CALL FOR PROPOSALS
PODCAST SERIES: THE MULTICULTURAL MIDDLE AGES
Graduate Student Committee of the Medieval Academy of America
The Graduate Student Committee (GSC) of the Medieval Academy of America is now welcoming proposals for single episodes to be featured in its new podcast series: The Multicultural Middle Ages.
The widespread realization of the Middle Ages as a period comprised of a number of economic, material, and intellectual networks of exchange across cultures is long overdue. The shift towards the Global Middle Ages is presently gathering momentum as a significant turn to revise assumptions and biases that have long misinformed critical inquiries into the history and culture of the Middle Ages. This podcast aims to build upon the work spearheaded by scholars of color to rectify general understandings of the Middle Ages. This will be a space from which to speak to fellow medievalists and, more importantly, the wider public in order to better inform our audience about the multicultural reality of the Middle Ages and the fact that the study of the medieval period extends well beyond the study of Western Europe.
This podcast series will be a platform from which to continue ongoing conversations and generate new and exciting avenues of inquiry related to the Middle Ages as a fascinating and diverse historical period. It also invites thoughtful reflections on culturally responsible approaches to the study of the Middle Ages, and content aimed at forging and strengthening connections between experts and the wider public. It is not only important, but urgent that we use our expertise and the space of the classroom and other public-facing avenues to produce counter-narratives that combat misappropriations of medieval material, such as those perpetrated by white supremacists.
The medium of the podcast will help us build connections with listeners through the comfort of conversation, immersive storytelling, and the everyday ease afforded by the medium’s mobility. We invite proposals from individuals and collaborators of all ranks and disciplines for single podcast episodes on innovative, thoughtful, and culturally responsible approaches to the study of the Middle Ages that can engage fellow medievalists and the wider public. Episode topics might include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Discussions of methodological/disciplinary approaches to researching the Middle Ages
- The future of the fields of Medieval Studies
- Research on the multicultural, multiracial, and multiethnic Middle Ages
- Discussions of recent scholarship
- Discussions of innovative scholarly trends
- Archival discoveries
- Academic activism and responses to appropriations of the Middle Ages
- Discussions of pedagogical approaches
- Tips and resources for undergraduates and graduates on navigating the job market(s)
No previous experience with podcasting is required. If accepted, applicants will be expected to produce their own audio files. The GSC will host a series of free workshops in November 2021 to offer an introduction into podcasting, help guide technical development of a podcast episode, and how to edit a sound file (among other steps in the post-production stage). If you anticipate that you will require significant production assistance, please note it in your application.
Possible formats may include (but are not limited to): narrative expositions, interviews, textual analysis, oral performances, and panel discussions. Further information is available upon request.
Your application should include the name and a 1–2-page CV of all the authors. It should also include a brief description (500 words max) of your proposed episode: chosen topic and its relevance; the plan for adapting the topic to a podcast medium (maximum episode length of 45 minutes); the episode format (interview, narrative, etc.) along with an overview of its structure. This information is not binding but will help the committee assess better the potential of the proposed project.
Email your materials to Jonathan Correa at jfc30@psu.edu. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 24, 2021.
