815, helps students prepare to research and write their theses. Students receive a satisfactory or unsatisfactory grade for this course. At the conclusion of the workshop, students defend their prospectuses to their committees in a formal setting.
When students have completed course work, they research and write their theses while enrolled in HIST 898. The thesis should be between 15,000 and 21,000 words, including footnotes (excluding bibliography). A shorter or longer thesis may be submitted only with the graduate chair's approval. If a thesis will exceed the word limit, the graduate chair must give formal approval prior to scheduling the defence.
Language Requirements
Supervisors will determine with their students whether reading ability in a language or languages other than English are necessary for the completion of the MA. Supervisors will submit their recommendation in writing to the GPC for approval by the end of the first semester. Reading ability will be evaluated by a time-limited examination consisting of the translation of a passage in the particular language with the aid of a dictionary, or the successful completion of a language training course approved by the supervisor. A student who fails the time-limited examination may retake the test at the discretion of the supervisor. Supervisors will be responsible for determining whether the student has met the language requirements and for so informing the GPC.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.