Members of the Medieval and Early Modern Research Group (clockwise from bottom left): Chris Corley, Assistant Professor of History; Maria–Claudia Tomany, Assistant Professor and Director of Scandinavian Studies; Nickie Kranz, graduate student in English; Judith Jeremie, graduate student in History; Cecilia Pick, Assistant Professor of German.
Researchers in the humanities often find themselves feeling isolated from their peers. The nature of their work—reading, writing, thinking—dictates that they spend countless hours alone. Recently, Dr. Maria–Claudia Tomany of the Scandinavian Studies Program has attempted to reduce this isolation by forming the Medieval and Early Modern Research Group, now comprising twenty members from five departments.
According to group member Dr. Chris Corley, the informal mission of the group is to encourage scholars in medieval and early modern studies by providing a collegial research environment. Additionally, Corley says the group provides an opportunity for people to meet other researchers outside their own departments. "It's great to have people in different disciplines that share a thematic interest."
The group's current focus is on reviewing members' research manuscripts. "The goal is to see how effectively the readers think you have developed your argument and to give you suggestions for going forward," says Corley.
Eleanor Harper, an undergraduate in art history, hopes the group can help her polish a research study on the use of optical devices by renaissance and baroque painters, which she plans to present at the Undergraduate Research Conference in April. "I look forward to any kind of criticism, not only on this project but also on my general research methods. Any help I can get on becoming a better writer and researcher is welcome."
Corley thinks that incorporating students into the group is central to its mission. "There are a lot of professors here who are trying to create well rounded students and one way of doing that is by giving them a perspective of the past."
By providing a supportive atmosphere for scholars of medieval and early modern studies, the group acts as a model for collaborative research activity on campus.
