History

The Department of History has provided information for students who plan to study abroad. Review your department’s responses to the Major Advising Questionnaires below, then contact the department directly with any additional questions.

Advising Resources

Study Abroad Information on the History Website

History Advising Contact Information

Major-Specific Info

History majors study all over the world, from China to Great Britain, Paris to Australia, and everywhere in between. They do so because study abroad transforms abstract learning into tangible, fascinating reality: there is no better way to make distant historical events come to life than to discover them in the contexts where they occurred. Courses are available in over 42 countries, at more than 115 universities. These universities offer over 285 programs of varying design and duration. Start exploring the options and opportunities today!

Why study abroad?

By studying abroad, students can take advantage of unique academic opportunities in the discipline, expand their worldview, and prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world. Returning students often describe their time studying abroad as one of the most empowering and transformative experiences of their lives, with profound repercussions for successfully identifying and attaining their personal and career goals.

When can I study abroad?

While it is possible for history majors to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular semester, summer or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take, and have taken already.

Transfer students are eligible to participate as soon as they arrive at Berkeley. Please note that application deadlines are quite early. For more information, visit studyabroad.berkeley.edu/transfer-students

For all history majors, please keep in mind that History 103 and 101 can only be taken at Berkeley, and that it’s recommended they be taken in different terms. Thus, if you plan to study abroad in the fall of your senior year, you should plan to take History 103 in your junior year.

Where can I study abroad?

History students planning to complete a portion of their major abroad have a wide variety of options. The following are just a few institutions where our students have studied:

  • Pembroke/King’s College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
  • University of Bordeaux, France
  • University of Belgrano, Argentina
  • Mexico University, Mexico City
  • Hong Kong University, Hong Kong
  • University of Cape Town, South Africa
  • Thammasat University, Thailand
  • Yonsei University, Korea
  • Meiji Gakuin University, Japan
  • Beijing Normal University, China

Tip: Keep a personal journal, and take plenty of pictures! You’ll enjoy having them when you get back to Berkeley and long after you graduate.

What classes can I take?

The History Department allows a maximum of four upper-division, letter-graded courses taken at other institutions to be used toward major requirements. Upper division courses for the History Major must be fairly narrow in scope and focus, similar to upper division courses offered in our department. (Note that no non-Berkeley courses may be used for the History Minor.)

It is important that you bring back your course descriptions, syllabi, reading lists, and all the work you did for your courses (papers, projects, exams, etc.). 

If your course syllabus does not specify required reading, you should create a reading diary (“para-syllabus”) of books and articles you are actually reading each week. Please make sure to include page numbers.

Tip: If you plan to conduct research for your senior thesis while studying abroad, talk with a faculty member in your field before you leave, and take detailed notes on your research while you’re away.

Berkeley Programs Questionnaire

Does your department currently sponsor a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program?

No, not currently. 

Do any courses offered on a Berkeley Summer Abroad or Berkeley Global Internships program currently satisfy requirements within your major?

For all programs, credit is possible. We have worked with students to write an extra paper, for example, if a history course is not substantial enough to count at Berkeley for a full course credit.

UCEAP Programs Questionnaire

What is the maximum amount of major credit given for courses taken during UCEAP? Is this maximum calculated by number of courses or by units of credit?

History allows up to four non-Berkeley classes in the upper division.

Does your department maintain a list of courses previously awarded credit on UCEAP and/or a list of pre-approved courses for UCEAP programs? How do students access this information?

History has a small internal database. Please contact the department advisor.

Does your department have a 4-year or 2-year plan available to students that incorporates semester or year-length study abroad? How do students access this information?

Our sample program plans are here: http://history.berkeley.edu/content/sample-program-plans and the Major Map is available here: https://history.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/major/requirements

 

What is the process in your department to have courses evaluated? What materials must be submitted? What is the timeframe for response?

When you return, you will need to submit a Course Approval Form for each class you want to use as a major requirement. The form is available on the History website: https://history.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/study-abroad.

Please attach a course syllabus and reading list. If the course did not require communal reading, you should attach a “reading diary” of your own reading. Submit the forms and attachments to the undergraduate advisor in History. The faculty generally conduct reviews fairly often in Fall and Spring.

Are students in your department able to undertake a senior honors thesis the semester following UCEAP participation?

Yes. 

Does your department calculate UCEAP grades into departmental GPA?

Yes. 

Are UCEAP grades counted towards departmental honors?

Yes. 

If you represent a department which teaches foreign language, does your department award major credit for the courses taken during the Intensive Language Program (ILP) portion of the UCEAP program?

N/A

Does the undergraduate adviser sign the UCEAP academic planning form, or must a faculty adviser sign?

The undergraduate advisor will sign.

Does your department place Academic holds on declared majors prior to each registration period? If yes, what is your departmental policy on releasing advising holds for students currently abroad on UCEAP (e.g. is advising possible via email, skype, etc.)?

We do not place holds.

Do you have any department specific advice for students participating on a UCEAP program in their last term at Berkeley?

If you have remaining major requirements be sure to work very closely with the major advisor while planning your program. 

Independent Programs Questionnaire

Have any Independent programs been approved by your department and the Study Abroad Advisory board for credit in the major?

Yes, but only one-time approvals.

Are there any pre-approved courses for your major from other UC summer abroad programs (UCLA, UCD, etc.)?

Not currently.

What is the process to have a course from an Independent study abroad program evaluated for your major?

Submit a Course Approval Form for each class you want to use as a major requirement. The form is available on the History website: https://history.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/study-abroad.

Please attach a course syllabus and reading list. If the course did not require communal reading, you should attach a “reading diary” of your own reading. Also please include an unofficial transcript for non-UC programs. Submit the forms and attachments to the undergraduate advisor. The faculty will conduct a review fairly often in Fall and Spring.