Reading Groups & Societies

Cambridge Reading Groups and Societies

The Medieval Reading Group
We are an informal, graduate-led reading group, which aims to provide a forum for the discussion of medieval texts, theory and criticism. We also hope to foster interdisciplinary approaches and warmly encourage the participation of historians, art historians, theologians, etc. The format of the reading group varies, from contributions from graduates in the form of giving short papers or introductions to topics and authors, to practical criticism and debate, to reviewing recent publications in the field. We also consider the reading group to be an important place to get to know each other better, to have an opportunity to talk about our individual research interests, and to share knowledge and experience. We have posted a schedule of meetings for Michaelmas Term of this year on our home page.

The Late Medieval Graduate Workshop
The Late Medieval graduate workshop in the history faculty is always looking for papers on any aspect of study relating to c.1250-1500.
Papers are usually around 30 minutes, followed by questions and discussion. Meetings take place on alternating Thursday evenings, and include wine and cheese, as well as pub trips afterwards. The workshop is very friendly and a great place to try new research or a conference paper. While the workshop is run out of the History Faculty, we are also looking for graduates from other disciplines to give papers. If you are interested in presenting, or would like more details about the workshop, please contact the conveners via their home page.

Medieval Philosophy Reading Group
This group meets weekly in term time, and members are invited to bring along their lunch if they wish. The time and venue vary, so please contact the conveners via their home page, for further details.

History of Medicine Seminars
History of Medicine seminars meet on Tuesdays in Michaelmas and Lent Terms, alternating between Early Medicine and Natural Philosophy seminars and History of Modern Medicine and Biology seminars. The programme for Michaelmas Term will appear on the seminar's website before the start of term.

Latin Therapy Group
The Latin Therapy Group meets on Friday afternoons during term in the History and Philosophy of Science Department to practise the art of translation, improve our Latin grammar, and determine who deserves the most sympathy on account of the difficulty of their sources - all in a mutually supportive environment! Well-known (usually classical) texts of relevance to the history of science are studied, as well as texts on which members of the group are working. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please see their website.

Medieval Archaeology Group
The Medieval Archaeology Group holds 2-3 seminars a term, usually on Monday lunchtimes. The programme for the term can be found here.

The London Society for Medieval Studies
The aim of the London Society for Medieval Studies is to bring medievalists from around the country to a London audience at a time when people not necessarily engaged in academic work can attend meetings, and to present up-to-date research to this broad audience. Although the LSMS is not affiliated with Cambridge, graduate students from any university are very welcome, and London is just a short train-ride away! There may be a small attendance fee for non-members. For more information, see their website or write to The London Society for Medieval Studies, Institute of Historical Research, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU. Please click here for their calendar of seminars this year, and downloadable membership application form.

The London Medieval Society
Since 1945, the London Medieval Society (LMS) has provided a forum within London for the exploration and appreciation of the many areas of research associated with the Middle Ages. Membership of the LMS is open to interested scholars and students from all scholarly disciplines. The LMS organises three colloquia each year, which are normally well-attended and friendly events. At the autumn and spring colloquia, speakers deliver short papers in response to a single theme. Recent themes have included Representations of Masculinity, Childhood, Seasons, Courts and Courtliness, and Honour and Reputation. The third colloquium offers an opportunity for postgraduates to present their work and to discuss their ideas with fellow medievalists. The LMS website provides information about membership and about forthcoming colloquia. It also includes archive sections documenting the papers delivered at various colloquia over the last two decades.