The recent interest in ‘identity politics’ is testament to the enduring importance of the construction and expression of identities in the present and the past. Whether consciously or unconsciously, individuals and groups in contemporary and medieval societies were constantly formulating, evolving and accumulating their sense of self. They defined their ‘life-world’ in multiple spheres, from the cultural, political and religious to the economic, material and ethnic.
Recognising the usefulness of an interdisciplinary approach to the question of identity, contributions to this conference came from postgraduate students from a wide range of disciplines, incorporating archaeological, historical, literary or sociological methods. Research was presented through papers and posters, addressing how medieval identities were constructed, manifested and transmitted. Topics included:
Transmitting Identities Conference Programme
The conference’s broad and inclusive theme helped us put together a panel of presenters from a wide variety of disciplines in the study of the Middle Ages, and the event was very well attended by students, researchers and independent scholars from all over the UK and beyond. The day’s selection of presentations by student researchers was framed by particularly engaging keynote presentations by Dr Gabriele Neher of the University of Nottingham’s Department of Art History, and Dr Gareth Williams of the British Museum.
The day went off without a hitch in the elegant setting of the Graduate Centre, and all present took full advantage of the many opportunities to network with peers and professionals, all while enjoying the engaging research posters on display. To conclude the day’s events, a wine reception was held at the University’s archaeological museum which included an opportunity for participants to examine and handle some items from the university’s collection of medieval pottery, under the able guidance of postgraduate students from the Department of Archaeology. Participants’ feedback praised the variety of presentations and the convivial atmosphere, which provided the perfect setting for discussion and exchange, and thought that the event would result in the formation of long-lasting networks. The conference was made possible by the generous support of the IMR and was a great demonstration of the breadth and inclusiveness of the IMR’s outlook on research into the medieval world. Altogether, it was a very rewarding and successful event for all involved.
The day went off without a hitch in the elegant setting of the Graduate Centre, and all present took full advantage of the many opportunities to network with peers and professionals, all while enjoying the engaging research posters on display.
To conclude the day’s events, a wine reception was held at the University’s archaeological museum which included an opportunity for participants to examine and handle some items from the university’s collection of medieval pottery, under the able guidance of postgraduate students from the Department of Archaeology.
Participants’ feedback praised the variety of presentations and the convivial atmosphere, which provided the perfect setting for discussion and exchange, and thought that the event would result in the formation of long-lasting networks.
The conference was made possible by the generous support of the IMR and was a great demonstration of the breadth and inclusiveness of the IMR’s outlook on research into the medieval world. Altogether, it was a very rewarding and successful event for all involved.
The University of Nottingham University Park Campus Nottingham, NG7 2RD
telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 4845 email:medieval@nottingham.ac.uk