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Undergraduate student resources

This page is your one-stop shop for a successful undergraduate experience at the Department of History. Whether you are considering joining us or are already well into your journey, you will find the resources, advice, and contacts you need right here.

Prospective Students

Welcome to the Department of History! Are you passionate about the past and curious about how it shapes our present? The University of Ottawa’s history program is the right fit for you. We offer a dynamic and bilingual learning environment in the heart of the nation’s capital. 

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Why Study History?

Discover our programs! Explore the Major, Honours, and Minor in History, as well as the interdisciplinary Medieval and Renaissance Studies program

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Ready to Apply?

The admission process is managed centrally by the University of Ottawa. You will find all the information on requirements, deadlines, and the steps to follow on the prospective students’ website. 

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Come Meet Us!

The best way to discover our department is to visit us! Take part in our Open House events to meet our professors, chat with current students, and ask all your questions.
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Have a question?

Feel free to contact the Undergraduate Studies Committee.

Current Students

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We are committed to your success. This section brings together essential resources to help you navigate your program, develop your skills, and get involved in departmental life. 

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Check important dates and deadlines of your academic year! 

The following important dates and deadlines apply to the entire student population, whether you are studying at the undergraduate, graduate or postdoctoral level.
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Registration and Course Selection

Plan your schedule and register for courses via uoZone. Consult the University of Ottawa’s registration guide. 
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Student Support and Services

The university offers a wide range of services, from mental health support to accessibility services. Explore the Student Life services. 

Special Topics Courses for the 2026-2027 Year

Each year, the department offers unique courses with changing content. This is your opportunity to explore specialized topics with our experts! 

Course CodeCourse unitsCourse NameProfessorCourse topic
HIS 1100 3 unitsHistory Labs: African Canadian History in Global Context Saje MathieuPeople of African descent have been in Canada since the early 1600s and have remained an uninterrupted constitutive presence in Canadian life. This course explores the history of Black people in Canada while also tracing their connections to the broader Black Diaspora. Topics examined include slavery, immigration, law, the Civil Rights era, and Cold War racial politics. 
HIS 3150A3 unitsSelected Topics in American History: US Foreign Policy, 1776-1910 Lotfi Ben Rejeb The long 19th century is fundamental to understand the origins of U.S. foreign policy, its evolution, and its growing influence in the world. The course examines the main actors and events that shaped the history of U.S. foreign relations from their birth to their international breakthrough in the 20th century, and their key approaches (neutralism, isolationism, exceptionalism, paternalism, messianism, imperialism, hegemonism). Students must write two papers (a primary source analysis and a research paper) and take a final exam on the course content. 
HIS 3110B3 unitsTopics in Ancient History I: Early Medieval Spain 400-1000: Romans, Visigoths, and Muslims Part time professor This course shall present a contextualization for the Reconquista and examine the origins of Islamic extremist claims regarding al-Andalus. It will also analyze the transformation of late Roman society as well as Visigothic church councils and the complexity of post-Arab conquest religion in the peninsula with Christians, Jews, and Muslims. 
HIS 3150B3 unitsSelected Topics in American History: History of Childhood  Heather MurrayChildren have long been a major preoccupation in American society, whether of religious thinkers and other moral observers, psychologists, or politicians. This course places this attention paid to children’s lives in historical perspective from early America until the present day, with an emphasis on the 20th century. We will pay particular attention to how children have been perceived in American thought and culture, as well as how and why children have become sites of American “culture wars” over time. And we will historicize a central animating image of childhood as a time of complete innocence on the one hand to childhood as a time of cruelty and violence on the other. 
HIS 35103 créditsThèmes choisis en histoire ancienne I : Une histoire du sport antique Professeur à temps partiel Ce cours est une histoire de la poussière, de la sueur et du sang. C’est aussi une histoire de la paresse, de la mollesse et de la tricherie. De la Grèce à Rome, la culture physique (ex. : l’entraînement, l’hygiène, l’épreuve, le spectacle) interroge notre appréciation de l’excellence. Notre démarche historique est axée sur l’esthétique et la morale. Nu, huilé, bronzé, qu’est-ce que le corps de l’athlète peut nous apprendre du désir d’exceller et du désir de voir l’excellence à l’œuvre ? 
HIS 3505 / MDV 3500 3 créditsDe la source au texte : Jeanne d’Arc, de l’hérétique à la sainte Kouky FianuActive sur la scène politique pendant deux ans seulement (1429-1431), Jeanne d’Arc est l’une des figures marquantes de l’histoire occidentale. Présentée tour à tour comme prophète, hérétique, sainte ou folle, son mythe a traversé les siècles, porté par différents mouvements religieux, culturels ou politiques. Ce cours a pour objectif de comprendre comment et pourquoi ont été créées ces différentes facettes de Jeanne (textes, images, représentations, films), quels usages on en a fait au cours des siècles et comment les analyser. Ensemble, nous étudierons la façon dont différentes périodes et divers lieux ont exploité la figure de Jeanne d’Arc, ou comment l’on est passé tout au long des siècles de la « source » au « texte ». 
HIS 3775 3 créditsThèmes choisis en histoire du Canada : La culture matérielle Sarah Templier Ce cours explore l’histoire de la colonisation du Canada au travers de divers objets tels que les fourrures, mocassins, manteaux-couvertures, canots, raquettes de neige, ceintures de wampums, ainsi que des pratiques décoratives et ornementales. Nous étudierons les origines autochtones et européennes de plusieurs de ces objets et de comment, leur signification dans l’histoire et l’identité canadienne évolue au fil du temps au travers de divers processus d’appropriation, d’industrialisaiton, de commercialisation et de décontextualisation auxquels participent plusieurs groupes (marchands, chercheurs, soldats et officiers, artistes) et institutions (gouvernement, université, musée). 
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History Research Opportunity Program

