Looking for programs, need advice

[glacialflames]

Hi all!

I'm currently looking to apply for my masters next year. Eventually, I also want to pursue a PhD. This isn't a hasty decision, and I feel quite confident in what I want to study.

However, I'm having some difficulty finding programs that are actually in my area. Ideally, I want to study what is occasionally called global history, or world history. Trade impacts, spread of ideas, migration, all of it, I'm interested in. Give me history on a global scale. Here's the problem. I want to study ancient historical connections more than modern. I've found an acceptable number of programs that focus on the last 150 years. But really, I want the option to study before then. Pre-1500 (I actually really like ancient history. The problem is, i like all ancient history. A class on the hittite empire? Count me in. Warring states period of china? Yes. Can we explore the early development of what would become the silk road connecting those civilizations? Even better. --- I'm aware thats a little early to be able to do substantial work on, since most of the evidence is a few seals and such from the indus valley in the near east.) I'm aware that a lot of this is too big a concept for just a masters, but as i've said, i do want to proceed to a PhD eventually as well. Suggestions for that, or for a solid path to end up studying what i want are all appreciated.

Anyways, diverse global history programs are what I'm looking for. I can speak English and Japanese well enough to take university classes, and with some work both my French and Spanish could be at an acceptable level. As for studying source materials, i can also read classical Japanese, some classical Chinese, and some Hebrew. I'm more than happy to learn more languages though. Actually, bonus points if i get to learn a new language.

Programs I've found so far that have peaked my interest:

• Free University Berlin/Humboldt University MA Global History
• Graduate School of Geneva, International History.
• Columbia/LSE joint degree in International and World History

If possible, I'm hoping to steer clear of programs with price tags over $60,000/year (I'm looking at you UK and USA). However, if its really good, mention it and i'll try and find funding.

[turnings]

It sounds to me like you might want to consider archaeology programs.

That said, I know that Valerie Hansen at Yale works on the history of the Silk Road.

Edited September 22, 2015 by turnings

[elinen]

Have you considered the MSc Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation at the LSE? It's cheaper than the double degree and the Empires core module touches on the Mogul and Qing empires. But generally speaking, LSE focuses more on modern history.

[glacialflames]

Have you considered the MSc Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation at the LSE? It's cheaper than the double degree and the Empires core module touches on the Mogul and Qing empires. But generally speaking, LSE focuses more on modern history.

Thanks Elinen. I have looked into them, yes. I actually applied and was accepted into that 2 years ago, but couldn't scrounge up the funding for it. I may apply again (this time with a better funding plan).

It sounds to me like you might want to consider archaeology programs.

I'm curious as to what made you think archaeology might be a better fit. Do you have any specific ideas or programs in mind?

 

[TMP]

Have you looked for pre-modern Japanese historian to work with?  Ideally, you'd want to find a program that has a global/international history component to it for methodological and theoretical foundations.  It's worth e-mailing some of scholars in early modern/ancient Asian history and get their suggestions of where you might look.  You might be pleasantly surprised.