Writing Courses
Outlining for Academics
Are you part of the huge generation that didn't actually learn to outline, but who attempt to do it anyway? Join us for a review of the basic principles of developing an effective outline for both long and short writing tasks. You'll then have a chance to practice your new skills in a small group. (Friday, June 3, 1:30 PM ET) REGISTER
What Shape is your Dissertation?
Dissertations (and books) often share one of several basic 'shapes' or forms. Understanding these shapes will allow you to match your argument to a structure and pattern that best support it. Join us as we explore the shapes of dissertations (and books!) and consider how that affects the arguments and structure of our own. We'll talk about evidence structures and argument structures, and how to make the two align. You'll have a chance to play with your own argument at the end of the workshop. Since lab sciences have their own distinct and well-conveyed dissertation pattern, this event is intended for, but not limited to, humanities, social science, and interdisciplinary students. (Thursday, June 6, 1:30 PM ET) REGISTER
Me, You, and the Lit Review
Join us for a tour through the literature review: how to think about and engage your audience, how to use the literature review to advance your research interests, and strategies for structuring the literature review and managing literature review data. Hands-on practice with a fake review is provided. A 10 page reading will be distributed about 2 days before the event. (Friday, June 24, 1:30 PM ET) REGISTER
Self-Editing for Academics
This 90 minute workshop reviews tools for paragraph, sentence, and word-level self-editing. If time permits, we'll briefly discuss some larger strategies. (Friday, July 8, 2 PM ET) REGISTER
Other Courses
From To Do to Done: Time and Project Management for Dissertations and Books
Your roadmap to effective project planning for dissertation and book-scale undertakings! Anyone in business can tell you that projects require active management. You can't just wave your hands at them and expect them to organize themselves. Yet academics rarely invest time and energy into their projects, and it shows. This workshop introduces three levels of planning, strategic, operational, and tactical, and a collection of project management tools to facilitate effective organization. Participants end the workshop with the beginnings of long-, medium-, and short-term planning calendars, and a collection of useful tools and links. (Fri, May 6, 1:30 PM ET) REGISTER
Word for Dissertations and Books
Did you know that Word can generate your table of contents, table of figures, and all that nonsense for you? Learn to use styles, captioning and other strategies so that you can take advantage of the powerful built-in tools in Word and simplify the assembly of your dissertation, thesis, or book manuscript. This interactive workshop will give you the opportunity to employ these techniques on sample materials. (Thurs, Jun 30, 1:30 PM ET) REGISTER
Networking for Academics
This roughly 60 minute workshop explores tools and best practices for networking specifically for the academic context (faculty and PhD students). We cover both online and offline networking strategies, with an eye toward both research collaborations and the job market. Should you be on LinkedIn? What use are business cards? How do you juggle a plate and glass and still shake hands? How has COVID affected networking norms? (Thurs, Jul 21, 1:30 PM) REGISTER
Navigating the US Academic Landscape
This 2 hour session equips job candidates to understand the types of institutions that exist in American higher education, how to read a job application and locate relevant information on institutional websites, and how to access and interpret comparable data on institutions such as Carnegie rankings, SAT/ACT scores, and other institutional and student body characteristics. Ideal for those preparing to head onto the job market in the upcoming year. Appropriate for both American and international students who intend to pursue positions in the American academic system. (Thurs, Jul 28, 1:30 PM ET) REGISTER
Welcome to Your PhD Program
New PhD students are invited to join an interdisciplinary panel (English, Linguistics, Biology, Political Science) to discuss the 'hidden curriculum' of graduate school. We'll answer as many of your questions as we can about norms, expectations, routines, and anything else you want to ask about in this anonymous, large-group setting. All the panelists represent American programs, and students from other contexts may want to seek additional guidance elsewhere. (Fri, Aug 19, 2 PM ET) REGISTER
Faculty Development
First Time Author: Journal Articles
Join a panel of academics who pursued tenure through articles (rather than a book) as they discuss features of publishing articles in the social sciences and humanities. (This process is considerably different from the collaborative process of the sciences, which are not addressed in this workshop.) We cover elements that can increase or decrease your chances of success, the importance of fit and communication, and an array of other participant-driven topics. (Thurs, May 12, 2 PM ET) REGISTER
First Time Author: Scholarly Books
Join a developmental editor and several accomplished book authors to discuss what you need to know to prepare and market your book effectively. We talk about changing features of academic publishing, structures and organizing options for various types of arguments and evidence, how and when to approach a publisher, and more. Plenty of time for questions, too. (Fri, May 20, 2:30 PM) REGISTER
Book Development Workshop
60 minutes weekly. Offered at least once per term at pre-scheduled times; repeat not recommended. Curriculum differentiates books from dissertations, explains the publishing process, provides a framework for writing your theory chapter or framework, develops your core thesis, provides an orientation to the book proposal, and allows for a workhshopping opportunity at the end of the term. Open enrollment each term in the month before the term starts (April for May start, Aug for Sept start, Dec for Jan start) via Wix under Faculty Development. Maximum 6 participants per section.
Book Writer's Workshop
90 minutes weekly. Offered at least once every term at pre-scheduled times; may be elected more than once. Workshop context provides accountability and goal setting, problem solving opportunities, optional consultation, and at least an hour of dedicated writing time each week. This is your way to commit to writing in a supportive environment! Open enrollment each term in the month before the term starts (April for May start, Aug for Sept start, Dec for Jan start) via Wix under Faculty Development. Late starts possible up to 3 weeks into term. Maximum 6 participants per section.