HFU 2016 - BA Requirements & Questions

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Historical Fictionista University - Jan - Dec 2016

OVERVIEW:
As requested, we are continuing this yearly (or more) challenge. While many of the actual tasks are the same, you can challenge yourself by trying different tasks or getting a different degree.

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 stress in your life!!

NOTE: We keep the threads up for the past years so if you started a prior year challenge, you can continue and track in the appropriate thread, If you are just starting out, than you should do the 2016 version. Again, many of the tasks are similar so if you are doing it again, you should read different books.

GENERAL RULES:
Participants may join at any time during the challenge. The challenge will last from January 1st until December 31st, 2016 (or longer --- see the NOTE above).

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 2016 degree, all books must be started on or after January 1, 2016. Please set your books to “currently reading” and “read” in order to set the “date started” and “date read” stamps. I have not been 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 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 1960.

6) A separate 2016 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. If you started in a prior year and are using those rules, you may continue to track in that year’s thread.

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!!!

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Bachelor of Arts (BA) General Requirements

The BA degree consists of a well-rounded course of study covering a wide range of topics; this will require you to complete 12 tasks called general requirements. In addition, you will select either a major and complete the 12 tasks associated tasks of your major (history, literature, science and math, language/arts/athletics, or social sciences). You do not do the general requirements for your major.

Example: I want to get an social science degree, than I would fulfill 3 tasks from the history, literature, math & science and the language/arts/athletics tasks and then do 12 tasks from the social sciences.

You may also have 2 majors in which case you would do all 12 tasks of both majors and then 3 tasks from each of the other disciplines (9 tasks).

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 2015
• 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 Literay Awards (wikipedia)

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

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

BA Major Requirements

History Majors: Complete ALL tasks
• Read 2 non-fiction books with a genre of history
• Read a HF book set the following geographic locations:
o North America
o South America
o Europe
o Africa
o Asia
• Pick 3 - Time Period Coverage: Read a HF book set in the following time periods
o Ancient: BC – 4th century
o Medieval: 5th century – 13th century
o Renaissance: 14 century – 16th century
o Early Modern: 17th century – 18th century
o Modern: 19th century – 1960
• Read a book with strong historical basis but which features either 1) time travel, 2) alternate history or 3) historical fantasy
• Read a book from the Hidden Gems of HF listopia

Language, Arts and Athletics: – Complete ALL tasks
• Read 2 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 where a main character can speak more than 2 languages
• Read a biography or memoir about an artist, musician or athlete
• Read a book where one of the following is featured in the plot:
o Books (a book about books)
o A piece of art
o A “big game” or sporting event
• Read 4 books from the following lists (maximum of 2 for each list):
o Food related fiction
o Top Sports Books
o Books Made Into Movies
o Fiction with Music Theme
• Read 2 books where a main character has a profession from this list:
o Artist (Painter or Scupltor)
o Musician
o Writer
o Professional Athlete
o Chef

Literature Majors: Complete ALL tasks
• Read a chunkster – a book with more than 500 pages
• Read 4 books each with a unique form from the following list:
o Read a play (Can read 2 books for a total of 200 pages)
o Read an anthology of short stories (different authors similar subject)
o Read a short story collection (same author)
o Read a graphic novel (Can read 2 books for a total of 200 pages).
o Read an experimental novel (see this listopia for ideas:
o Read a work of non-fiction
• Read 3 books with a unique genre. Select from this list:
o Western
o Historical Fiction
o Fantasy
o Thriller
o Dystopia
o Young Adult
• Read a book from the Must Read Classics listopia
• Read a book from the Stories for Book Lovers listopia
• Read 2 books were finalists in the Tournament of books:
o Group shelf TOB group

Science & Mathematics: – Complete ALL tasks:
• Read a biography or memoir about a scientist/mathematician or business leader
• Read a book where a student is studying a math or science subject.
• Read 3 books where a main character has a profession from this list:
o Scientist
o Doctor/Nurse
o Banker or Finance
o Computer Programmer
o Architect
• Read 2 books with a unique genre. Select from this list:
o Science
o Geography
o Microhistory
o Medical
o Business
• Read 3 books from one of the following listopias (all 3 can be from the same list):
o GR Readers Choice 2016 - Science & Technology (Can read any year – nominees or winners)
o Medicine and Literature
o Science Fiction List
o Characters good at math

Social Sciences Majors – Complete ALL tasks
• Read a book about a “hot” social/cultural or political topic
• Read a featuring about a native or indigenous people
• Read a book which has characters from different classes (examples: nobility and servants both as main characters)
• Read 2 books with a unique genre. Select from this list:
o Psychology
o Politics/political science
o Sociology
o Anthropology
o Legal/Law
o Archeology
• Read 2 books where a main character has a profession from this list:
o Educator
o Lawyer/Judge
o Politician
o Psychologist/Psychriatrist
o Social Worker
• Read 2 books about from the following list that you are not familiar with:
o A religion
o A culture
o A government structure (different from your own country)
o A political movement
o A psychological disorder
• Read 3 books featured on one of these lists
o How we see the world
o Life in a Foreign Country
o Best political or social satire

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Please see threads of prior years to give you ideas on how to track.
Reporting Templates

Major: HISTORY

Science & Mathematics tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Social Sciences tasks :
1.
2.
3.

