Master of Arts in History
The program is designed to develop critical thinking, high level of research and teaching competence. It will provide the students with an understanding of the broad functions and concepts of historical studies through a critico-theoretical approach. The program aims to develop skills in evaluating evidence, organizing information, clarifying and structuring concepts and writing narratives and expositions with Philippine history as the core of study. The M.A. program will provide the students the necessary foundation and training in research, writing, interpretation and teaching of history. The program prepares the graduates for career in teaching; research in history; executive as well as administrative positions; and other work opportunities in both government and private sector.
Course Requirements
Core Subjects 9 units
Major Subjects 15 units
Cognates 6 units
Thesis + Defense 6 units
Core Subjects
Philippine Historiography (HIS526M)
3 units
The study of the materials on the history of the Philippines
Historical Methodology (HIS525M)
3 units
The focus will on methods of historical writing, evaluating evidences, organizing ideas and documentation.
Philosophy of History (HIS530M)
3 units
The study of history as a discipline. It will survey the different philosophies of history from the time of the Greek down to contemporary period, including Philippine historiography.
Major Courses
Precolonial Philippines (HIS711M)
3 units
The study of the Philippines from prehistoric times to the eve of the Spanish conquest
The Philippines Under Spain 1521-1898 (HIS713M)
3 units
A survey of the historical writings that tackle the Spanish colonial policies and the reaction of the Filipinos.
The Philippines During the American Era: 1898-1946 (HIS715M)
3 units
A survey of the historical writings that deal with the socio-political and economic changes during the American period.
The Philippines During the Japanese Occupation 1942-1945 (HIS717M)
3 units
The study of the Japanese colonial policies and the changes brought about by the Japanese occupation of the Philippines
Postwar Philippines (HIS718M)
3 units
Focused on the efforts of the Filipinos as a self-governing people; Philippine-American relations, and Philippine relations with neighboring and other countries, conditions and changes during this period, etc.
Special Topics in Philippine History
A seminar on significant aspects of Philippine history hitherto overlooked by historians, e.g. millenarian or messianic movements, popular uprising in the local and regional levels, relatively unknown historical events and personages, local or regional historical events that had national ramification, etc.
Electives/Cognates
6 units
It may be taken from the course offerings of other department in the College of Liberal Arts. Students are encouraged to take area studies such as courses in history of Spain, American, Chinese, Japanese, European and Southeast Asian Studies. The selection of courses must be done in coordination with the adviser or the Graduate Coordinator.
Comprehensive Exam
Students will be asked to choose two subjects from the core subjects and one from the major subjects. The comprehensive exam questions will be drawn from the subjects that the students selected.
Master’s Thesis
6 units
Preparation of a master’s thesis based on original research using as much as possible archival and other basic sources that shall male a significant contribution to knowledge in the student’s field of specialization as well as to the enrichment of the literature on Philippine history.