Get real-world, hands-on learning experience! The History Research Opportunity Program (HIS 4900, 3 credits) allows you to work in tandem with a professor on their research project. It is a unique opportunity to develop your research skills and get a practical introduction to the historical profession.

Who is it for? Students with 60+ credits and a CGPA of 8.0.  

When? Selection takes place in the fall for a project in the winter term.

Learn more about the HROP [PDF Kb]

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History Research Essay

For students considering graduate studies, the History Research Essay course (HIS 4900, 3 credits) allows to complete an independent research project under the supervision of a professor. It is the ideal preparation for a master’s degree.

Registration is reserved for student registered in the Honours or Joint Honours History and is  strictly limited. It requires departmental approval

Consult the registration form [PDF Kb]

Academic Resources

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Writing Guides

Writing is at the heart of the historian’s craft. To help you master the art of the historical essay, from citation to argumentation, consult our Writing Guide [PDF 552.52 Kb].

Take advantage of the support offered by the university and contact the Academic Writing Help Centre.

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Important Forms

Need to modify your enrolment, get a letter of permission, or find another administrative form? Consult the Faculty of Arts Forms page

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Clio Student Review

Publish your first article! Clio is the department’s undergraduate journal, managed by and for students. It is the ideal platform to turn a seminar paper you are proud of into an official publication and to familiarize yourself with the copy-editing.

Visit the Clio website and learn how to submit an article or join the team! 

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History Students’ Association

Meet your colleagues, participate in social and academic events, and make your voice heard. The HSA is the heart of student life in the department. Follow the HSA on social media

For any questions about your program, your course requirements, or your academic progress, contact the Undergraduate Studies Committee

Contact us

Department of History

Desmarais Building
55 Laurier Avenue East, 9th Floor
Ottawa ON Canada K1N 6N5
Map

Tel.: 613-562-5735
Fax: 613-562-5995
[email protected]

Office hours

Monday to Friday
From 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closes at 3:30 p.m.)