6.1 Valorizing language

Narrative description provided in fields such as biographical or administrative histories, or scope and content can be especially prone to include valorizing language or interpretive accounts.

Below is a prior example of a UTARMS’ biographical history:

Claude Bissell was born on February 10, 1916, one of ten children of George T. Bissell, a lumberman from Meaford, Ontario, and Maggie Editha Bowen. The family later moved to Toronto where he attended Runnymede Collegiate. He was a very shy but brilliant student, with an Edward Blake Scholarship in English and History. In 1932 he entered University College at the University of Toronto where he maintained first-class standing throughout his undergraduate years; the several scholarships he received saw him through financially. He entered graduate school in 1936 as a Reuben Wells Leonard fellow, receiving the following year an MA in English for his study of the satire of Samuel Butler.

While at the U of T, he found time for an impressive array of extra-curricular activities. He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Club; headed the Forum Club and the Parliamentary Club in third year, and the English and History Club in fourth year. In the latter year he was also vice-president of the Historical Club and editor of the Undergraduate. His active participation in athletics was reserved for the University College lacrosse team.

In current practice, the first paragraph of the biographical history field should include: full names, life dates or operational dates for organizations, departments, or groups, and a characterization of the individuals’ occupations, significant contributions, and ties to the U of T.

Claude Thomas Bissell (10 June 1916 – 21 June 2000) was an academic and UofT’s eighth President (1958-1971), who also served as the president of Carleton University (1956-1958). In addition to his work as an administrator, he taught as an assistant professor at UofT’s Department of English and authored multiple books.

Born in Meaford, Ontario, he was one of ten children of George T. Bissell and Maggie Editha Bowen. The family later moved to Toronto where he attended Runnymede Collegiate and was awarded the Edward Blake Scholarship in English and History. In 1932, he entered University College at the University of Toronto where the several scholarships he received saw him through financially. He entered graduate school in 1936 as a Reuben Wells Leonard fellow, receiving the following year an MA in English for his study of the satire of Samuel Butler.

While at the U of T, he was involved in a variety extra-curricular activities: He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Club; headed the Forum Club and the Parliamentary Club, and the English and History Club. He also served as vice-president of the Historical Club and editor of the Undergraduate. His participation in athletics was reserved for the University College lacrosse team.