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IMC 2018: Sessions

Session 249: Re-Enactment and Medieval Studies, II: Problems and Potential

Monday 2 July 2018, 14.15-15.45

Organiser:Melissa Venables, School of English, University of Nottingham
Moderator/Chair:Melissa Venables, School of English, University of Nottingham
Respondent:Sara L. Uckelman, Institute of Medieval & Early Modern Studies, Durham University
Paper 249-aAn Unexpected Problem
(Language: English)
Melissa Venables, School of English, University of Nottingham
Index terms: Administration, Education, Medievalism and Antiquarianism, Teaching the Middle Ages
Abstract

What is the relationship between medieval studies and re-enactment? There are many kinds of re-enactors with many different agendas, and the same re-enactment group may have different purposes at different times. Likewise, there are many academic approaches to the Middle Ages, to the point where defining 'medieval studies' itself is up for debate. But ultimately the core goal of re-enactment is the same as that of the most traditional academic researcher: to achieve some greater understanding of the past. The second of two sessions on this theme, this session will focus on the relationship between re-enactment and academia and will tie into a round table session on the same topic.