Keywords
The Thetean history, journal origins and mission, Phi Alpha Theta heritage
Abstract
This editor's preface explores the origins and enduring mission of The Thetean, BYU's undergraduate history journal. Through archival research in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections, the journal's founding history is traced to its inaugural 1967 edition, revealing the origin, pronunciation, and meaning of its distinctive name as a reference to Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society. The preface highlights the journal's longstanding commitment to encouraging scholarly research, providing publication opportunities, and introducing students to the work of historians. By recovering the journal's own history, it underscores the broader value of historical inquiry: understanding the past to better inform the present while preserving a legacy of undergraduate scholarship for future generations.
Recommended Citation
Smock, Gabe
(2025)
"Editor's Preface,"
The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing: Vol. 54:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/thetean/vol54/iss1/2
Included in
African History Commons, Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons, Asian History Commons, European History Commons, Genealogy Commons, History of Religion Commons, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons, Latin American History Commons, Medieval Studies Commons, Military History Commons, Religion Commons, United States History Commons, Women's History Commons