The second edition of Res Historica was produced by Anderson University’s Alpha Rho Epsilon chapter of Phi Alpha Theta. This journal of undergraduate historical research offers a variety of articles, reviews and reflections from Anderson University students.
The articles were published following a peer review process with Dr. Lynneth Renberg, assistant professor of history in the Anderson University College of Arts and Sciences, faculty editor for the publication, along with student editors Helen Smith and Johnathan Sorce. Smith and Sorce selected the papers for the journal itself and communicated with the student authors.
“This year’s volume of the journal features 15 student authors and is over 200 pages long. Our student editors worked so hard to make this expanded issue a reality. We’re proud to be able to present such wide-ranging and insightful scholarship from our authors,” said Dr. Lynneth Renberg, assistant professor of history in the Anderson University College of Arts and Sciences, faculty editor for the publication.
In addition to Smith and Sorce, article authors are Sullivan Black, Grace Canup, Jasmine Cuffy, Sophie Grimaud Morel, Bradlee Hanks, Zane Oakes, Alexandra Oliver, Samuel Sanders, Rebekah Teffertiller, Rylie Thompson, Rollins Tucker, Laura Wallace and Zane Wallace.
Smith, a senior who is graduating in May, designed the cover and authored an article. Being a part of the publication from the start is a blessing for her.
“Working with Mr. Sorce and Dr. Renberg is one of my favorite experiences I’ve been blessed to have at Anderson,” said Smith, who is majoring in history and English: writing and digital Studies. “The three of us are a great team, and our work together has been just as enjoyable as it has been heavy, if not more so. I’m very proud of our authors for putting in the work, and voluntarily taking on another deadline in the middle of the semester. They should be proud of their accomplishments; I know I’m proud of them.”
“It’s been such an honor and privilege to be able to work on Res Historica as senior editor,” said Sorce, who is a history and creative writing double major. “It’s been so encouraging to see how much the journal has grown and improved since last year; the 2023 edition is twice as long as our inaugural publication, with a much wider variety of submissions and a stunning cover design.”
“Working with our authors this year has been a great experience, one which I am looking forward to next year as well,” Sorce said. “All of the work which I and the junior editor did this year would not have been possible without our faculty advisor, Dr. Renberg, and her tireless help. We are very grateful to her, and to our authors for all their work in making this year’s journal possible.”
“Although I’m graduating and won’t be able to be part of the team next year, I know that next year’s edition will be an equal or greater blessing for those involved. I’m proud of our community and our work as a department and a club. Each and every one of us have put forth a great deal of time and energy for this to come to fruition, and it’s a blessing to be part of it,” Smith said.
Sorce commented that the Res Historica launch event April 21 at Rainey Gardens on the Anderson University campus attracted many guests (including non-majors) who came to celebrate with the authors and editorial team.
Res Historica is a softcover book and can be purchased online from this link.