This pitch will be an audio file of two minutes in length that you create, which we will listen to together in class. At least thirty minutes before the start of class, please email me both the mp3 file as well as the written version of your pitch, as described below, in word or PDF format.
Your written pitch must include at least three paragraphs and a bibliography of minimum twelve sources cited in Chicago style. The majority of these sources should be scholarly secondary sources in history, archaeology, or other relevant disciplines. Please reach out to me or research librarian Geoffrey Morse if you are not sure what this means or whether something qualifies.
One paragraph should be a detailed physical description of the “object” you will focus on in your episode. If that object has not survived, this paragraph will be your best guess at what it might have looked, felt, smelled, sounded, and/or tasted like based on similar objects or other contextualizing details.
One paragraph should tell us what you know about the life of this object, from where it was created to where it lives now, drawing on the historical context you have already found and what questions remain. Briefly take a stab at telling its story for the first time.
Finally, tell us why this object is interesting, and what makes it relevant to the global history of science. Take a stab at any other big narratives or themes you think the episode will engage with, although this may change.
Record yourself either reading this pitch in an engaging manner, or summarizing it thoroughly off the cuff. Please be mindful of the quality of the audio recording and the clarity of your voice in the recording, as that is part of the assignment.
Grading Rubric (3 points each):