History Faculty - master's programmes

Title

B.2 Research Programmes
B.3 General Guidelines on the Presentation and Assessment of Work

B.1 Taught master's programmes

B.1.0 General Information
B.1.1 The Master of Studies in Medieval History
B.1.2 The Master of Studies in History, 2008/09 (preview 2009/10)
B.1.3 The Master of Philosophy in Modern European History, 2007/08 and 2008/09 (preview 2009/10)
B.1.4 Master’s programmes in History of Science and Medicine
B.1.5 Master ’s programmes in Economic and Social History
B.1.6 The Master of Studies in History of Art and Visual Culture
B.1.7 Cognate taught master’s programmes in specialist areas
[Late Antique and Byzantine Studies; Medieval Studies;
English Local History; Women’s Studies]

B.1.0 General Information

B.1.0.1 Differences (and connections) between Programmes

The History Faculty offers a wide variety of taught master’s programmes. This reflects the diversity and to some extent the clustering of research interests within the faculty. But the fact that some specialist interests are catered for by distinct degree courses (e.g. history of science and medicine, economic and social history, medieval history, history of art), and others by ‘streams’ within a generic degree course (e.g., within the M.St. in History) is largely itself an accident of history, and makes little difference to the individual student’s experience.

Some courses can be taken in one or two-year forms: the M.Sc./M.Phil. in the History of Science, Medicine and Technology, and the M.Sc./M.Phil. in Economic and Social History. In addition, the M.Phil. in Modern European History is effectively a two-year version of the Early Modern and Modern British and European ‘stream’ of the M.St. in History. The two-year courses afford students the chance to take more specialist options, and also to complete a more substantial dissertation.

In most cases it will be evident from the nature of students’ interests which master’s course they should aim to take. Some uncertainty may arise in the case of economic and social history. Students with broadly ‘economic and social’ interests may choose to pursue master’s courses defined in relation to their period or region of interest. By contrast, the one-year M.Sc. and the two-year M.Phil. in Economic and Social History offer a specially structured training course which aims to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of social-science approaches and their implications for the study of history. This can offer a route into history for students with a social-science background, or, to students with a history background, a way of broadening their disciplinary base.

For students with an excellent academic record, a strong undergraduate background in British or European History (or, more exceptionally, Commonwealth and Imperial or American History), and a clear intention from the start to proceed to advanced research, an alternative entry route is through the M.St. in Historical Research. It is possible for students who have been accepted for one master’s course to change to another, but there is no entitlement: the student must meet the standards that other students on the course have met; the course must not be oversubscribed; and it must be possible to find appropriate supervision. Any student who is considering applying to change course should arrange to talk to their current course convenor in the first instance; further information can be obtained from graduate.office@history.ox.ac.uk.

Students taking Oxford master’s courses who wish to proceed to research degrees must apply by means of standard application procedures. This may entail meeting application deadlines early in the first term of their master’s course; for details see Admissions announcements.

B.1.0.2 Choosing papers

Students should note that teaching may not be available in every paper in every academic year, and; and that there may be some restrictions on combining particular papers within their degree programme.

A student on a taught master’s course may be granted permission by the Director of Graduate Studies and the relevant Course Convenor to take an appropriate taught paper from another master’s course within the Faculty. Application should be made by the candidate’s supervisor. A complete list of the available taught papers in master’s courses within the Faculty is posted on the Faculty noticeboard and website at the beginning of the academic year. A student choosing an option from another degree course must conform to the regulations of that course in relation to modes of assessment, submission deadlines, etc.

B.1.1 The Master of Studies in Medieval History

B.1.1.1 General outline and assessment requirements

This eleven-month taught programme is the basic entry course for all students who want to study Medieval History at Oxford and who do not already have a relevant Masters degree. It can be taken as a free-standing degree, or as the first step to one of the research degrees of M.Litt. or D.Phil.; students can also choose during the year whether they wish to proceed further. It balances taught courses and independent research. Candidates will follow an individualised programme of studies familiarising them with specialist skills and knowledge within their intended area of research (e.g., palaeography, diplomatic, linguistic competence); there will be a core course in the first term focussing on historical methods, and a choice of optional subjects in Medieval History, with a chronological spread across the middle ages, in the second term. Teaching for Latin, and also a wide variety of medieval and modern languages, is available (including medieval Celtic and Germanic languages). Candidates’ basic competence in reading Latin texts will be assessed in September/October, and in appropriate cases again in early March. Assessment for the degree will be based on written work (an essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words on historical methodology, two essays of up to 5,000 words on an optional paper in medieval history, and a dissertation of up to 15,000 words) and, if required by the examiners, an oral examination in September/October.

Every candidate is required to

attend such lectures, seminars, classes, and language courses as his or her supervisor shall determine, and do any language tests set by language teachers;
submit an essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words, based on a historiographical or methodological problem, selected in consultation with the Core Course Convenor/Course Director of the programme;
submit two essays of up to 5,000 words, based on the work for one of the optional courses taught in Hilary Term and selected in consultation with the convenor(s) of the option;
submit a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on the candidate’s own research topic. Students planning to continue to doctoral (or M.Litt.) work, will have to submit in parallel a transfer of status application accompanied by a brief statement of between 500 and 1,000 words, of the subject of the doctoral (or M.Litt.) thesis and the manner in which the candidate proposes to treat it. The dissertation will serve as the basis of any oral examination for the degree, which may also serve as the interview for subsequent admission to M.Litt. or D.Phil. status (see below).

