HI/OSK Workshop ‘Arguing with maps: writing and publishing on historical research related to cartography’

Led by: Katie Parker and Jordana Dym (Co-Editors of Imago Mundi)
Date: 9 December
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Venue: Allard Pierson, Oude Turfmarkt 127-129, Amsterdam
Credits: 2 ECTS (incl. preparation with writing assignment)
Open to: PhD candidates and RMA students.
Maximum no. of participants: 10

Registration: Register by sending a message to huizinga@uu.nl by 20 October 2024. Please include a short description of your research project and the role of maps in it (max. 100 words). When more than 10 people apply, this description might be used to make a selection of participants.

This workshop is jointly offered by the Huizinga Institute and OSK – Research School for Art History. The workshop is organised by Marissa Griffioen and Anne-Rieke van Schaik.

Abstract

Does your research project involve the history of maps and mapping, or do you use maps as sources for your (art) historical research? This in-person workshop aims to provide targeted guidance on writing an academic text, such as a dissertation chapter or journal article, involving old maps or the history of cartography.

Publishing is crucial for sharing your ideas and research with the academic community. However, early career researchers often face challenges, especially when building networks, and particularly in fields like map history and the history of cartography, where there are relatively few specialists in the Netherlands. This workshop offers both substantial feedback on the scholarly quality of your work and advice on writing and publishing in (the history of) cartography.

The day is aimed a diverse range of researchers, particularly art and cultural historians, who use maps in their research (but may not be well-versed in cartographic history) and are interested in improving their ability to write and present their work. Central themes that will be discussed during the workshop are: How do you argue with maps as visual evidence in you text and create an effective and persuasive narrative with this source material?

The workshop will be led by the two editors-in-chief of the Image Mundi journal – the leading international fully-refereed journal on map history –, both renowned map scholars. Dr. Jordana Dym is Professor of History at Skidmore College (USA), and Dr. Katherine (Katie) Parker is Cartographic Collections Manager at the Royal Geographical Society in London. From their publishing and editing experience, they offer a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow students and experts in the field and to receive substantive feedback on your work.

Please note that the workshop is interdisciplinary, so extensive knowledge of old maps is not required; it can also serve as an introduction to the field. Participants either work on an article or chapter of their dissertation.

Indicative programme

09:30-09:45       Walk-in with coffee and tea

09:45                  Welcome and introductions

10:00-10:45       Overview/Context: about writing and publishing in the history of cartography and the journal Imago Mundi

10:45-11:00       Break

11:00-12:30       Activity 1. Discussing work in progress submitted for the workshop in groups (three pieces per group)

12h30                 Lunch break

13:30-15:00       Activity 2. Arguing with visual evidence: captioning 1 or 2 items from the map collection of Allard Pierson – the Special Collections of the University of Amsterdam

15:00-15:15       Break

15:15-16:00       Conclusion Plenary: general tips & tricks, followed by Q&A

16:00                  Drinks

Learning aims and outcomes

• Improve working with old maps as source material;
• The ability to adequately structure and write an academic text that discusses old maps (journal article / chapter);
• The ability to peer review and respond to comments on your own written work;
• An overview of the publication process of the Imago Mundi journal and publishing in the field of map history

Assessment and assignments

Preparatory assignment:

• Submit a work in progress: this can either be an outline, introduction or part of a chapter/article, or a complete first draft of a chapter/article (2,000-10,000 words, incl. notes/bibliography). Deadline: 9 November 2024 (huizinga@uu.nl);
• Read and take notes on the work in progress of two peers that will be sent to you before the workshop and discussed during the workshop;
• Submit a PowerPoint slide with an image and title of your research project.

During the workshop participants should actively take part in the exercises and group discussions.