Medieval studies scholars from all over the world will gather in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA, in May 2014, when the Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University hosts the 49th International Congress on Medieval Studies (May 8-11, 2014). Tolkien scholar John Rateliff recently noted this year’s Tolkien-related Congress sessions on his blog, Sacnoth’s Scriptorum.
Several Tolkien-related sessions are included in the more than 550 Congress sessions, such as “Tolkien and his Medieval Sources” and “Tolkien’s Natural World and Science.” Another session is dedicated to Tolkien”s The Fall of Arthur, published in May 2013. Tolkien-themed performances will be featured on Friday night of the Congress, including a dramatic reading of The Fall of Arthur.
The International Congress on Medieval Studies is the largest annual professional meeting in the field, attracting more than 3,000 medieval scholars. The 3 1/2 day conference also gathers over 70 vendors, from publishers to sellers of medieval-themed merchandise. The complete Congress schedule includes information about registration (Fee: $140 USD regular registration, $85 USD for students and each family member accompanying a registrant) and accommodations.
The Medieval Institute of Western Michigan University ranks in the top 10 of Medieval Studies programs and centers in North America. In addition to hosting the annual Congress, the Medieval Institute has a publishing arm that that published more than 200 books and journals since 1964, and both undergraduate and graduate level academic programs.