Description
What are the humanities to do in a time of unprecedented crises that, for various reasons, threaten their very existence? In this colloquium, Christopher Fletcher shows how useful answers to this urgent question can be found all the way back in the Middle Ages. Drawing on his new book, Public Engagement in the European Middle Ages: Medieval Solutions for a Modern Crisis, Fletcher will explain four mindsets and cultural practices grounded in the intellectual culture of medieval Europe that professionals and amateurs alike can use to make the humanities not just interesting and valuable beyond academia, but essential for overcoming the pressing challenges of the modern day.
Speaker
Christopher D. Fletcher (PhD, Medieval History) is the Assistant Director of the Center for Renaissance Studies at the Newberry Library. His research interests focus on public engagement in medieval and early modern Europe and the digital humanities, and he has often shared premodern history with various extra-academic publics through collection presentations, exhibitions, social media, and digital resources at the Newberry. His new book, Public Engagement in the European Middle Ages: Medieval Solutions for a Modern Crisis (ARC Humanities Press), uses medieval culture to teach modern scholars how to develop, engage, and sustain supportive audiences outside the academy.
About Colloquium
Colloquium is a weekly series of talks featuring staff, fellows, and scholars who are working with the library’s vast collections. These events bring together experts from various fields to share their research on a wide range of topics, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and engage in conversation.
Colloquium is open to the public and offers a chance to explore fascinating ideas and new discoveries. No advance registration is required.