Students Present at First Medieval and Renaissance Studies Consortium posted 3/15/10
Conference to take place on Adrian College campus

ADRIAN, Mich. - Thirty-two students from six Michigan colleges and universities will present their original research at the first Medieval and Renaissance Studies Consortium on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Adrian College in Valade Hall.

The professional conference provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to read or present their research projects on topics dealing with Medieval or Renaissance art, history, literature, philosophy, religious studies and cultural studies.

Students at 11 Michigan colleges and universities were invited last fall to submit 200-word abstracts of papers or projects for which they would give a 15-minute presentation. Paper topics are organized into panels moderated by a faculty member from one of the participating schools. A 20-minute question-and-answer period accompanies each panel.

“The consortium is designed to help students who are going on to graduate or law school to understand more clearly the requirements and purpose of sustained research, the challenges and rewards inherent in public presentation, the skills necessary in defending their research and answering questions, and the responsibilities implicit in the pursuit of an advanced degree,” says conference organizer Dana Aspinall, an assistant professor of English at Alma College and Shakespeare scholar.

The Middle Ages and Early Modern era — often referred to as the Medieval and Renaissance periods, respectively — comprise the time of European history from the fall of the Roman Empire to 1660, says Aspinall.

“I’m pleased with how the consortium has come together,” says Aspinall. “The planning has been a joint venture among the participating schools. I anticipate it will grow over the years and become a part of our school’s academic calendar.”

The conference will travel to a different school location every year. Participating institutions include Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin College, Grand Valley Sate University, Hope College, Kalamazoo College, Olivet College, Saint Mary’s College, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.

Dr. Robin Bott, professor and co-chair of the English department at Adrian College, says she is excited that the College was chosen as the first location and stated that all of the involved schools will take turns hosting in the future.

“This is great professional training for students who will go onto grad school as they will be expected to write and present papers at conferences,” said Bott. “To get this experience at the undergraduate level is a rare opportunity.”

Adrian College students Amy Dygert and Chelsea Easter, both seniors, will be presenting. Dygert will discuss a paper she has been improving since initially writing it while studying abroad at Oxford in England last May.

“I am thankful to Dr. Bott for all that she has done in arranging this, and for bringing it to our campus,” said Dygert. “It is a wonderful opportunity for students, allowing us to present our arguments in a scholarly, professional atmosphere, and to share our work with students of other disciplines and schools.”

Dygert says that participating in such events is a great step for Adrian College and its students. Easter also agrees and is equally enthusiastic for the opportunity.

"I am very excited to share my senior research with medieval and renaissance scholars,” said Easter. “I worked with Dr. Bott on my topic last semester and look forward to being able to present here at Adrian, where I have the support of my friends and classmates."

The campus community, as well as the general public, is invited to listen to students as they present interesting research on the topic. The event is free and will take place in the Alumni Lounge, room 107, in Valade Hall which is located at the corner of Williams and S. Madison Streets.