COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in History (Major Research Paper stream) at Trent University is a graduate program designed to provide advanced training in historical research, analysis, and writing across a wide range of historical fields. The program emphasizes the development of strong methodological, theoretical, and critical thinking skills through structured coursework and independent research. Students are required to complete 1.0 credit in HIST 5100Y, which serves as the core seminar focusing on historiography, historical theory, and research methodologies. This foundational course helps students engage with key debates in historical scholarship and develop the tools needed for advanced academic research. In addition, students must complete 2.0 elective credits from approved graduate-level History courses, allowing them to specialize in areas such as Canadian, European, social, cultural, or transnational history, depending on their academic interests. A central requirement of the program is HIST 5500Y, the Major Research Paper, in which students conduct independent research on an approved historical topic under faculty supervision. This project demonstrates the student’s ability to apply historical methods and contribute original analysis to the field. Overall, the program prepares graduates for doctoral studies or professional careers in education, archives, museums, public history, and other fields requiring advanced historical expertise and research skills.