Contact information

The current course convenor is Professor Chris Wickham (All Souls College).

Overall programme administration is handled by the History Graduate Office:
graduate.office@history.ox.ac.uk
telephone: (01865) 615002 (or 15002 from an internal phone)
fax: (01865) 250704
address: History Graduate Office, History Faculty, Old High School for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL

B.1.1.2 Teaching outline and academic environment

This degree is a taught degree with a strong research component. Students will follow core and optional courses, but will spend at least a third of their time doing independent research, rising to nearly all their time after Easter. The onus in such research lies on the individual student. S/he should construct the contents and work pattern of the research element of the degree in close and regular discussion with his/her supervisor. (See below for suggestions.)

The formal teaching for the degree consists of the following. (All students are required to attend these sessions unless they are specifically exempted.)

a Core Seminar, meeting weekly in Michaelmas term, which will concentrate on the various approaches to medieval history of historians in the last fifty years;
an Optional Paper, meeting weekly in Hilary term, which will allow the exploration of a limited period and/or theme of medieval history of the student’s choice (there will be at least three options available each year, with a spread from the early to the later middle ages);
a variety of language courses; here, the student only needs to attend those languages agreed between the student and his/her supervisor (see below);
a daily class for the first four weeks of Michaelmas term on (a) the history of script in the middle ages and (b) reading medieval documents;
a weekly seminar in Trinity term (and, if necessary, part of Hilary term) to which each student will be expected to make a presentation.

In addition there will be:

further, more specialized classes on aspects of medieval palaeography or diplomatic;
a weekly class for those who need to improve their Latin in Michaelmas and Hilary terms, and also teaching in other languages as necessary, including Old Irish and Medieval Welsh;
a Latin test at the beginning of Michaelmas term and at the end of Hilary term to assess students’ Latin-reading standards. These tests are not part of the assessment of the degree; they serve to indicate how far the student needs to make further progress in the study of Latin;
research seminars in medieval history (including the Medieval History seminar, see the Faculty’s Lecture List) throughout the year. Students are encouraged to take the opportunity to attend some of these seminars.

The course components are normally expected to be approached in the following way:

Historiography and methodology: This is the basic introductory course for all Medieval MSt students. It analyses historical approaches to Medieval History since 1945 or so, and looks at a variety of historical schools. It focusses on why historians have taken the positions they have, and what the advantages and problems are of each approach. Students will read one or more major historical works each week and discuss them together in the seminar (see preliminary reading list). The assessed essay that results from this seminar will approach historians in the same way, though the historians chosen do not need to be restricted to the ones covered in the seminar.

Option papers: These are courses on short periods or specific themes; students have a free choice of any of the courses on offer in any given year, which will normally number three, one each for the early, central and late middle ages. They will be taught by one or more Oxford historians through a weekly seminar, in which primary and secondary sources will be discussed collectively, and their wider implications brought out. There will be an assessed essay based on the work for this course.

Skills, languages and associated classes: Students are also required to pursue, under the guidance of their supervisor and/or other teachers, the study of skills and languages relevant to their research area. These are not itemized or specified here since they will vary from topic to topic and period. They will usually include a language, or, in some circumstances, more than one language. They could also include specialized skills such as palaeography, diplomatic, etc; or the impact of approaches from associated studies, e.g. kinship structures, social memory. The purpose of this component is to hone some of the skills which are essential to the study of the topic selected.

Language and skills courses do not form part of the assessment. Please note, however, that a candidate may, with the consent of the Director of Graduate Studies, choose to take formal training in a language relevant to his/her research area in lieu of the option. This alternative is most common in the case of languages with a heavy linguistic component, such as Old Irish. In that case the student will be assessed by a written examination in the language in question by the ninth week of Trinity term.

Dissertation: Students will be expected to submit regular written work to their supervisor on their chosen topic during the first and/or second terms. This should provide each of you with a sound basic knowledge of the secondary writing on, and some of the sources for, your selected topic of study. Having familiarized yourself with this, together with the appropriate skills, in the first two terms of the programme, you should then be well placed to proceed confidently to write a dissertation on a specified topic in the final phase of the degree. Most of the work for the dissertation element will be concentrated in Trinity term and the vacation that follows; but you should be thinking about a title for your dissertation from Michaelmas term onwards, and should consult your supervisor throughout on the suitability and feasibility of your dissertation plan as you develop your understanding of its background and context through the critical study of your area of medieval history.

Do bear one other factor in mind: though your pieces of assessed work may sometimes be related, they should not overlap in content.

