Historical Fictionistas discussion

Historical Fictionista University - Jan - Dec 2019

OVERVIEW:
We are starting a new round of Historical Fictionista University. Everyone will be starting fresh with a BA. Gretchen and I are working on the criteria for the Masters and Ph.D., but don't anticipate it being done until at least February.

This will be a task-based challenge where you can work your way through a fun book-based education by earning degrees (based on the US education system); the degrees are a BA, Masters and PhD. Each participant can choose the level of degree they would like to achieve. This challenge will NOT use points or a scoreboard. This is a self-directed challenge and it’s up to you how much or how little you want to participate ---- please remember that these challenges are meant for FUN ---- not an additional stressor in your life!!


GENERAL RULES:
Participants may join at any time during the challenge. The challenge will last from January 1st until December 31st, 2019. (NOTE: If you do not complete the challenge by the end of the year you will be free to continue to work on it. Challenge folders remain up.)

1) Books must be at least 200 pages long. Eligibility for this is determined by the most popular edition on Goodreads. If the most popular edition is 197 pages, it will not count, even if the edition read is 215 pages. Exceptions: you may read 2 plays, books of poetry or graphic novels to total 200 pages.

2) For the 2019 degree, all books must be started on or after January 1, 2019. Please set your books to “currently reading” and “read” in order to set the “date started” and “date read” stamps. I will not be validating the degrees, if you have questions about if a book fits you can post, but this is a fun personal challenge.

3) Re-reads and audiobooks are accepted. Audiobook page counts will be determined by the most popular edition on Goodreads.

4) Meeting task requirements:
• Cover requirements will be determined by edition that you read (not the most popular). When claiming the cover requirements, please choose the display cover option when linking to your book.
• Genre requirements will be determined by genres listed on the main page of the book (right side of the main book page). The genre must have at least 10 users.
• Setting requirements: For place or time settings at least 50% of the book needs to take place in the required place or time.
• Main character: a character that is one of the primary characters of the story OR a character that plays a pivotal role in the story even if only in a couple of scenes.
• General tasks: it must be obvious from the book description on GR that the task meets the criteria. If it is not obvious from this, if you can link to a reviewer who has summarized the plot point, I will also accept it.


5) The following definitions will be used in tasks:
• Historical fiction (HF): a work published at least 50 years after at least half of the events take place in the work. As an example, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet is historical fiction but Eye of the Needle is not because it was originally published in 1978 and the setting is 1940’s. NOTE: Just because a book is listed as historical fiction in the genre area, does not mean that it meets our more stringent (and also academic) definition.
• A classic: a work that is usually considered to be a representation of the period in which it was written; and the work merits lasting recognition (example: Pride and Prejudice). For our challenge, a classic needs to be published prior to 1970.

6) A separate 2019 HFU folder has been opened. Each participant will have a dedicated thread where they will track the requirements for each degree. If you want to join in this challenge, please create a thread with your name in the topic title. I

7) In order to earn your degree, you must read books that fulfill the tasks for the degree. A book can only count against 1 task (unless specifically listed). Once you have completed all of the tasks for that degree, please post in the questions thread that you are ready for review.

8) Tasks within the degree can be completed in any order. For this challenge, you must complete the degrees in order (means that you can’t get a PhD without doing masters and bachelors first); however, books can be read and applied to later degrees as long as you only apply to one task. As an example, if you read the Group in January and want to use it for a task in the Master’s degree, you will simply wait to report it.

9) HAVE FUN!!!

BA General Requirements:

General Requirements:

History - Complete 3 tasks
• Read non-fiction book with a genre of history
• Read a HF book which takes place during a war.
• Read a HF book which features a trip by train.
• Read a HF book which is part of a series (can be anywhere in the series)
• Read biography or memoir
• Read a HF book with a monk, nun or priest as a main character.
• Read a HF book a noble title (king, duchess, etc) in the title
• Read a HF which was published in 2018
• Read a HF book which features a main character that works with their hands.
• Read a HF fiction book that has been a group read in Historical Fictionistas. Group Reads

