Arthurian (Im)Piety
Session for the 55th International Congress on Medieval Studies
(7-10 May 2020 at Western Michigan University)
Sponsored by the International Arthurian Society, North American Branch
Paper Length: 10-15 minutes
Deadline for Submissions: 15 September 2019
Justification and Description:
Arthurian mythos is replete with examples of pious instruction, correction, and devotion, alongside instances of impious disobedience ranging from occasions of trivial disdain to excommunicable offences. The Arthurian world, with its hermits and bishops, its swearing on books and its disingenuous deceptions, its adulteries and devotions, and all of their manifold consequences (or lack thereof) can be read as a contrast between piety and impiety. Such a narrative reading reflects upon the fundamental beliefs that shape the Arthurian world as much as the moral worth of individual characters, giving rise to questions about the intersection of the courtly, the chivalric, and the doctrinal.
Proposals should address the topic of piety and/or impiety in Arthurian literature, film, or other media. For the purpose of this panel, ‘piety’ is broadly interpreted to mean devotion to established religious beliefs or authorities (Christian or otherwise); and, likewise, ‘impiety’ is interpreted to mean a rejection or disobedience of the same.
Proposals
should be of approximately 100-250 words in length, and accompanied by a completed
Participant Information Form. Those who are not currently members of the
International Arthurian Society are welcome to submit to sessions sponsored by
the IAS but are expected to become members upon acceptance. Proposals that are
not accepted for the session will be forwarded to the Congress Committee, which
will consider them for inclusion in one of the General Sessions.
Organiser/Presider Information:
Shawn Phillip Cooper, Ph.D.
International Arthurian Society,
North American Branch
Assistant Professor, Rochester University
Rochester Hills, Michigan
spcooper@rc.edu