The Tenor of Our Times is an undergraduate journal containing articles full of historical research and analyses. The journal is now accepting submissions from students until the end of January. After a process of close review by student editors and faculty advisors, the journal is released at the end of the spring semester.
“We publish student work every spring, online and in print. For the past three years, we’ve won the Nash (History Journal) Prize for best undergraduate journal in print,” senior managing editor Sam Aly said. “Last year was our first year online, and we won best undergraduate journal online. It was rewarding for us to see all the effort we put into the online section be honored in that way.”
Tenor, as the journal is commonly called, is overseen by Harding’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, an honors society for history majors. However, students do not have to be a member of the chapter to contribute. Both essay submission and review are open to all majors.
“Students who are interested can submit one of their academic papers to Tenor for publication,” senior student editor Nathan Harkey said. “Another way that they can become involved is to spread the word about Tenor and make people on campus more aware about this journal that means so much to the students and faculty who contribute to it.”
For students interested in studying more in a different field of study, Tenor can give a unique outlet while offering an opportunity to create content for a portfolio.
“It is a great opportunity that allows you to be a published writer and looks great on graduate school applications and resumes,” Harkey said.
Editors receive multiple submissions to read and have around a month to edit them according to “The Chicago Manual of Style.” Edited essays are sent back to their authors for correction and suggestions in order to create a stronger entry. Upon proper revision, essays are published.
“Working with all the editors and reviewers of Tenor is such a fantastic opportunity,” senior print editor Mary Goode said. “If students work with Tenor as an editor or reviewer, they gain valuable writing and editing skills that are transferable to almost any career field. … My favorite aspect of working with Tenor is the collaboration and fellowship with the other editors and reviewers, as well as reading the often well-crafted works of the students here at Harding.”
Tenor recommends choosing an intriguing historical topic and submit it to Tenor or complete an application to join the student board. To find out more information about how to be involved, go to scholarworks.harding.edu/tenor.
