ASLH Pre-Conference Symposium: From Dissertation to Book: Introductions and Intellectual Calling Cards

The transformation of the dissertation into a book requires writerly muscles that may have atrophied during the argumentative training camp of graduate school: chucking jargon, eschewing detailed historiographical debate, and, frequently, rounds of uncomfortable editing. By the time historians are sitting down to write the introduction to their book, they have been sitting with their project for at least six years. With each passing day, perspective on the manuscript’s most far-reaching implications may recede. This workshop proceeds from the premise that the most useful commentary for an introduction can come from fellow historians with less preexisting familiarity with the broader project under consideration.

Five early career historians, who are all currently transitioning their dissertations into a book manuscript, will workshop their introductions. Although their draft introductions will not be pre-circulated, interested observers can sit in during the workshop as well as hear introductory remarks and reflections from Michelle McKinley, Bernard B. Kliks Associate Professor of Law, University of Oregon, the chair of the symposium.

The Pre-Conference Symposium will take place on October 26, 2017 for 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Beverly Rogers Law and Literature Building Faculty Lounge – Fourth Floor.

To attend as an observer, please sign up no later than October 4, 2017.