Language, Arts and Athletics – Complete 3 tasks
• Read two books that have been translated that were originally written in the same language (does not have to be the same author or translator)
• Read a book about books.
• Read a non-fiction book about language, art or athletics
• Read a biography about an artist, musician or actor
• Read a non-fiction work about an artistic pursuit (hobby where you create something)
• Read a book where a main character works in a music store, bookstore, library or art gallery.
• Read a book which features a sporting event as part of the plot.
• Read a book which has an art-related word in the title (painting, sculpture, brush)

Literature - Complete 3 tasks
• Re-read a classic that you had to read at high school or university (this might be a chance to actually finish one that you may have skimmed)
• Read a play or a book of poetry
• Read an epistolary novel (series of letters/diary entries, etc)
• Read a book where the main character makes their living related to writing.
• Read a book with a genre tag of bookclub
• Read a book with multiple narrators.
• Read a book with someone reading, writing or carrying a book on the cover.
• Read a book that has won a literary award. Literary Awards

Science & Mathematics – Complete 3 tasks:
• Read a book with a number in the title or subtitle (not related to the number in a series)
• Read a book which takes place in outer space or has characters that are astronauts
• Read a book has a title that contains a word related to weather (storm, wind, hurricane, etc)
• Read a book with an animal on the cover
• Read a book where a character uses math as part of their job (accounting, banker, finance)
• Read a book which features a scientific discovery
• Read a book where the internet or computers play a central role in the plot
• Read a book where a main character is a doctor or a nurse
• Read a non-fiction book related to a science or math topic

Social Sciences – Complete 3 tasks
• Read a biography of a 18th century world leader (president, prime minister, royalty)
• Read a book where a main character works at a school.
• Read a book about a relationship with people from different cultures
• Read a book which features a religion different than your own.
• Read a book with a genre of philosophy.
• Read a book featuring a criminal or civil trial
• Read a book featuring some form of communication on the cover (letter, phone, etc)
• Read a book featured on Best Social Science Fiction listopia

BA Requirements

History

-Read a non-fiction book about a historical event and/or place
-Read a biography of a historical figure
-Read 2 books from The Idiot’s Guide to the Ultimate Reading List - Historical Fiction
-Read a book that has been a group read for Historical Fictionistas.Group Reads
-Read a book with strong historical basis but which features either 1) time travel, 2) alternate history or 3) historical fantasy
-Read a book that features a lost society or empire. (Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, Incas, Mayans)
-Read a historical fiction novel about an event historians disagree about (i.e the Princes in the Tower, the death of the Romanovs (Anastasia), etc.)
-Read a book from long list of nominees for a 2018 HWA Crown
-Read a book with dual timelines.
-Read a book about the history of where you live or about a historical figure who either was born where you live or dwelled there. Please be specific (i.e. State/Territory, County or City)

Language, Arts, and Athletics

-Read a biography or memoir of an athlete, artist, or musician.
-Read a book written by someone who is a professional translator.
-Read 2 books that have been translated that were originally written
in the same language.
-Read a nonfiction book about the history of an art movement or a
specific sport.
-Read a book where the protagonist is an athlete or artist
-Read a fictional book about the inspiration for an art piece.
-Read a book that takes place in the same year as either a Winter or
Summer Olympic Event (Past, Present, or Future)
-Read two books from this list
-Read a book featuring a famous painting on the cover

Science and Mathematics

Read a book that contains a number in the title.
• Read a non-fiction book about an inventor or important discovery
• Read a book where the main character has a job in technology
• Read a biography or memoir of a mathematician or scientist.
• Read a book that takes place in space.
• Read a book with a strong basis in statistics.
• Read a book about AI (Artificial Intelligence) - can be fiction or non-ficiton
• Read a book with an -ology word in the title (biology, physiology, archeology, etc.)
• Read two books from this list

Social Sciences

-Read a book that features adoption or the foster system in its plot.
-Read a book that features characters from different classes.
-Read a nonfiction book about the founding of a religion or a religious leader. (Can be any recognized religion).
-Read a book about a “hot” social, cultural or political topic
-Read a book featuring a native or indigenous people
-Read a book that revolves around a myth or tradition of another culture.
-Read a book from this list
Read two books by one of these famous philosophers (books can be by the same philosopher or by two different philosophers)
**Aristotle
**Socrates
**Plato
**Karl Marx
**Immanuel Kant
**Confucius
**David Humme

