Professional Writing for Historians

Course goals

Learning outcomes
You will acquire:
 
•        understanding of the various genres and writing styles at an historian's disposal;
•        knowledge of various platforms for presenting historical knowledge in writing;
•        understanding of the various target audiences of writer-historians;
•        understanding of translating academic knowledge for the benefit of society.
 
Learning objectives
You will learn to:
 
•        communicate about the broad historical knowledge acquired during year 1 and relate it to the History track; 
•        put historical knowledge in writing, using a variety of scientific genres;
•        select the right communication genre and (writing) style for their audience, dependent on the nature of the topic;
•        apply historical knowledge in publications aimed at the general public;
•        give and receive peer reviews with regard to editing skills.
 
Skills
After completing the course, you will be able to:
 
•        communicate both orally and in writing about historical knowledge;
•        present knowledge in writing, using a variety of genres;
•        translate historical knowledge and historical insights for the benefit of society;
•        communicate specialist knowledge to different target audiences;
•        work as part of a group and produce a mutual end product.
 

Content

To concern oneself with history is to concern oneself with writing. Clio, the muse of history, is usually depicted with a quill, papyrus scrolls and other tools for recording history. Even today, writing forms a central part of historians' working lives. Whether they work as researchers or in the cultural, educational, public or private sectors, writing and assessing texts and transferring knowledge remain crucial skills for historians when they leave university as well. In this course, you will practice transferring knowledge, insights and opinions using a variety of writing genres, such as a review, encyclopaedia entry or opinion piece. Thanks to the intensive supervision and feedback of your seminar teachers and fellow students, this course will give you a better insight into the transfer of historical knowledge through writing, improve your writing style and increase your pleasure in writing! You complete the course by writing and presenting a magazine together with a group of fellow students.