Continuing research: Candidates who wish to proceed to further research need to submit an application for re-admission after completion of a master’s programme, by the standard gathered field deadlines in November 2008 or January 2009. Similar to new admissions applications, such applications will need to be accompanied by samples of written work, a D.Phil. project outline of up to 1,000 words, and a reference from your current supervisor. – BUT NOTE: Candidates who intend to apply or re-apply for doctoral funding (through the AHRC, Clarendon Fund, Faculty, etc.) must submit their re-admission application by the final deadline for applications for new students (23 January 2009 at the latest) so that their provisional /conditional acceptance can be considered in advance of the completion of any funding applications.

Those continuing from this intensive research preparation master’s programme to doctoral research in medieval history are expected to apply for Transfer of Status early in the Michaelmas Term immediately following the completion of their master’s programme. Such a Transfer application must be accompanied by an up-top-date statement of between 500 and 1,000 words of the subject of the planned doctoral thesis and the manner in which the candidate proposes to treat it. The ensuing transfer interview, conducted by two assessors, neither of them being the candidate’s supervisor, will be based upon the submitted master’s dissertation and this research statement.

B.1.2 The Master of Studies in History, 2008/09

B.1.2.1 General information

Revised and updated programme for 2009/10

The M.St. in History is a nine-month programme designed for graduate students who wish to deepen their knowledge of a period of history and who wish to obtain experience and training in research. Each student follows one of three 'streams': (a) early modern and modern British and European history, (b) Commonwealth and South Asian history, and (c) history of the United States of America.

The course lasts for nine months (from October to June) and the examination results are normally published by the beginning of July. The examination comprises three elements: (1) two extended essays of up to 5,000 words and one class presentation; (2) an examination paper; and (3) a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. Candidates may in addition be required to attend a final oral examination in late June or early July.

Successful candidates often use the M.St. as a preparation for further research, and the course has been structured with this possibility in mind. It should be stressed, however, that the admission of any candidate to further study at Oxford will depend on his/her overall performance in the M.St., together with the viability of any proposed research topic and the availability of appropriate supervision at Oxford.

Contact information

The current course convenor is Dr Faramerz Dabhoiwala (Exeter College).

B.1.2.2 Early modern and modern British and European stream

Teaching and examination in this stream comprises three main elements:

(1) one Optional Subject from the M.Phil. in Modern European History

Teaching is arranged in weekly classes, sometimes backed up by lectures and tutorials, in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms of the first year. Assessment for each subject is through two submitted essays of up to 5,000 words each, and one assessed class presentation (based on notes not exceeding 3,000 words).

each Optional Subject class is only taught once a year, either in Michaelmas or in Hilary Term; and not every subject listed may be on offer every year
the Optional Subject chosen should normally be connected to the individual research interest which the candidate expects to develop in her or his dissertation

(2) one examination paper in historical methodology or political concepts

Teaching is usually provided in classes, in Michaelmas or Hilary Term. Assessment is through a three-hour written examination at the end of Trinity term.

The examination paper must normally correspond to the candidate's choise of Optional Subject. As each of the papers is only taught once a year, there may be some restrictions in combining particular Optional Subjects and methodological papers.

(3) a dissertation

A dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on a topic falling within the scope of this stream of the M.St. It is expected that the timeframe of dissertation and Optional Subject correspond to each other.

Additional instruction: complementing the formal programme of study, we encourage all students to improve their knowledge of languages, and require a working (i.e., good reading) knowledge of at least those languages immediately relevant to the subject matter of a student’s dissertation. The University’s Language Centre provides classes in many European languages, for which you will need to register at the beginning of the academic year. The Faculty also co-organizes with the Language Centre reading classes in certain European languages.

B.1.2.3 Commonwealth and Asian stream

Teaching and examination in this stream comprises three main elements:

(1) one period paper

Teaching is usually arranged in small classes or tutorial groups. Assessment is through two submitted essays of up to 5,000 words and one class presentation (based on notes not exceeding 3,000 words).

(2) one examination paper in historical methodology

Teaching is usually in weekly classes. Assessment is through a three-hour written examination at the end of Trinity term. The methodological paper must normally correspond to the candidate's choice of period paper.

(3) a dissertation

A dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on a topic falling within the scope of the period paper chosen by the candidate.

Additional instruction: students in the Commonwealth and South Asian streams are expected to attend the research training seminar in Commonwealth History, which discusses historiography and kindred issues, and also the general Commonwealth History research seminar, where they make their presentations.

B.1.2.4 The United States and the colonies that preceded it

Teaching and examination in this stream comprises three main elements:

(1) a paper on the United States and its precursor colonies

Teaching is usually arranged through tutorials. Assessment is through two submitted essays of up to 5,000 words and one class presentation (based on notes not exceeding 3,000 words).

(2) an examination paper in historical methodology and historiography

Teaching is arranged in weekly classes in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms. Assessment is through a three-hour written examination at the end of Trinity Term.

Each week students are assigned key texts relating to a particular topic, one student will present at the class, and then students and tutors discuss the relevant issues.
The first term covers the major developments in historical writing from the professionalization of the discipline at the start of the 20th century through to the end of the century. The second term focuses on contemporary debates in historical writing.

(3) a dissertation

A dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on a topic falling within the scope of the general subject area chosen by the candidate for the extended essays under (1).

It is expected that students will write their submitted essays and dissertation on different themes, or covering a different sequence of events in American history.

