The graduate curriculum is a good starting point, but
there is more to being a professional historian than the meeting of
curricular requirements. This page
sets out my expectations for a historian seeking the MA. There is no formula for the complete
historian, nor any guarantee of success, but it seems to me an MA historian
would do these things.
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Sphere
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Aspect
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Evidence
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The Literature of
History
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Major Field: The Great Plains
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HIST 730 review essay
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Comprehensive examination
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The Practice of
History
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Research and writing
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HIST 790 research paper
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Thesis with evident potential for article publications
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Presentation of 2 research papers at professional
conferences
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Publication of a research article in a refereed journal
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Communications
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Completion of foreign language requirement
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Demonstrated mastery of computer software appropriate to
professional aspirations
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Successful oral presentations in professional settings
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Proficiencies
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Successful work experience in area of professional aspiration
(such as teaching, historic preservation, curatorship,
or interpretation), showing mastery of tools and methods
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The Values of
History
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Collegiality
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Notable contributions to the activities of Phi Alpha
Theta, the international honor society of historians
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Visible and sustained support to the efforts of fellow
scholars in the program and in the institution
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Membership and participation in an association
appropriate to professional aspirations
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Service
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Demonstrated commitment to public welfare and awareness
of public responsibility
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Ethics
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Scrupulous observance of recognized standards of
academic honesty and professional ethics
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Ethical and considerate treatment of peers and clients
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