Medieval Renaissance Conference celebrates 20th anniversary at UVa-Wise

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise will celebrate 20 years of the Medieval Renaissance Conference beginning Thursday, Sept. 14, with sessions continuing through Saturday, Sept. 16.

Edward Donald Kennedy, professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will

serve as keynote speaker. Kennedy will present “Arthur and Glastonbury” at 4:40 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, in the Chapel of All Faiths. Kennedy is a leading authority on Arthurian literature and the English chronicle tradition.

Other session topics include: “Medieval Cultural and Artistic Contexts,” “Old and Middle English Literature,” “Tolkien I: Medieval Contexts,” “Medieval Knights and Kings,” “Renaissance Poetry and Drama,” “Continental Literature and Translation,” Shakespeare and Chaucer. 

All sessions, including the keynote address are free and open to the public.

Begun in 1986 by the late Professor Jack Mahony and Professor Richard Peake, the conference promotes scholarly discussion of all aspects of medieval and renaissance culture. Although a plurality of papers deal with literature and literary subjects, recent conferences have included an array of topics ranging from art history to religion and philosophy.

This year's conference features more than 60 presentations by professors, graduate students, undergraduates, and independent researchers from across the nation.

For a complete schedule of events click here (PDF) or for more information, contact Kenneth Tiller, Medieval Renaissance Conference Committee chair, (276) 376-4587.

Medieval Conference Renaissance founders Jack Mahony (above left) and Richard

Peake (above right).

Posted September 11, 2006