B.1.3 The Master of Philosophy in Modern European History, 2007/08 and 2008/09

Revised and updated programme for 2009/10

The M.Phil. in Modern European History, launched in October 2000 and backed by the History Faculty’s Modern European History Research Centre (MEHRC), is an innovative and intensive two-year programme that provides a thorough training in historical methods: it offers a range of specialist options that draw on the latest research, and includes a sustained period devoted to archival research and dissertation writing. Students on this degree programme have access to a comprehensive menu of skills training for postgraduates, as well as a systematic schedule of introductions to the unrivalled research facilities of the University of Oxford. M.Phil. students are also encouraged to take full advantage of the History Faculty’s extensive range of specialist scholarly seminars and colloquia in all fields of history.

The Oxford M.Phil. is unusual not only in offering the wider scope of a two-year degree, but also in embracing both the early modern (1500-1800) and modern (post-1800) history of continental Europe and the British Isles. The programme can serve either as free-standing Master’s degree or as comprehensive preparation for D.Phil. research in the fields of history within its scope. Doctoral research generally takes another two or three years and is eligible for full AHRC support. Students are assigned to a specialist in their field for dissertation supervision and advice, but they are also encouraged to consult other members of the History Faculty (and of other appropriate faculties) as needed. For their individual research on their dissertation candidates are likely to receive permission to work in continental or British archives outside Oxford in the Long Vacation and the second Michaelmas Term of the M.Phil. programme.

Teaching and examination comprise the following programme elements:

(1) and (2): Two Optional Subjects which are taken in successive terms in Year One of the programme, in classes of usually 5 to 8 students. Teaching is arranged in weekly classes, sometimes backed up by lectures and tutorials. These focus on selected periods and themes in European history that had a major role in the shaping of modern Europe and Britain, and they reflect new research and methodologies in their areas. Assessment for each subject is through two submitted essays of up to 5,000 words each, and one assessed class presentation (based on notes not exceeding 3,000 words).

The training in historical methodology is integrated in both years of the degree programme. It consists of two sequential courses that are designed to build the skills needed by students as they progress from developing a research project to writing up the dissertation.

(3) In Year One, a preparatory course in Source Criticism explores a wide range of sources used by historians, from political, religious, social and economic sources to diaries, letters and memoirs, art-historical sources and oral history. The course is taught by specialists in each of these areas and provides candidates with training in the critical assessment and use of different kinds of primary sources. The paper is assessed by three-hour written examination in Trinity Term of the candidate's first year.

(4) In Year Two, after students have returned from their period of archival research, there is a master class on historical concepts, methods and controversies in which students work with class convenor(s) to consider wide-ranging methodological and conceptual issues, as well as the intellectual problems and controversies thrown up by their individual research topics. The class is assessed through a submitted essays of up to 7,000 words, and one assessed class presentation (based on notes not exceeding 3,000 words).

(5) An independently researched dissertation of up to 30,000 words is submitted towards the end of Year Two of the M.Phil. programme. Dissertation research is undertaken primarily following the preparatory methods course and the two specialist options, which are intended to orientate graduates towards their research topic and to provide them with the skills to bring it to fruition. Topic and title of the dissertation must be approved by the candidate’s supervisor and the course convernor towards the end of Trinity Term in the first year of the programme, but students will be given opportunity in the second year to adjust their dissertation title in the light of their arcival research. The first term of Year Two of the M.Phil. is set aside exclusively for archival research, undertaken in either European or British archives.

Foreign language skills are encouraged and their acquisition is fully supported. As a two-year programme, the M.Phil. offers ample time for students to improve existing foreign language skills or to learn a new language in order to extend their research. The University's Language Centre provides courses in major languages at every level, including reading courses. In the case of continental European topics, students will need to satisfy their supervisor and the course convenor that they have, or are acquiring, adequate (reading) knowledge of the relevant language(s) to pursue their dissertation work. Those specializing in the history of the British Isles should note, however, that their research would also profit from linguistic competence in other languages than English, and they are therefore advised to make use of the opportunities for language training.

Past dissertations and general student feedback

Successful M.Phil. dissertations are usually deposited with the Bodleian Library, and also freely available for scholarly consultation in the Library. Faculty, programme convenor, and the Modern European History Research Centre regularly encourage students to comment on the programme and their learning experience, and some students have agreed to have their statements published.

Contact information

The current programme convenor is Dr Ruth Harris (New College)

Support for the programme convenor is provided by the Administrator of the Modern European History Research Centre whose contact details are as follows:
mehrc@history.ox.ac.uk
telephone (01865) 615038 (or 15038 from an internal phone)
fax (01865) 250704
address: Modern European History Research Centre, History Faculty, Old High School for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL

Teaching and examination are administered by the History Graduate Office. All examination queries should be directed to
graduate.office@history.ox.ac.uk
telephone: (01865) 615002 (or 15002 from an internal phone)
fax: (01865) 250704
address: History Graduate Office, History Faculty, Old High School for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL

B.1.4 The Master of Philosophy and the Master of Science in History of Science, Medicine, and Technology

The M.Phil. is a two-year programme and the M.Sc. a one-year programme. They offer a wide range of options and allow students to specialize in the history of science and technology, or the social history of medicine, although the boundaries between these areas are deliberately permeable.

