Doris Kearns Goodwin MasterClass Review

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Are you interested in history, leadership, and storytelling? Then a review of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s MasterClass is just for you! Join us as we dive into the acclaimed writer and historian’s course material, exploring how she brings her expansive knowledge into the modern world.

With captivating stories and insights into historic figures, you won’t want to miss out on this educational experience!

Introduction

Doris Kearns Goodwin is one of the most prominent and celebrated historians of our time. Her works have been featured on television and in film, and she has received numerous awards including a Pulitzer Prize.

With her MasterClass, she offers viewers an in-depth study of her techniques and skill set as an acclaimed author and historian.

Participants will learn the essential steps to developing an engaging book or essay through lectures that cover topics from the basics of storytelling structure to superior writing techniques. Goodwin breaks down complex tasks like research, interviews, fact-checking, and creating compelling characters into simple steps for viewers to follow. Through her MasterClass, participants can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of Goodwin’s knowledge and experience in writing history.

Overview of Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin is an internationally-renowned historian, bestselling author, and accomplished lecturer. She is a renowned expert on presidential history and has written biographies of several US presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. She has also written about non-presidential aspects of American history as well as social commentary such as Race Against Time: The Awakening of a New American Nation.

Goodwin’s work has been recognized with numerous awards such as the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995 for No Ordinary Time: Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front During World War II, the Lincoln Prize which she won three times for No Ordinary Time (1995), Team of Rivals (2006), and The Bully Pulpit (2013). Her latest publication Leadership in Turbulent Times was released in October 2018 to critical acclaim winning her another prestigious award -The Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction.

Goodwin earned her BA from Colby College in 1964; an MA at Harvard University in 1967; a PhD at Harvard University in 1976; an Abrams Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University from 2006 to 2007; and was awarded fifteen honorary doctorates from schools across the United States. In addition to her academic pursuits, Goodwin has also appeared frequently on news outlets such as MSNBC, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt , NBC’s Meet the Press , ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos , PBS’ Washington Week , CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° , C-SPAN Book TV and NPR’s Morning Edition .

What is the MasterClass?

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s MasterClass is an online course where students can learn the art of storytelling from one of the masters. The course includes 30 video lessons, allowing the participants to explore Goodwin’s unique approach and methods for uncovering and telling stories. Along with the video lessons, students are provided with a workbook, which contains exercises and guidance on how to apply what they have learned.

Additionally, Goodwin encourages interaction between participants by providing discussion boards, live chats and Q&As with her team of experts. Thus, students have the opportunity not only to receive individual instruction from Goodwin but also get advice and insights from others in the class as well.

What Topics Does the MasterClass Cover?

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s MasterClass covers a range of topics related to the art and practice of writing, researching and constructing historical narratives. This course is designed to provide aspiring writers with the tools they need to create compelling and well-crafted stories about their own family histories, current events or figures from the past.

The topics covered in this class include:

  • Developing researchable questions;
  • Collecting primary sources;
  • Understanding different types of writing; and
  • Utilizing personal artifacts, documents, photos and video in storytelling.

In addition, participants are able to analyze exemplar historical works with Goodwin as she provides insight into how they were developed. This MasterClass offers detailed guidance and advice along each step of the way so that participants can better understand the process of creating a powerful story from history.

What are the Benefits of Taking the MasterClass?

The Doris Kearns Goodwin MasterClass enables aspiring writers to learn from one of the most lauded historians and biographers in the United States. Drawing on her decades of experience chronicling the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt, Goodwin provides students with a customized plan for their literary pursuits. By studying Goodwin’s lectures, students can develop their writing skills and gain insights into best practices in historical research.

Goodwin also provides personalized coaching that helps individual students formulate their ideas and gain confidence in their writing skills. She provides guidelines for structuring biographical works, suggests exercises for providing perspective on stories, and gives guidance on how to conduct effective interviews with historical figures. In total, the MasterClass allows students to deepen their understanding of history and refine their craft as an author under Goodwin’s direction.

