History courses generally take one of three forms. The first is the lecture course—sometimes a large auditorium-style course, sometimes a more intimate lecture/discussion hybrid. These courses are open to all students regardless of year or major. They usually consist of two lectures per week, along with one hour of discussion section. In general, students may be admitted to the course by simply showing up and registering during shopping period.
The second format is the first-year seminar, indicated by a course number beginning with 0 (for instance, HIST 0128). First-year students may enroll in History first-year seminars through the pre-registration lottery administered by the Yale College Dean’s Office. For more information, see https://yalecollege.yale.edu/academics/multidisciplinary-academic-programs-and-certificates/first-year-seminar-program. First-year seminars are generally capped at 18 students.
The final format is the History departmental seminar—3000 level courses (for example 3392). These are intensive upper-level courses intended for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. While history majors receive pre-registration opportunities and preference for enrollment, these courses are open to students from any major, with final admission to be determined at the instructor’s discretion. Departmental seminars are generally capped at 15 students.