Teaching and examination comprises three elements:

(1) The core qualifying papers

These two papers are taught in classes during Michaelmas Term, afforced by lectures on specific issues. The class convenors are requested to submit a report on each candidate's preparation and participartion in the weekly classes. Formal assessment is through a methodological essay of 3,000 words for each of the papers.

(2) A choice of Advanced Papers

Advanced papers are usually taught in small classes, mostly during Hilary Term. Assessment is usually by three-hour written examination, but candidates may choose to be assessed for up to half of their advanced papers by two extended essays of up to 5,000 words each. M.Sc. candidates offer two advanced papers, and M.Phil. candidates four, of which they may offer up to two in their first year.

(3) A dissertation

In the case of the M.Sc. a dissertation of not more than 15,000 words on a topic of the student's choice, approved by her or his supervisor, and submitted at the end of the Long Vacation; in the case of the M.Phil. a dissertation of not more than 30,000 words on a topic of the student's choice, approved by her or his supervisor, and submitted at the beginning of Trinity Term in the candidate's second year.

Successful candidates often use these master's programmes as a preparation for further research, and they have been structured with this possibility in mind. It should be stressed, however, that the admission of any candidate to further study at Oxford will depend on his/her overall performance in the master's programme, together with the viability of any proposed research topic and the availability of appropriate supervision at Oxford.

Contact information

The current course convenor is Professor Pietro Corsi (Linacre College)

All teaching-related administration, and some preliminary examination matters are handled by Stephanie Jenkins:
stephanie.jenkins@history.ox.ac.uk
telephone (01865) 615027 (or 15027 from an internal phone)
fax (01865) 615027
Stephanie Jenkins, History Faculty, Old High School for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL

Examinations are administered by the History Graduate Office. After students have submitted their examination entry forms in Hilary Term, all examination queries should be directed to
graduate.office@history.ox.ac.uk
telephone: (01865) 615002 (or 15002 from an internal phone)
fax: (01865) 250704
address: History Graduate Office, History Faculty, Old High School for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL

B.1.5 The Master of Philosophy and the Master of Science in Economic and Social History

These specialist master's programmes offer a unique framework for research training in economic and social history. The compulsory core qualifying papers provide an opportunity to evaluate a range of different approaches, and also for the students to influence and respond to each other. They impart a common language, and create a close and friendly community, in which ideas are shared, and strong personal ties are forged. The course community provides a base from which to venture out and experience the other rewards of Oxford, intellectual, social, and cultural.

The M.Phil. is a two-year programme and the M.Sc. a one-year programme. They offer a wide range of options and allow students to specialize in economic and/or social history, or historical demography, although the boundaries between these areas are deliberately permeable.

Teaching and examination comprises three elements:

(1) The core qualifying papers

The core paper on social sciences methodologies and approaches is taught thourgh a series of lectures and parallel classes during Michaelmas and the first half of Hilary Term. The quantitative methods classes are taught during Michaelmas Term. Class convenors are requested to submit a report on each candidate's preparation and participartion in the weekly classes. Formal assessment is through an essay of up to 4,000 words for the core methodology paper, and through a take-home assignment for the quantitative methods courses.

(2) A choice of Advanced Papers

(3) A dissertation

Contact information

The current course convenor is Dr Deborah Oxley (All Souls College)

B.1.6 The Master of Studies in History of Art and Visual Culture

The established strengths of the discipline of art history in formal, iconographic and contextual analysis are being linked in the History Faculty's Department of the History of Art to a rigorous approach to questions of theory and method. The subjects of visual history are being redefined on a broad base to include a much wider range of artefacts and visual media. Images and objects produced in many contexts – ranging from the scientific to the popular – are being brought together to show how visual styles at different times and in different places can be understood in relation to the aesthetic, intellectual and social facets of various cultures.

The M.St. in History of Art and Visual Culture offers a unique combination of methodological depth and access to magnificent primary sources. It is valuable both in its own right, and as a basis for further research.

Teaching and examination comprises three elements:

(1) A methodological paper

This compulsory paper is taught in a class during Michaelmas and Hilary Terms. It is assessed through a three-hour unseen examination at the end of Trinity Term.

(2) A choice of Option Papers

These papers are normally taught in small classes or tutorial groups during Michaelmas and Hilary Terms. Assessment is through two extended essays of between 4,000 and 5,000 words each.

Some of the option papers listed will not be available every year, and new ones may be added. We also hope in future to share certain options with related M.St. courses in other departments and faculties. Prospective students should check on the availability of specific courses during the application process.

(3) A dissertation

In Trinity Term students complete independently, under the guidance of an expert supervisor, a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on an topic of the student's choice and approved by the supervisor and the chairman of examiners for the programme.

Successful candidates often use the M.St. programme as a preparation for further research in the field, and the course has been structured with this possibility in mind. It should be stressed, however, that the admission of any candidate to further study at Oxford will depend on his/her overall performance in the master's programme, together with the viability of any proposed research topic and the availability of appropriate supervision at Oxford.

