Visitors socialize during the Medieval Congress at WMU. Photo by Neil Rankin.
Information for the 47th International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 10-13, 2012) , including session schedules and registration, is now available online. The Congress is sponsored by the WMU Medieval Institute, which is directed by Dr. James Murray.
The Congress is an annual gathering of more than 3,000 scholars interested in Medieval Studies. It features more than 550 sessions of papers, panel discussions, roundtables, workshops, and performances. There are also some 90 business meetings and receptions sponsored by learned societies, associations, and institutions. The exhibits hall boasts nearly 70 exhibitors, including publishers, used book dealers, and purveyors of medieval sundries. The Congress lasts three and a half days, extending from Thursday morning until Sunday at noon.
Topics and sessions range from Session 13: Conceptions of Love in Medieval Culture, Literature, and Religion, in which Holle Canatella presents “Christina of Markyate and Geoffrey of Saint Albans: A Twelfth-Century Spiritual Friendship,” to Session 461: Sixth-Century Italy I: Representing the Ostrogothic Kingdom. The title of Shane Bjornlie’s paper is “Princeps Illiteratus: The Political Polemic of the Gothic War and the Sources for Theoderic the Great,” and there are literally hundreds of other sessions to chose from.
A number of special events are scheduled during the Congress, including:
- Plenary Lectures
- Exhibition and Reception
- Film Screening
- Saturday Night Dance
- Worship Services
Everyone attending the Congress—including participants, exhibitors, accompanying family members, and Kalamazoo residents—must register for the Congress. Online early registration is available. Attendees may also register by post or by fax using the printed Registration Form, but those registering by mail or fax pay a $25.00 handling fee.
Housing is provided by Goldsworth Valley I, II, and III complexes. The Congress exhibits hall is located in Valley III and contains nearly 70 exhibitors, including publishers, used book dealers, and medieval scholars. Exhibitors this year include Baker Publishing Group, Cambridge University Press, Kazoo Books, Penguin Group USA, and various state university presses.
More information about the Medieval Institute and the Congress can be found on the home page.
Links:
Director of the Medieval Institute James Murray’s homepage.