Language tasks :
1.


Arts tasks :
1.

Literature tasks :
1.
2.
3.

History tasks :
1. Non-fiction
2. Non-fiction
3. Ancient: BC – 4th century
4. Medieval: 5th century – 13th century
5. Renaissance: 14 century – 16th century
6. Early Modern: 17th century – 18th century
7. Modern: 19th century – 1960
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I combine the BA tasks from either 2013, 2014 or 2015 into 2016?
The idea is that you should stick with the requirements for whatever year you chose. So, if starting in 2016, go with the 2016 requirements. If you started a previous year and didn't finish, then finish the tasks for the previous year.

2) Can I use books that I read in 2013 - 2015 for my 2016 degree?
No, the 2016 books should be read in the year 2016.

3) If I did a task in a previous year's challenge, can I do the same task in 2016 degree?
Yes, you may do the same task, but you must read a different book.

4) Is publication date based on the copy that I read or first publication date?
It should be first publication date. The reason is that the first publication date is the one that determines if the book meets the criteria for historical fiction. With the recent growing popularity of historical fiction, many books are getting reprinted many years after publication.

5) I am starting mid year, can I use books read in Jan?
Yes, anything read started on or after Jan 1 can be counted.

6) What has changed?
I tried to update some of the lists and change the tasks slightly --- that being said some of the tasks are the same because I tried to represent some general foundations in each of the areas. (Example -- same world so same geographic regions :-D)

7) What is the Tournament of Books (for the literature degree)?
The Morning News sponsors a bracketed tournament pitting 16 books against each other. TOB wikipedia info.
TOB website had this years books and schedule listed.
You can also search for "tournament of books finalist" to the see books from each year.

[Lindsey]

Thank you for setting this up again, Jolene!

[Gretchen, Keep your head up or the crown slips]

It's classified as non-fiction but could The Letters of the Younger Pliny count as an epistolary novel?

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

No --- from the description, these sound like his actual letters.

An epistolary novel reveals a story through letters vs using real letters to document someone's life.

[Gretchen, Keep your head up or the crown slips]

JoLene wrote: "No --- from the description, these sound like his actual letters.

An epistolary novel reveals a story through letters vs using real letters to document someone's life."

Thanks! I have another category I can put it in but I just wanted to double check.

[Viji]

Great! After completing my HFU-Ph.D 2015, I am coming to this. Thanks for the 2016 HFU Challenge.

[Ashley Marie]

Woohoo, thanks for this JoLene!

[Stacey]

The link to the must read classics listopia doesn't work (task for Literature majors), does someone have it?

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

OK -- I fixed it. I keep the challenge in a word doc and for some reason the double quote symbol " isn't recognized by GR when I copy it over. It even looks strange.

[Stacey]

Thank you!

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Can anyone recommend an author who writes short stories?

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

@Jayme -- there is a separate thread for asking for recommendations. I'm not sure if people check this thread if they don't have a question.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

ok I will go look over there, thanks.

[Teri]

Glad you are doing this again. It's the main reason I joined the group! ;-)

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Can I use Triangle: A Memoir of Black Caesar as my HF book for literature? I am reading it on ebook. It seems to be the only version, I want to make sure I can use it.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

@ Jayme, I guess since it doesn't seem to be a real memoir.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

It is fictional. it says on the book's goodreads page.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Yes --- the book description made me laugh --- I'm not sure if the writer of the description (the author perhaps) actually understands when to put things in quotes. :-D

[Anameeka]

Jolene,
May I use The Lake House as an epic for my HFU MA? Multigenerational, 70-90ish year time span, centered around a specific place.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Anameeka wrote: "Jolene,
May I use The Lake House as an epic for my HFU MA? Multigenerational, 70-90ish year time span, centered around a specific place."

Sure. This is on my "want to read" list.

[Viji]

HFU 2016 - BA - Science & Mathematics -

For the task:
• Read a book has a title that contains a word related to weather (storm, wind, hurricane, etc)

could Storm Front by Jim Butcher be used?

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

yes --- especially since it was one of the example words.

[Viji]

JoLene wrote: "yes --- especially since it was one of the example words."