Contact information

The current course convenor is Dr Geraldine Johnson (Dept of the History of Art)

All teaching-related administration, and some preliminary examination matters are handled by Rachel Woodruff:
rachel.woodruff@hoa.ox.ac.uk
telephone (01865) 286830 (or 86830 from an internal phone)
fax (01865) 286831
address: Rachel Woodruff, The Administrator, Department of History of Art,
2nd Floor, Littlegate House, St Ebbes, Oxford, OX1 1PT

Examinations are administered by the History Graduate Office. After students have submitted their examination entry forms in Hilary Term, all examination queries should be directed to
graduate.office@history.ox.ac.uk
telephone: (01865) 615002 (or 15002 from an internal phone)
fax: (01865) 250704
address: History Graduate Office, History Faculty, Old High School for Boys, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2RL

B.1.7 Cognate taught master’s programmes in specialist areas

The following master’s programmes are significantly enhanced by contributions from members of the History Faculty, and students who have successfully completed one of these specialist programmes often seek admission to the Faculty's research programmes.

B.1.7.1 The Master of Philosophy and Master of Studies in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies

B.1.7.1.1 General outline and assessment requirements

There are two taught programmes offered in this field of specialist research: a two-year Master of Philosophy and a one-year Master of Studies; both programmes commence in October, and may be taken either as a free-standing degrees or as the first step towards one of the research degrees of M.Litt. or D.Phil. The taught programmes are administered through the History Graduate Office, and their teaching is a collaborative effort of specialists from the faculties of Classics, History, Medieval and Modern Languages, Oriental Studies, Philosophy, and Theology, and the School of Archaeology. For admission to a research degree programme after the completion of their master's programme students are expected to apply through the faculty which seems most appropriate for the proposed research topic.

The programmes have been devised as a multi-purpose introduction to the Roman world in Late Antiquity, to Byzantium, the medieval successor of the East Roman Empire, and to neighbouring peoples and their cultures. Although the two components (Late Antiquity and Byzantium) have been designed to the same specification and are conjoined in a single course, graduate students are expected to concentrate on one or other of the fields.

Two basic pathways lead into each field of study, and graduate students are expected to choose between them at the outset. The first offers intensive training in any one of the following ancient and medieval languages – Greek, Latin, Slavonic, Armenian, Syriac, Coptic, Arabic. The second is designed for those who already have considerable competence in their chosen language and whose principal interests lie in History, Art and Archaeology, or Religion. They will receive instruction in one or two of a range of specialist Auxiliary Disciplines (papyrology, epigraphy, palaeography, numismatics, sigillography, or artefact studies [one of the following - ceramics, metalware, ivories, codices, carved marbles]), and will choose a Special Subject from a list in their preferred subject area (History, Art and Archaeology, Literature, or Religion). All those taking the course (on both pathways) will be required to undertake a programme of directed study on History, Art and Archaeology, either in the Late Antique or in the Byzantine field.

Assessment will take different forms in relation to different subjects. There will be timed examinations to test language attainment, competence in Auxiliary Disciplines, and knowledge of the texts selected for close study as part of language training. The core paper on Late Antiquity and Byzantium (History, Art and Archaeology) will be examined by two extended essays, each of 5,000 words. For Special Subjects, candidates will have the option of submitting two 5,000-word essays or a dissertation of 10,000 words.

The wide range of expertise and research interests of the 21 Oxford University postholders who contribute to the teaching of Late Antique and Byzantine Studies are reflected in the list of Special Subjects on offer (48 all told). It should be noted (1) that not all Special Subjects will be available every academic year (because of absences on sabbatical leave) and (2) that graduate students will be able to devise Special Subjects of their own choosing, subject to the approval of their supervisor and the Committee for Late Antique and Byzantine Studies.

The core papers on Late Antiquity and Byzantium will be taught in two sets of weekly classes over the Michaelmas (autumn) and Hilary (winter) Terms, one on History, the other on Art and Archaeology. Those taking the language pathway will attend classes throughout the academic year, which may be supplemented by tutorials. Auxiliary Disciplines and Special Subjects will be taught by a mixture of lectures, classes and tutorials, each course lasting eight weeks (which may be spread over more than one term).

B.1.7.1.2 The two degree programmes

The Master of Philosophy in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies is a twenty-one-month taught course which has been designed as a free-standing degree. But graduate students who have completed the first year of the course, may, if they so choose and if they have the backing of their supervisors, apply to transfer to doctoral status on the completion of their M.Phil. course. The 30,000-word dissertation, which they submit for the M.Phil. examination, may be incorporated subsequently into a doctoral thesis.

Candidates for the Master of Philosophy are required to

undertake a course of study on History, Art and Archaeology in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms of the first year (either I Late Antiquity or II Byzantium), and to submit two 5,000-word essays on topics of their choosing (subject to the approval of their supervisor);
choose three other subjects for examination, either Language and Literature (one ancient and medieval language from among those listed below – two timed papers) and one other subject (chosen from the lists of Auxiliary Disciplines and Special Subjects given below) or Auxiliary Disciplines (one timed paper) and two Special Subjects;
write a dissertation of not more than 30,000 words on a subject approved by his/her supervisor, in the second year;
present himself/herself for a viva voce examination when required to do so by the examiners.

