History News for Undergraduates

History Writing Center

Iowa Historical Review

Have you ever wondered how publication in an academic journal works? Do you have a research paper you are particularly proud of that you want to share with others? Are you looking for more ways to get involved with the history department? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should check out The Iowa Historical Review!

The Iowa Historical Review is a student-run journal that publishes primary-source-based research by undergraduate students from the University of Iowa. Students who submit their work have the opportunity to experience a publication process identical to those in the professional sphere and have their research appear in both online and physical copies of a journal! The deadline to submit articles for the 2025 issue is March 1st. More information about submission requirements and previous issues can be found on the Iowa Historical Review website.

Additionally, IHR is looking for history majors to join the editorial board! Student editors participate in the peer reviewing and copyediting of submitted articles and assist with the journal's publication during the fall semester. IHR is a great way to bolster your historical analysis and editing skills outside of the classroom AND read fascinating new research done by your peers! Students can join the board regardless of whether or not they submit an article, and previous experience is not required. To get involved, contact Leah Stringer (leah-stringer@uiowa.edu).

Any questions about submissions or the editorial board can be sent to Editor-in-chief Leah Stringer (leah-stringer@uiowa.edu) or Faculty Advisor Dr. Nick Yablon (nick-yablon@uiowa.edu). We look forward to hearing from you!

What's coming up?

Sarah Bond will speak next week about her new book: Strike: Labor, Unions, and Resistance in the Roman Empire (Yale University Press, 2025). 

See all upcoming history events on our calendar.

Apply for a student research grant from IAS

The Iowa Archeological Society (IAS) is once again offering a $1,000 student-oriented research grant in honor of Doug Jones, a long-time State Historical Society of Iowa employee who unexpectedly passed away in late 2016.  It’s an easy application due May 1, 2025, for use anytime during the following 12 months (starting May 15, 2025), please see below for more details. As an added incentive to apply, all student applicants will receive 1-year complimentary IAS student memberships – just for applying!

The goal of this research grant is to support projects that advance those areas of research Doug was most passionate about, which include but are not limited to: paleoethnobotany, collaboration and consultation with tribal communities, the Underground Railroad, or sundry other Iowa archaeology and history topics. The award winner will be recognized in either the Newsletter of the Iowa Archeological Society quarterly or annual Journal of the Iowa Archeological Society and will be invited to share their project as a ~15-minute presentation at a future IAS annual meeting. The IAS is a mix of professional and avocational archaeologists and history enthusiasts, and they are possibly the most welcoming and encouraging audience to give a presentation to – so a great opportunity for a novice conference presenter!

The IAS research grant committee broadened the scope and parameters for this year’s applicants to include all areas of Iowa history and archaeology, and the grant is open to students of any institution (including out of state) as long as they are researching an Iowa topic.  The funds can be used to offset participation in a field school or for expenses involved with traveling to and accessing an archive. A portion of the award funds may be used towards conference fees to present research results. Complete details can be found here

An opportunity for first-year students

PLC apply 2025

President’s Leadership Class (PLC) is an experiential course that gives you an inside look at the university while focusing on your student leadership and group development. The course is a second-year experience at the University of Iowa and is taught by President Wilson, with support from Erika Christiansen and Kristin Beckman. Students engage in a semester long team project of significance to the university, building a lasting impact and creating relationships across campus. Students are selected through an application and interview process that occurs in spring 2025. Selected students will enroll in the course on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2-3:15pm in fall 2025. Learn more and apply online by Monday, February 24 at noon. The 2024 PLC participants had this to say:

  • "The President's Leadership Class offered me an incredible combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. The opportunities from this class have shaped my perspective on leadership and teamwork, while equipping me with real-world experience that I will take into the future.  More than just a class, this was one of the most rewarding, fun, and exciting experiences throughout my time at Iowa."  Elizabeth Witcombe (PLC 2024)
  • "The PLC class has been a transformational experience that changed the trajectory of my career. I've come to recognize that the aspects of my identity that were once underestimated are actually some of my greatest strengths. I've also been able to form strong relationships and connections that I will continuously build upon and cherish."  Harry Bui (PLC 2024)
  • "Being part of the President’s Leadership Class has been transformative, helping me grow as a leader and collaborator. It has taught me the importance of active listening, initiative, and communication, shaping my ability to inspire positive change both within my community and beyond."  Lydia Foy (PLC 2024)

History Writing Center

The History Writing Center is open for the semester! Visit our website to find out more information, make an online or in-person appointment, and peruse other resources to help you complete assignments for your history classes. 

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