At the same time, Goodwin demonstrates crucial concepts like finding a narrative arc to deliver a compelling story by exploring her own journey as an accomplished historian and biographer. Through her MasterClass lessons, she reveals essential components of successful nonfiction writing such as pacing your material effectively or finding ways to create depth within a beloved topic. Her structured approach makes it easier for budding writers to gain confidence in their understanding of history while developing techniques that differentiate them from other authors working in their field.

What are the Drawbacks of Taking the MasterClass?

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s MasterClass has been highly rated and praised by its users, however, there are a few drawbacks to the program.

  • First, the course is composed of pre-recorded video lessons featuring Goodwin and her team of expert historians. This means that course participants are unable to ask questions or interact directly with the lecturer as they would if attending an in-person class.
  • Second, the course runs for six weeks but requires a minimum time commitment each week to view videos, complete interactive assignments and learn from other enrolled students. As such, it may be difficult for busy professionals or working students to devote enough time to master the subject material in such a short span of time.
  • Third, although the cost of tuition is relatively low compared to other educational programs, it can still be prohibitively expensive for some students on a budget. Further discounts should be sought out by those who qualify for them.
  • Finally, there is no guarantee that any student will gain tangible results and improve their historical knowledge after completing the MasterClass offered by Doris Kearns Goodwin; nonetheless most reviews have held it in high regard as an inspirational source of motivation and guidance from America’s preeminent historian.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s MasterClass is a comprehensive educational experience for anyone interested in history or building their writing skills. Through an intimate video-based class, she shares her life and decades of experience inside her classroom as if weaving a rich tapestry of American stories. With a wealth of additional resources, learning activities and homework assignments, Dr. Goodwin encourages students to explore topics in depth, offering helpful feedback along the way.

Overall, this online course offers an engaging and entertaining learning experience complete with inspiring stories of resilience and strength. Along with gaining insights on historical figures and events, you’ll learn valuable lessons on creating compelling characters in your own writing. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience under your belt as a writer, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s MasterClass will undoubtedly enrich your knowledge of American history while increasing your storytelling capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Our review of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s MasterClass was overwhelmingly positive. The course itself was comprehensive and engaging, and provided a great deal of insight and knowledge about leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

Goodwin’s charm and sincerity in her lessons added an extra layer of engagement that made the course both enjoyable and educational. Her wealth of experience makes her the perfect instructor for this MasterClass, as she provides a unique perspective on how to plan your life around a leadership journey. There is truly something for everyone in this class.

The only potential downside is that although Goodwin covers some high-level information on implementing these changes within teams or organizations, the course does not provide any detailed instruction or advice on how to do so effectively. This may still appeal to certain viewers who want a broader overview instead of tactical tips, but nonetheless, it should be noted that further instruction may be necessary in order to implement these strategies into your daily life or professional career.

Overall this was a great class from one of the most decorated leaders in modern history – Doris Kearns Goodwin Masterclass highly recommended!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What topics are covered in the Doris Kearns Goodwin MasterClass?

A1: The Doris Kearns Goodwin MasterClass covers a variety of topics related to the writing process, including researching and organizing material, developing themes and stories, and crafting compelling narratives. It also covers the importance of understanding History, improving critical thinking skills, and evaluating sources.

Q2: What type of feedback does Doris Kearns Goodwin provide during the MasterClass?

A2: During the MasterClass, Doris Kearns Goodwin provides guidance and feedback throughout the writing process. She provides detailed critiques of student work and encourages students to think critically about their writing. She also provides useful tips and techniques that can be applied to any writing project.

Q3: Is the Doris Kearns Goodwin MasterClass suitable for all levels of writers?

A3: Yes, the Doris Kearns Goodwin MasterClass is suitable for writers of all levels. Beginner writers can learn the basics of writing while experienced writers can hone their skills. The course also provides useful advice and techniques that can be applied to any writing project.

Mike Samuels
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