Do you want to join the Netherlands’ largest cultural history group in thinking about the future of the field? The cultural historians at Utrecht University are working on a collaborative publication mapping out the current state of the art and the future directions of the field. The authors are working in international teams on twelve chapters that highlight some of the paths the field of cultural history is taking, but also point to exciting turns the discipline may take in future. The volume will present new developments and ongoing debates in cultural history, covering major themes such as nature and the environment; knowledge, technology, and digital culture; affect and the body; and identity, heritage, and politics. Each chapter includes attention to new methods and theory and has a global historical perspective. They are clustered around the four major themes of Environment, Digital World, Embodiment, and Identities and Politics.

As part of this collaborative work, the authors would like to invite the upcoming generation of cultural historians to think along and offer their perspectives on ‘Cultural History for a Changing World’ (working title of the volume). Participants will be asked to offer feedback on draft chapters and participate in expert discussions within the four central themes. As such, participants will not only be able to make a significant contribution to the book’s development and work together with experts on cutting edge research in cultural history, they will also get an insight in the process of academic collaborative publishing and learn the rules of giving professional peer-feedback.

We welcome applications by ReMa students and PhD candidates from a diversity of backgrounds and will pay special attention to creating an inclusive environment during the workshop (both in terms of accessibility and communication, as well in terms of acknowledging and encouraging diverse perspectives).

Participants of this workshop will learn about the current state of the art and the future directions of the field of cultural history, and be encouraged to situate their own research in new developments and ongoing debates in the field of cultural history. They will gain experience in giving constructive feedback (both in writing as well as in dialogue with the authors) on academic work (in progress) from the perspective of a peer and serve as an expert discussant in a panel. As such, this workshop is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the process of collaborative academic research, writing and editing.

 As preparation, participants will be asked to write a response on a (cluster of) chapter(s) and make themselves acquainted with a selection of core texts within their allocated thematic focus. Participants will receive these the draft chapter mid-January. Detailed guidelines and assessment criteria will be provided, and on 18 January there is an online preparatory meeting that offers further guidance.

Preparation is mandatory for participation. Participants receive 2 ECTS. It is possible to earn more ECTS through involvement in the editorial process of the volume after the workshop. This involvement would be focused on integrating a student’s perspective in the various chapters. Please consult the coordinators about the possibilities.

The workshop takes place on 25 and 26 January, 2024. A short introductory meeting will be scheduled in the morning of 18 January.

This course is fully booked. For a spot on the waiting list, contact huizinga@uu.nl