The Master of Studies in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies is a nine-month taught course that can be taken as a free-standing degree, or as the first step towards doctoral research.

Candidates for the Master of Studies are required to

undertake a course of study on History, Art and Archaeology in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms of the first year (either I Late Antiquity or II Byzantium), and to submit two 5,000-word essays on topics of their choosing (subject to the approval of their supervisor);
choose two other subjects for examination, either Language and Literature (one ancient and medieval language from among those listed below – two timed papers) or Auxiliary Disciplines (one timed paper) and one Special Subject;
present himself/herself for a viva voce examination when required to do so by the examiners.

Contact information

The current course convenor is Dr James Howard-Johnston (Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Studies, 66 St Giles’).

B.1.7.1.3 Shared teaching outline and academic environment

(i) Core paper on History, Art and Archaeology (either I Late Antiquity [covering the Roman empire and adjoining regions], or II Byzantium) to be taken by all candidates: taught in classes in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms; examined by two 5,000-word essays, to be submitted by Monday of First Week of Trinity Term of the candidate’s first year.

(ii) and (iii) Language and Literature (Greek, Latin, Slavonic, Armenian, Syriac, Arabic): taught over three terms in classes, with reference to a selection of texts/extracts from texts which may vary from year to year according to the interests of candidates; examined by two three-hour papers, (ii) translation and (iii) set texts (with passages for comment and essay questions). Candidates who are embarking on the study of one of the above languages will normally be expected to take both papers, but may take one only, with the approval of the Committee for Byzantine Studies.

(iv) Auxiliary Disciplines, either any two of the following (epigraphy, palaeography, numismatics, sigillography) or papyrology (Greek, Coptic or Arabic) or artefact studies (ceramics, metalware, ivories, codices, carved marbles): taught by lectures / classes / tutorials; examined by three-hour paper.

(v) and (vi) Special Subject in History or Art and Archaeology or Literature or Religion taken from the list below: taught by lectures / classes / tutorials; examined either by two 5,000-word essays or by 10,000-word dissertation (to be submitted by Monday of Seventh Week of Trinity Term of the candidate’s first year).

Overview of Special Subjects

(a) History: from paganism to Christianity - the Roman empire in the fourth century; the Sasanian empire; the sub-Roman west in the sixth century; the east Roman empire in the age of Justinian; nomads, Slavs and the southern powers, 370-700; the rise of Islam; Syria 400-800; Armenia 600-900; Byzantium and the Arabs ca.650-ca.860; the Christianisation of the Balkans and Russia; Islamic history 600-1000; Byzantium and Armenia 850-1050; Byzantium in the age of Constantine Porphyrogenitus; Arab and Norman Sicily 827-1250; the Seljuqs; the Komnenian revival; the Palaiologan age.

(b) Art and Archaeology: Late Antique sculpture/portraiture; monumental art and architecture in Late Antiquity; city, countryside and economy in Late Antiquity; pilgrimage in Late Antiquity; Constantinople; Islamic art and archaeology 650-900; early Islamic monetary history; Byzantine minor arts; Byzantine monumental art; Byzantine regional archaeology; Islamic art and archaeology 900-1250; royal art and architecture in Norman Sicily 1130-1194; Palaiologan art and architecture.

(c) Literature (texts prescribed in translation): literature in Late Antiquity (Greek); literature in Late Antiquity (Latin); literature in Late Antiquity (oriental – either Arabic or Syriac or Armenian); Hebrew/Aramaic texts; Byzantine historiography in the eleventh and twelfth centuries; Byzantine poetry from John Geometres to Theodore Prodromos; Byzantine popular narratives; Byzantine scholarship.

(d) Religion: Judaism in Late Antiquity; the Arian controversy; Augustine; Gnosticism and Manichaeism; Christological debate, fifth-seventh centuries; Iconoclasm; early medieval Islamic thought; Byzantine spirituality.

(e) Such other subjects as may be approved from time to time on application to the Committee for Byzantine Studies.

B.1.7.2 The Master of Studies in Medieval Studies

B.1.7.2.1 General outline and assessment requirements

This nine-month interdisciplinary taught course (October to June) can be taken either as a free-standing degree or as the first step towards one of the research degrees of M.Litt. or D.Phil. ; students can choose during the year in which direction they wish to proceed. The degree balances taught courses and independent research. It is aimed explicitly at students who wish to follow courses in more than one discipline in medieval studies, and who are keen to extend the range of their skills. The degree places considerable emphasis on language training and will ask all students to study a medieval language they have not already studied. Students will also take a palaeography course. In their first two terms students will choose optional papers, from topics offered by the participating departments. (These include the faculties, departments, or inter-faculty committees of English, History, History of Art, Modern Languages, Byzantine Studies, Oriental Studies. Options are likely to be available also in Music, Theology and Philosophy.) In addition, in their first term students will participate in workshops on research methods and, in second term will attend an interdisciplinary seminar. The dissertation, written up in the third term, will normally have two supervisors from different Faculties. In most cases there will be no formal examinations and the degree will be assessed as follows: 20% for an essay in each optional subject ; 20% for an essay or transcription in palaeography; 40% for the dissertation (up to 12,000 words.) Language skills will normally be assessed by a class test but depending on the language it might sometimes be possible to substitute the learning of a language (such as Arabic or Old Irish) for one of the option papers and this language might then be examined.

