Columbia graduate students with an interest in early manuscript materials can apply for a weeklong seminar in Provins, a medieval city in the Champagne region of France, from March 14-21, 2020 (spring break). In addition to five full days spent in directed study of manuscripts, participants will visit the medieval churches and other monuments of Provins, guided by experts including the Chief Conservator for Cultural Heritage, historian Luc Duchamp. The library sessions will be divided between charters (led by medieval historian Dr. Jeffrey Wayno of Burke Library) and liturgical manuscripts (led by Dr. Susan Boynton, professor of music). The seminar will introduce relevant research methods, and background materials will be provided in advance. Most of the manuscripts are available online through digital portals, so participants will be able to preview parts of the collection before the trip.
Thanks to an agreement between Columbia University and the Ville de Provins, lodging and meals will be provided by the city. Participants must cover the cost of travel from New York to Provins, which is 90 minutes by regional train line from the Gare de l’Est in Paris. Thus, those accepted for the seminar must apply to their programs or departments for the cost of airfare and ground transportation between Paris airports, the Gare de l’Est, and Provins. Those needing visas to enter France will be responsible for the costs of visa applications.
Arrivals in Provins will be on Saturday, March 14 and departures on Saturday, March 21.
To apply, send Professor Boynton ([email protected]) a statement of purpose outlining your reasons for participating in the seminar along with a curriculum vitae by November 15, 2019. Applicants will be notified in early December.
For information on the current initiatives of the library in Provins see http://www.bibliotheques-provins.fr/EXPLOITATION/PATRIMOINE/default.aspx
For information on the Columbia-Provins agreement see https://globalcenters.columbia.edu/content/ville-de-provins
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