The Medieval Academy of America’s jobs report from May 2023, coupled with the complementary data presented in the American Historical Association’s jobs report of September 2023, demonstrate well the (potential) grim future of medieval studies in the United States. But trends are not destiny. Students continue to fill our courses across all disciplines, and (at least anecdotally) public demand for premodern or premodern-adjacent fantasy content – films, tv, books – seems to be growing. Moreover, there’s a strong case to be made that knowing more both about the medieval world and how stories about that period have been deployed in modernity, are becoming increasingly necessary. The MAA has a moment to make that case with its Centennial, both in the earned media that will accrue to medieval studies with the celebration, and in the decentralized slate of activities across the country that will accompany the year-long event.
To that end, Virginia Tech (in partnership with the University of Virginia, and with support from a Centennial Grant from the Medieval Academy of America) is hosting a 2-day workshop in October 2024 to mentor colleagues so that they can do public-facing work. This can include, but is not limited too, planning events on their home campuses in support of the 2025 MAA Centennial celebration, positioning themselves to write pieces for newspapers and magazines, and working with other cultural institutions, among others.
Graduate students, early career researchers, and underemployed MedievALLists, are especially encouraged to apply but all scholars in any discipline working on the medieval world, broadly defined, are welcome.
The event will be held Thursday October 3 – Saturday October 5, 2024 on the campus of Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA).
DETAILS:
- To allow for close collaboration between mentors and participants, spaces are limited to 15 participants.
- All participants will receive a $750 stipend to defray travel and lodging. Food will be provided at the event itself.
- Topics covered will include considerations on doing public writing and event planning from experienced mentors. Time will also be dedicated to workshopping an idea in a small group, and in collaboration with a dedicated mentor (see below).
MENTORS:
- Sarah E. Bond (University of Iowa)
- Matthew Gabriele (Virginia Tech, organizer)
- Eleanor Janega (HistoryHit and Going Medieval)
- David M. Perry (University of Minnesota)
- Cord Whitaker (Wellesley College)
To apply, you’ll be required to submit a current CV, as well as a statement about what proposed public-facing work you’d be interested in doing in the coming year. Applications are due no later than 11:59pm on May 1, 2024. Accepted participants will be notified on around June 1, 2024.
See more at www.publicmedieval.org. Please share widely and direct any questions to the organizer, Prof. Matthew Gabriele (gabriele@vt.edu).