Every candidate is required to

attend such lectures, seminars, classes and language courses as his or her supervisor shall determine, and do any language tests set by language teachers;
submit two essays of between 5,000 and 7,000 words, based on the work for the option papers taught in Michaelmas and Hilary terms (i.e. the first two terms)and selected in consultation with the convenor(s) of the option;
submit an essay of between 5,000 and 7,000 words based on the work for the course in palaeography or provide a transcription as laid down by the relevant Faculty.
By 9th week of Trinity (i.e. the final) term submit a dissertation of up to 12,000 words on the candidate’s own research topic. The topic should cover an issue that includes at least one element of more than one discipline. It will have been approved by the programme committee and will normally be supervised by two supervisors from different Faculties or sub-Faculties, one major, one minor.

Contact information

The current course convenor is Dr Helen Swift (St Hilda's College).

B.1.7.2.2 Teaching Outline and academic environment

This degree is a taught degree with a strong research element. Students will follow core courses and option papers but can expect to spend at least a third of their time doing independent research. The onus in such research lies on the individual student. S/he should construct the contents and work pattern of the research element of the degree in close and regular discussion with his/her supervisor(s).

The formal teaching for the degree consists of the following:

Compulsory Language classes in each of the three terms, chosen from a variety of possibilities normally including Latin; Old English; Old Norse; Old French; Old Occitan; Old High German; Middle High German; Old Irish; Middle Welsh; Greek; Hebrew; Arabic. The language selected should normally be closely related to the student’s work.
Paleography/codicology classes: either English, or Medieval and Modern Languages, or Byzantine Greek. Depending on the language chosen this subject will be studied either in Michaelmas or in Hilary terms, or in some cases over both terms.
Option Papers: these are courses on short periods or specific themes; students have a free choice of any of the subjects on offer in any given year from any of the participating Faculties as well as from Theology and Music. Option Papers will be studied in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms. They will be taught through a series of classes, seminars or tutorials (as appropriate), in which primary and secondary sources will be discussed collectively, and their wider implications brought out.
Compulsory Interdisciplinary seminar: to be held in Hilary Term on a theme to be chosen by the convenor. The seminar will stress the different but complementary approaches to medieval sources offered by different disciplines.
Dissertation: students will be expected to discuss the topic of their dissertation from the beginning with a view to provisional decisions on titles by the end of Michaelmas term and final approval of titles by the end of the fourth week of Hilary Term. Four hours of supervision will be provided.
Research methods workshop: to be held across Michaelmas and Hilary terms, a series of classes designed to address a number of issues encountered by researchers in medieval studies at master's level, but also intended to be responsive to and shaped by student concerns.
A day conference: to be held in Trinity Term. Students will present work in progress on their dissertations to each other and to tutors.

B.1.7.2.3 Themes for the compulsory interdisciplinary seminar (past, present, future)

Academic year 2007/08: What does it mean ‘to see’?

How visionary culture can be understood will be explored from the varied perspectives of the disciplines represented in this degree. We will look at the theories that lay behind medieval visionary experience, from St Augustine onwards; at how visions were subsequently understood and expressed in both literary and artistic mediums; at whether or not late medieval culture became pre-occupied with sight and in what ways ‘seeing’ might be gendered. The guest speakers invited to the 2008 seminar are Professor Caroline Walker Bynum and Professor Barbara Newman.

Preliminary bibliography

Hilary Term 2009: Looking and laughing

Taking the previous year's theme of visionary culture as a springboard, we shall focus on the question of humour, addressing such issues as: by what means and in what contexts the comic is portrayed across disciplines; how visual representations may be judged humorous or otherwise; what functions humour could perform; and what it meant 'to laugh' in medieval culture. The guest speaker invited to the 2008-9 seminar is Professor Kathryn Kerby-Fulton.

Preliminary bibliography

Academic year 2009/10: [Theme to be confirmed]

The guest speaker invited to the 2009/10 seminar is Professor Roberta Gilchrist.

Preliminary bibliography

B.1.6.2 The Master of Studies in Women’s Studies

This one-year interdisciplinary master’s degree equips students with the critical and research tools needed for women's studies in the humanities. It provides a systematic introduction to feminist theory, highlighting women’s contribution to culture and history. It also provides the practical equipment necessary to engage in original research into topics in the humanities relating to women and to gender, in a university with unrivalled facilities.

B.1.6.3 The Master of Science in English Local History

This part-time master’s programme combines a systematic training in historical research techniques with the study of a range of major local historical themes and the chance to undertake an individually researched dissertation. It will be relevant to potential or practising teachers, archaeologists, environmental planners, archivists, librarians, museum professionals and teachers in adult education as well as to dedicated researchers pursuing the subject in its own right.

B. Information about Degree Programmes 1