Thanks, JoLene

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I have a question, I am reading a book that has the genre of fantasy but also shelved for genre historical fiction with 37 users because it takes place during world war I, could I use it for Literature Major part 3 where you have to read four unique genres and use it for my HF slot?

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

@jayme -- yes

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

thanks Jolene

[Sydney]

When I am ready to move onto my Masters, should I refer to previous years' requirements or are new (2016) requirements in the process of being created? Just curious!

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Yes, I haven't changed the requirements for the masters.

[Anameeka]

Will you please let me know what genre I should put The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack by Mark Hodder? I count this book Alt Historical Fiction, yet there are only 5 genres listed, none of which are Alt Fic. It does have 45 readers who put it on alt fic shelves. My reasoning. (non-spoiler)
1- Instead of Victorian, the characters call themselves Albertians
2- The book takes place in 1861, but the historical events happened in 1864
3- Sir Richard Francis Burton doesn't become an ambassador, as his does in history. A number of real historical characters are in the book, some of them do not follow their historical paths, but others instead.

Gratefully,
Anameeka (M)

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

@Anameeka. if it has magic and fantasy elements then it is historical fantasy, not alternative history. Generally alternative history is when a different side wins a war or someone different wins an election, but the world has the properties of our world.

[Anameeka]

Thanks for the clarification. I'll fix these on my MA thread.

[Viji]

B.A. General Requirements,
Task:
Language, Arts and Athletics –
• Read a book which features a sporting event as part of the plot.

Could by Rob Blaney be used for this task?

One of the MCs, John, is a talented Athlete and is chosen to participate for Britain in the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin. Most of the second half of the book revolves around this event.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

@Viji--- since the olympics are a sporting event it exactly meets the criteria. I'm curious why you would need to validate that one.

[Sydney]

For the task, Read a book that has an art related word in the title, would The Gallery work?

[Viji]

JoLene wrote: "@Viji--- since the olympics are a sporting event it exactly meets the criteria. I'm curious why you would need to validate that one."

I did not find any genre definition in the GR Book Main Page and I thought it better to check with you before posting it. Thanks.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Viji wrote: "JoLene wrote: "@Viji--- since the olympics are a sporting event it exactly meets the criteria. I'm curious why you would need to validate that one."

I did not find any genre definition in the GR B..."

If it is in the GR book description it works. I don't think there is a genre of sporting event.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Sydney wrote: "For the task, Read a book that has an art related word in the title, would The Gallery work?"

Yep

[Viji]

JoLene wrote: "Viji wrote: "JoLene wrote: "@Viji--- since the olympics are a sporting event it exactly meets the criteria. I'm curious why you would need to validate that one."

I did not find any genre definitio..."

Thanks, JoLene.

[CandyBeans]

I have finished and am ready for review pending approval of a book. If it is not suited to the task, I'll squeeze in a new book.

For the Science and Mathematics major, the task is "Read 3 books where a main character has a profession from this list." I chose finance, and read A Conspiracy of Paper, in which the main character is a debt collector and thief taker. The point is summarized in the first paragraph of this review.

Would this count as finance, since he operates among early stock traders to recover money owed?

Thanks!

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Sorry, I just saw this......yes, that works

[Viji]

HFU 2016 - B.A.

Social Sciences Majors :
• Read 3 books featured on one of these lists
o How we see the world
o Life in a Foreign Country
o Best political or social satire

Should all the 3 books be from the same list or could be from 3 or 2 different lists? Thanks.

[Anameeka]

If I am continuing the HFU degrees, this year 2017, should I go ahead and post my PhD tracking in the 2016 tracking thread?

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Viji wrote: "HFU 2016 - B.A.

Social Sciences Majors :
• Read 3 books featured on one of these lists
o How we see the world
o Life in a Foreign Country
o Best political or social satire

Should all the 3 book..."

You just need to read 3 books total, that are on one of the lists. They can all be the same list or one from each or any combo in the middle.

[JoLene, Mistress of the Challenge]

Anameeka wrote: "If I am continuing the HFU degrees, this year 2017, should I go ahead and post my PhD tracking in the 2016 tracking thread?"

Yes, that works.

[Viji]

JoLene wrote: "Viji wrote: "HFU 2016 - B.A.

Social Sciences Majors :
• Read 3 books featured on one of these lists
o How we see the world
o Life in a Foreign Country
o Best political or social satire

Should a..."

Thanks a lot, JoLene.

[Viji]

Completed HFU 2016 B.A.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I will now proceed to M.A. and simultaneously complete B.A. -Social Sciences Major

I want to know if The Jews: Story of a People by Howard Fast
would fit the task:
• Read 2 books about from the following list that you are not familiar with:
o A culture

Thanks.