W&M International Relations

Tribe1693
Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:43:17 +0000

One difference as far as the History major is considered is that at UVA you must take 5 300-level classes. At WM, there is no set amount. While WM requires you to take a colloquium (400-500 level class marked with a “C”), it allows you the flexibility to mold your schedule in a way that better suits your concentration within the discipline rather than take upper level classes in areas you are not particularly interested in solely for the reason that a 301-level might be that much different than a 299-level. This may be important to you and it may not. However, I have taken some 200 level classes which were just as difficult as my 300 level ones and appealed more to my course of study. I may not have gotten the chance to take them had I attended UVA. I am sure UVA would provide a great experience as soccerguy315 has said and am only qualified to talk about WM as I am a senior history major there. I will say that given the sizes of the schools it is likely you would learn in a more intimate setting at WM. Also, the history dept. here is pure class. If you decide on WM, make sure you take Tudor England or Stuart England with Prof. Dale Hoak. His lecturing ability is phenomenal and his ability to string together ideas is poetic. I am not saying that UVA does not have a well-qualified faculty, but I am always impressed by the combination of distinction and approachability which can commonly be found at WM. The professors in the History department are witty, caring, and have a passion for what they teach.