The Urban Historical Studies specialization combines historical approaches with those of the social sciences in studying urban processes, organizations, and society. It is designed to meet the needs of students who intend to enter the interdisciplinary Urban Studies PhD program or a similar program after completion of the Master of Arts degree. A thesis is required in this specialization.
Course Work
The minimum degree requirement is 33 graduate credits distributed in the following manner:
- Hist 712 – Historiography and Theory of History, or Hist 713 – Historical Research Methods
- Hist 595 – The Quantitative Analysis of Historical Data
- 6 credits in History colloquia (800 number courses)
- 6 credits in History seminars (HIST 971 and one other 900 numbered course)
- 6 credits in 985 Master’s Thesis Research
- Three of the following four courses
- Urb Std 901 Seminar: Urban Social Structures
- Urb Std 913 Seminar in Urban Political process
- Urb Std 945: The Internal Structure of the City
- Urb Std 921: Research Methods in Urban Affairs
- Thesis. A thesis is required in this specialization.
- Thesis Defense. The student must pass an oral defense of the thesis.
Academic Review
Within the first semester after completing 9 credits (including two of the following courses: 712, 713, a colloquium and/or seminar), Urban Historical Studies students must request an Academic Review from your Major Professor in the History Department. The Review involves an evaluation of your academic progress in master’s course work, and of two unrevised course papers. After this review, you and your advisor should complete the Advisor Designation and Academic Review Form and return it to the Director of Graduate Studies.
Graduate Grievance Procedures
Federal law and UWM policy require programs and departments to have procedures for graduate students to appeal academic decisions such as grades or scholastic standing. These procedures ensure the protection of students’ rights. These pages serve as a reference on procedures for graduate student academic appeals.