For these reasons, preference will be given to first-year students and then to sophomores. These courses are open to all students and are intended to provide a basic understanding of the history of peoples, countries, and geographic regions over relatively long time-spans. Most of all, they will provide students with the background necessary for more advanced study in history at the 300 and 400 level. They are offered in either small or large formats, depending on the individual course. If students are studying away from Williams during their junior year, they must enroll in a junior seminar during their senior year.
Enrollment is often limited.
Because these courses may presume some background knowledge, the instructor may recommend that students enroll in an appropriate introductory course before registering for an advanced elective. These are advanced courses normally limited in enrollment to fifteen students. Each seminar will investigate a topic in depth and will require students to engage in research that leads to a substantial piece of historical writing. Instructors may recommend prior coursework in the area of the seminar. Priority will be given to senior History majors, followed by junior History majors.