In the first year of the program students must complete 30 points, including the first two semesters of the two-year sequence of core courses. At least 22 of these points must be courses in the History department taken for letter grade credit, including the two required courses. Most students must also take a course (or courses) to meet their language requirement (see below). Students who wish to take electives outside the History department need written permission from a member of the Joint Teaching Committee or their designated advisor.