Health and Psychology

-Read a book where the main character suffers from a psychological disorder. (ie bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia.)
-Read a biography or memoir of someone who suffered from addiction.
-Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) that features unconventional medicine or outdated medical practices. (Herblore, energy healing, tonics, outdated bloodletting)
-Read a book considered a self-help book
-Read a book labeled as a psychological thriller
-Read a book where the main character works in health care (doctor, nurse, EMT, etc.)
-Read a book that takes place in a psychological facility (think Girl, Interrupted)
-Read a book where the main character is receiving some kind of medical treatment (diabetes, cancer, physical therapy, etc. )
-Read a book where the main character(s) spend a lot of time at the gym
-Read a book that explores death or dying. This can be the process of death or books with strong ideas on what occurs after death.

Military Science

-Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) about a Roman soldier
-Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) about one of the following historical military “superstars” - Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Saladin, Julius Caesar, George Washington, Genghis Khan
-Read a book about the American Civil War
-Read 2 books about WWII, One from the allied perspective and one from the axis perspective.
-Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) about a spy
-Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) about any high ranking military officer (the United States or global)
-Read a book that takes place during the course of a battle
-Read 2 books from the Professional Military Reading List.

Women’s Studies

-Read a book by a female author with a female protagonist
-Read a book by a female author who writes using a male pseudonym
-Read a collection of poetry written by a female author
-Read a book where a female protagonist has a job that has been traditionally been a male job
-Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) about a female ruler
-Read a book that takes places during the Suffrage movement
-Read a book about a woman breaking ground or a woman who is the first to accomplish something.
-Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) about a woman posing as a man to avoid traditional roles or fulfill a job she would otherwise be barred from.
-Read two classics from the Great Female Authors list

Reporting Templates

Major: HISTORY

Science & Mathematics tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Social Sciences tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Language tasks :
1.
2.
3.

History tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Literature tasks :
1.
2.
3.

History tasks :
1. Nonfiction Book The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire
2. Biography Cleopatra: A Life
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "HFU 2019
General Requirements:

History - Complete 3 tasks
• Read non-fiction book with a genre of history
• Read a HF book which takes place during a war.
• Read a HF book which features a trip by..."

Hey, under the folder HFU 2019 can you create a new thread and that will be where you report/record all your reading. Thanks! Once you have done that you can either delete your comment or I can do it for you.

Linda wrote: "Linda's HFU Challenge 2019

Major: HISTORY

Science & Mathematics tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Social Sciences tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Language tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Arts tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Literature tasks :
1.
2.
3.

..."

Hey, under the folder HFU 2019 can you create a new thread and that will be where you report/record all your reading. Thanks! Once you have done that you can either delete your comment or I can do it for you.

Hi Jasmine
I have a question in regards to BA with history major
Do do you all of the 3 tasks requirements in all categories or do you not have to do the history tasks as you are majoring in that.
I am a little confused with this. I was also looking at your template and you have 3 tasks in language and 3 tasks in art plus the other tasks.

Jasmine wrote: "Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "HFU 2019
General Requirements:

History - Complete 3 tasks
• Read non-fiction book with a genre of history
• Read a HF book which takes place during a war.
• Read a ..."

I created my own thread.

Jasmine, I think I did it correctly so go ahead and delete this one. Thanks.

Maureen wrote: "Hi Jasmine
I have a question in regards to BA with history major
Do do you all of the 3 tasks requirements in all categories or do you not have to do the history tasks as you are majoring in that.
..."

Hey, thanks for catching that! That was my mistake when I wrote it and I've now corrected it to say history instead of separating language and arts. Not enough sleep when I made this.

Jasmine wrote: "Maureen wrote: "Hi Jasmine
I have a question in regards to BA with history major
Do do you all of the 3 tasks requirements in all categories or do you not have to do the history tasks as you are ma..."
Thank you for the clarifying that.

Hi Jasmine, is there not a section under BA Requirements for a Literature BA?

Shannon wrote: "Hi Jasmine, is there not a section under BA Requirements for a Literature BA?"

No, not this time.

OK, thanks Jasmine.

Hi I wondered if you could clarify for me: are all of the book selections to be HF genre or only when specifically stated? Thanks

Also I'm assuming the second list is the choice for Majors? Sorry its not obvious to me as I'm not American and our University system for Bachelor Degrees is very different here.

