This seminar will provide a forum for new approaches to medieval and early modern studies. Scholars from a range of disciplines will share work-in-progress on the inaugural theme of “what is the premodern?” The aim is to explore how presumptions of a rupture between the past and the present have shaped scholarship across the humanities and social sciences, and to consider how the interests and characteristics of premodern cultures reflect on, or even connect to, our own. We welcome submissions on these questions from all fields of premodern studies. Global approaches are particularly welcome, and we invite work that is at once archival and theoretical. Papers will be pre-circulated, so that the majority of the seminar session will be devoted to discussion. Presenters are encouraged to incorporate a hands-on workshop with original materials from the Newberry’s collection into their seminar session.
Organized by Timothy Crowley, Northern Illinois University; Megan Heffernan, DePaul University; Miguel Martínez, University of Chicago; and Christopher Fletcher, Newberry Library.
The seminar will meet 2-4 pm at the Newberry Library in Chicago on the following Fridays during the 2018-2019 academic year: November 30, 2018, February 22, 2019, and April 26, 2019.
The Premodern Studies Seminar Call for Proposals for 2018-19 seminars is now OPEN.Proposals for 2018-2019 will be accepted until June 1, 2018. We encourage papers that draw upon the Newberry collection. In addition to a classroom seminar format, presenters may request a hands-on workshop with original materials from the collection; please indicate interest in this option in your proposal.
To submit a proposal, visit our webform and upload a one-page proposal (200 words), a list of Newberry materials related to your research, a statement explaining the relationship of the paper to your other work, and a brief CV. Click here to see the 2018-2019 Call-for-Proposals flyer. The Newberry is unable to provide additional funds for travel or lodging, but can assist in locating discounted accommodations.
If you have any questions about the seminar, please send an email to fletcherc@newberry.org