Dr. Alison Smith

Professor

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Biography

Professor Smith is a historian of the Russian Empire whose research focuses on the history of food, drink, and drunkenness; social stratification; social mobility; serfdom; and microhistory centered on the imperial palace. She has published three monographs, articles, chapters, and edited volumes. Forthcoming works include a co-edited volume, 'Frozen State: Experiencing Cold in Russian History Culture' (University of Toronto Press, expected 2026), and an article titled 'To Grievance Bitter Unbearable: Petitions and Complaints in 18th-century Russia,' which is forthcoming in the Law History Review in late 2025 or early 2026. Professor Smith has served as the Chair of the Graduate Chair in the Department of History from 2019 to 2024 and currently serves on the Manuscript Review Committee of the University of Toronto Press.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Toronto

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:93
Prerequisites
Appropriate four-year bachelor's degree Background in sociological theory and statistics preferred
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of reference
  • Statement of intent
  • Writing sample
  • Curriculum Vitae
Specialization Notes

Department of Sociology