Delurking (but haven't used my thumbs!)... just joined while I wait out PhD application results and see that I am not alone in that agony.
I want to add that my primary area of interest is Romani Studies particularly in SE Europe. I am not Roma (not even the tiniest percent) and am American. It is a field that I believe will also begin to emerge, especially in Europe, but also in the US. I know of one American university that has discussed starting a Romani Studies PhD program.
I also find interesting the comments on quantitative history and drawing more from the social sciences. My BA and MA is sociology and I've argued that will provide a solid foundation for historical research.
