48TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON MEDIEVAL STUDIES

48TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON MEDIEVAL STUDIES

CFP: Technical Communication in the Middle Ages

48th International Congress on Medieval Studies

May 9-12, 2013

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo MI

Scholars have long recognized Chaucer’s “Treatise on the Astrolabe” as an early technical document, yet few  similar medieval texts have been discussed as specimens of  technical communication. This session seeks to consider  the traditions and conventions of medieval technical  communication, as well as the connections between medieval and contemporary technical writing.

Possible texts for  consideration might include (but are not limited to)

penitential and conduct manuals,

monastic rules,

business correspondence,

medical treatises,

scientific and pseudo-scientific manuals (including alchemical and astrological ones),

cookery books,

law codes,

government and military documents.

Papers should consider the texts as technical communication, but may focus either on any aspect, including writing, layout, design, etc. 

Please submit abstracts of about 300 words to

Wendy Hennequin:  whennequin@tnstate.edu

by September 15, 2012.