How to Be Literary Historian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 22, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

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The Industrial Revolution had a significant effect on literature and the arts. The increase in production and invention during this period allowed for a greater production of books and more access to reading material for the public. This led to an increased interest in reading, which then sparked a surge in creative writing.

The rise of the novel and other forms of literature during this time was due to the increased availability of reading material, which helped to spread knowledge and culture across the world. the Industrial Revolution also helped to create a more diverse range of art forms, such as photography, sculpture, and painting. This newfound diversity in artistic expression helped to shape the culture of the era and influenced the development of literature.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelors degree in English, history or another related field. Coursework should include literary theory and literary history.
Develop an area of specialization, such as a particular author, genre or period.
Earn a masters degree in English or another related field with a focus on literary history.
Earn a doctoral degree in literature with a concentration in literary history, which can take up to five years to complete. During the course of a doctoral program, you may need to write a dissertation and pass comprehensive exams.
Take courses in archival studies and library science if you intend to work in the field of literary history as an archivist or librarian.
Participate in internships or volunteer work at libraries, archives or other institutions related to literary history to gain experience.
Publish scholarly articles in journals or books related to your area of expertise to make yourself more marketable when applying for jobs.
Apply for jobs as a literary historian at universities, libraries, archives or other institutions. You may also be able to find freelance writing or research opportunities related to literary history.

Staying ahead and competent in the field of literary history requires dedication and hard work. In order to stay informed, one must read widely and take advantage of learning opportunities presented through conferences, seminars, and other academic programs. staying current on the latest research and trends in the field is essential.

Developing skills in areas such as critical reading, analysis, and writing can also be beneficial. Finally, forming professional relationships with other scholars and experts in the field can open up new opportunities and help to further develop ones expertise. By following these tips, literary historians will be able to remain up-to-date, knowledgeable, and competitive in their field.

You may want to check Historical Researcher, Forensic Historian, and Ethnographic Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Research Assistant A research assistant helps a literary historian plan and conduct research projects. They may also be responsible for conducting interviews, gathering data, and organizing and interpreting information.
Editor An editor works with a literary historian to prepare manuscripts for publication. They may also copy-edit and proofread manuscripts, provide feedback and advice on content, and incorporate changes suggested by the literary historian.
Content Writer A content writer works with a literary historian to create content for articles, books, websites, and other media outlets. They may craft press releases, write blog posts, and create promotional materials.
Project Manager A project manager assists a literary historian with project-related tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, and organizing events. They may also coordinate with other staff members and vendors, monitor progress, and provide updates on project status.
Public Relations Specialist A public relations specialist helps a literary historian manage their public image. They may be responsible for developing relationships with the media, crafting press releases, and handling crisis communications.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Extensive knowledge of literature, including both classic and contemporary works.
Strong research and writing skills.
Knowledge of literary criticism and analysis.
Ability to analyze and interpret texts.
Familiarity with literary theory.
Proficiency in using library catalogs and databases.
Experience with archival research.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Knowledge of digital humanities tools and methods.

Good literary historians should possess a wide range of skills, including strong research and analytical abilities, an in-depth knowledge of literature, and an ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Having a deep understanding of literary theory and literary criticism is essential in order to be able to make meaningful connections between literature and its historical context. the ability to draw on evidence from multiple sources is key to formulating well-developed arguments that are supported by evidence.

Good literary historians also need to be proficient in writing and editing, as they often need to craft compelling narratives and present their findings in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Not only does this help make the work of literary historians more widely available, but it also ensures that the work stands up to scrutiny from experts in the field. Finally, the ability to think critically and creatively is essential in order to be able to identify new ways of looking at literature and to uncover compelling stories that may have been previously overlooked.

Art Historian, Historic Preservation Officer, and Legal Historian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in Literary History?
How have your studies in Literary History shaped your thinking and analysis?
What do you think is the most important contribution of Literature to society?
What are your thoughts on the role of Literature within a specific cultural context?
How do you approach examining the works of a particular author?
What do you think is the most important lesson to be learned from Literary History?
Describe a time when you had to analyze a complex literary text.
How would you go about teaching others to interpret and appreciate literature?
What do you think are the benefits of studying Literary History?
How would you utilize new technologies and digital tools to conduct research in Literary History?

Common Tools in Industry

Text Analysis Software. Software used to analyze text and extract data from written works such as books, articles, and manuscripts. (eg: Voyant Tools)
Online Database. An online collection of information and resources that can be searched and accessed with a web browser. (eg: ProQuest)
Citation Management Tool. A program that helps organize, store, and cite sources used in research. (eg: Zotero)
Digital Image Software. Software used to create, manipulate, and store digital images. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)
Spreadsheet Software. Software used to create spreadsheets, which are tables of data that can be used to track, analyze, and present information. (eg: Microsoft Excel)
Text Editors. Software used to edit and format text documents. (eg: Microsoft Word)
Bibliographic Software. Software used to generate bibliographies, which are lists of sources used in research. (eg: EndNote)
Data Visualization Software. Software used to create graphical representations of data for easier interpretation and analysis. (eg: Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Literature Association
Modern Language Association
Society for the Study of American Women Writers
American Studies Association
Association for Documentary Editing
Association for Literary and Linguistic Computing
International Society for the Study of Narrative
Conference on College Composition and Communication
International Society for the History of Rhetoric
Society for Textual Scholarship

We also have Immigration Historian, Music Historian, and Documentary Historian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Primary Source. A document or physical object which was created at the time under study.
Secondary Source. A document or physical object which was created by someone who did not experience first-hand or participate in the events or conditions being researched.
Oral History. Accounts of the past based on memories and opinions of people who experienced or witnessed an event or period of history.
Contextualization. The act of placing an event, person, or object in its broader historical, political, social, or cultural context in order to gain a better understanding of its significance.
Exegesis. A critical explanation or interpretation of a passage of text.
Hermeneutics. The study of the interpretation and understanding of texts.
Archival Research. The examination and analysis of records stored in archives and other repositories.
Historiography. The study and interpretation of historical writings and their sources.
Chronology. The arrangement of events in their order of occurrence in time.
Historiomythology. A critical approach to the study of history that seeks to uncover the myths and symbols that have been used to explain the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Literary Historian?

A Literary Historian is an academic scholar who specializes in the study of literature from different eras and in different cultures.

What skills do Literary Historians need?

Literary Historians need strong analytical and research skills, a broad knowledge of literary works, and an understanding of the historical context of literature.

What topics do Literary Historians focus on?

Literary Historians may focus on topics such as authors and their works, literary movements and genres, literature theory and criticism, or the cultural and historical context of literature.