Early and Late Medieval
The University of Chicago has a thriving and interdisciplinary medieval studies community, which meets regularly through the Medieval Studies Workshop where faculty, graduate students, and invited guests present and discuss their latest work. In the Department of English, our faculty share a commitment to innovative studies in medieval literature, particularly around philosophical, theoretical, religious questions. Specializing in Late Medieval England, Mark Miller works on theories of poetics, literary history, psychoanalysis, and philosophy, and Julie Orlemanski works on medicine and embodiment, fictionality, and literary theory. Benjamin Saltzman specializes in Early Medieval England, working on law and monastic life, manuscript and visual culture, and the uses of the Middle Ages in modernity.
British Studies
Of particular interest to students working in British literature and culture is the University's Nicholson Center for British Studies, which offers an annual lecture series, brown-bag lunches for student presentations, and several year-long dissertation research fellowships as well as short term research grants for students who need to do research in Britain. Our undergraduate program in London, coordinated through the Nicholson Center, employs one graduate student as a program assistant in the fall term each year. Other University resources for students in British literature and culture include the Center for Gender Studies; the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture; and the Franke Institute for the Humanities (the last is currently directed by English faculty member James Chandler). All these regularly sponsor lectures, conferences, symposia, workshops, and exhibitions, and also offer doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships.
