Welcome Message for Incoming Students by the Chair of the History Department, Dr. James Miller
Welcome Message from the History Undergraduate Society (HUgS)
A Virtual Welcome to the History Department
We are delighted that you will be joining our close-knit community of faculty, students, and staff. As part of the Fall 2020 incoming class, you will be starting your degree in rather unprecedented circumstances. Your classrooms will look a little different this year, but please know that we are all committed to helping you succeed.
During the 2020-2021 academic year, your learning will occur in on-line settings.
In order to help you prepare to select and register for your courses for the coming year, we have assembled some information below that details some of the exciting course options that you’ll get to choose from as you plan your first year at Carleton.
We especially want to draw your attention to our first-year seminars. We strongly recommend that you consider taking one of these seminars this year. We’ve set aside a small number of seats in each of these courses especially for our incoming Majors. These classes fill quickly so don’t delay!
Students must take 1.0 credit in HIST at the 1000 level or any section of FYSM 1405. In other words, you must take one year-long 1000-level History course or one year-long first-year seminar.
We think that our first-year seminars offer a great introduction to the study of history at the university-level, so we strongly recommend that all students enroll in 1.0 credits of our History first-year seminars (FYSM 1405) and 0.5 or 1.0 credits in HIST at the 1000 level. But you should not enroll in more than 2.0 credits of HIST courses in your first year.
While all first-year History classes will be delivered online during the 2020-2021 academic year, the shape or format of these classes will vary. Most of your first-year classes will have a mix of scheduled and unscheduled components. For example, most will require that you listen to recorded lectures; complete on-line quizzes, reflections, or other activities; carry out the assigned readings, listen to podcasts, or watch films; and complete work on other course assignments on your own time. Many will also have other scheduled components (like tutorials, on-line discussion sections, or live lectures) that you will also be expected to complete online.
Regardless of the format, all courses will require sustained participation. You will therefore need to manage your weekly schedules in order to complete the various components of your different courses in the allotted time. So do keep this in mind as you craft your schedules for the academic year.
If you have questions about learning to navigate the online learning environment, do see the resources assembled at Carleton Online.
First-year seminars offered by the History Department give incoming students a chance to work with faculty in a small class setting and give students the opportunity to discuss and research topics of interest in a core subject area. These are identified by the course code, FSYM 1405.
These seminars offer an introduction to the methodologies and other concerns of the discipline in a way that is simply not possible in other first-year settings. Over the course of the year, students explore selected thematic issues and learn about some of the tools historians employ as they investigate the past. These courses have a maximum of 30 students and are taught by seminar instructors who are committed to teaching and mentoring first-year students.
As you’ll see from the course descriptions these seminars will allow you to immerse yourself in a distant time and place and to learn the skills you’ll need to thrive in your undergraduate studies.
Our 1000-level HIST courses offer a perfect introduction to the people, events, and ideas that made and remade the globe. These are broad surveys of time and space, and are designed to ease the transition to university work.
You’ll notice on the Registrar’s website, that we offer multiple versions of many of our 1000-level courses, each taught by a different instructor.
You can be sure that you’ll find one that fits your timetable. Note that each course will reflect the particular interests of the instructor so do be sure to see the more detailed course descriptions that we’ve posted to our website. These will give you a better idea of just what to expect.
Mark these dates on your calendar: Between August 24-28, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) will hold its Orientation Week. You are invited to join sessions facilitated by current students and faculty that will tackle topics such as managing procrastination and provide tips for successful on-line learning, maintaining physical and mental well-being, and much, much more.
In addition, watch for more information about this year’s Academic Orientation Day (September 8, 2020), a free and mandatory orientation day designed to introduce you to the History department and to prepare you for your academic career. Watch for more information about this event in July and August.
Online peer-to-peer mentorship
We encourage you, as well, to take advantage of the First Year Connections (FYC) Program, a mentorship program that is designed to help new students adjust to university life during those critical weeks in their first semester.
The Department of History counts among its students a small corps of dedicated student mentors who, as former participants in the FYC Program, understand just how valuable the connections with students can be.
Student services
This Fall, Carleton is committed to providing the full range of student services to you, from online academic advising, to virtual mental health counselling and support, to creative virtual social spaces and activities so that you can connect with your fellow students.
Contact our Undergraduate Administrator, Tanya Schwartz ( tanya.schwartz@carleton.ca ). Let her know if you encounter any difficulties with registering for any of your classes.
Meet Tanya, the History Department’s Undergraduate Administrator
Leaving secondary school or CEGEP and entering post-secondary study is a big adjustment. Even transfer students who have attended university in the past can find it challenging. This change can be stressful, but know that you are not alone. While faculty, administrators, and your fellow students can be a big help, there is one person who would love to be your main point of contact: Tanya Schwartz, the Undergraduate Administrator for the Department of History. Think of Tanya as your personal tour guide as you navigate the new challenges facing you at Carleton University.
She can help you make sense of your audit so you can choose your courses with confidence. She can explain how making a change to your program can affect your degree. She can also direct you to other services on campus like when you need help navigating the library, fixing a registration error, or accessing health and counseling services. As a student herself, she has faced many of the same issues you have. So any time you have a concern, know that Tanya is here to help you. There is nothing she would rather be doing than helping students succeed. (Well, maybe reading a good book surrounded by her three dogs, but helping students is a very close second!)
So send her an email at tanya.schwartz@carleton.ca. And, when the time comes, do stop by 400 Paterson to say hello in person.
We are delighted that you will be joining our close-knit community of faculty, students, and staff. As part of the Fall 2020 incoming class, you will be starting your degree in rather unprecedented circumstances. Your classrooms will look a little different this year, but please know that we are all committed to helping you succeed.
In order to help you prepare to select and register for your courses for the coming year, we have assembled some information below that details some of the exciting course options that you’ll get to choose from as you plan your first year at Carleton.
Leaving secondary school or CEGEP and entering post-secondary study is a big adjustment. Even transfer students who have attended university in the past can find it challenging. This change can be stressful, but know that you are not alone. While faculty, administrators, and your fellow students can be a big help, there is one person who would love to be your main point of contact: Tanya Schwartz, the Undergraduate Administrator for the Department of History. Think of Tanya as your personal tour guide as you navigate the new challenges facing you at Carleton University.