Jemima wrote: "Also I'm assuming the second list is the choice for Majors? Sorry its not obvious to me as I'm not American and our University system for Bachelor Degrees is very different here."

Yes. For the first list, you need to read a little bit of everything. For the second list you pick your "specialty" and read all of the task requirements for whichever area of emphasis you want to pursue.

Jemima wrote: "Hi I wondered if you could clarify for me: are all of the book selections to be HF genre or only when specifically stated? Thanks"

The books do not have to be HF unless specified. The goal is to read books from a wide variety of topics.

Thanks for clarifying that.

Hello. I have a question about the books in the science/math category. Does the book that takes place in outer place need to be fiction? I’m about to start reading Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man's First Journey to the Moon for book club and didn’t know if that could count for my challenge. If not I’m guessing I can use it for the non-fiction book related to science/math?

Jodi wrote: "Hello. I have a question about the books in the science/math category. Does the book that takes place in outer place need to be fiction? I’m about to start reading [book:Rocket Men: The Daring Odys..."

Since it does not specify you can read fiction or nonfiction.

HI. Just wanted to let you know that I have completed my BA (Women's Studies) as of 30th MAY. I wasn't sure if this was the correct place to let you know?

Stormie ~ Book Dragon ~ wrote: "HFU BA 2019

Major: HISTORY

Science & Mathematics tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Social Sciences tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Language tasks :
1.
2.
3.

History tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Literature tasks :
1.
2.
3.

History task..."

You need to create a separate thread for tracking your challenge.

Jemima wrote: "HI. Just wanted to let you know that I have completed my BA (Women's Studies) as of 30th MAY. I wasn't sure if this was the correct place to let you know?"

I've been meaning to take a look at this. I'm only just now getting around to it. Sorry. My brain went on summer vacation as soon as school got out.

I have created a new topic/thread with the requirements for earning a Masters and PhD.

I know we said it was going to be done earlier in this year but to be honest, I forgot.

Gretchen wrote: "Stormie ~ Book Dragon ~ wrote: "HFU BA 2019

Major: HISTORY

Science & Mathematics tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Social Sciences tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Language tasks :
1.
2.
3.

History tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Literatur..."

Okay, will do, thanks!

Jasmine, I have finished my HFU BA degree with a major in Health and Psychology. It was fun to work on, and I enjoyed my books. Could you please review it? Thank you.

Connie G

I've completed my BA in History. Can someone take a look? Thanks! Jen C

Below is my thread from 2014 when I actively participated in the HFU thread. Completed HFU BA History major on 6/03/14.

I would like to continue this and work on the Masters and PhD reading. Should I just start a new post under the 2019 HFU thread?

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

LemonLinda wrote: "Below is my thread from 2014 when I actively participated in the HFU thread. Completed HFU BA History major on 6/03/14.

I would like to continue this and work on the Masters and PhD reading. Shoul..."

Yes.

Hey everyone!

Gretchen and I are in the planning stages for 2020 and were wondering if there is a certain B.A. you would like to see offered in the upcoming year?

We are planning on adding just one new one but would love everyone's input.

A major in Literature would interest me. Good luck with your planning!

Connie wrote: "A major in either English Literature or Environmental Science would interest me. Good luck with your planning!"

Thanks for the input!

English Literature sounds appealing- along those lines, a major in Classics would interest me.

Hi - I'm hoping I'm posting in the right area (couldn't find the questions section). I just finished my B.A. in Language, Arts, and Athletics. Can you please look at it? Thank you.

Hi Everyone. I've just completed my Masters HFU and I have also set up a HFU PhD (as long as my proposed major is approved). I'm hoping to get through the PhD alongside the Winter Centuries Challenge starting next month. I'm definitely in history heaven right now - so much fun planning it all out...so many books, so little time!

Jemima's HFU Masters Degree and proposed PhD

Impressive, Jemima! Good luck with your PhD.

Connie wrote: "Impressive, Jemima! Good luck with your PhD."

Thanks Connie

I have finally completed my HFU BA degree in history. Can someone take a look at it
Thank you

Maureen wrote: "I have finally completed my HFU BA degree in history. Can someone take a look at it
Thank you"

Maureen; Congratulations on completing your HFU 2019 BA degree. Saw lots of books on your list that I want to read!

Thanks Peggy
I am just waiting for approval.