Middle Ages à la carte: meanings, tensions and challenges of medievalism

Abstract

In twenty first century, we witness a widespread interest in medieval. However, while this growth has contributed to increasing the study of medievalism, it has negatively influenced the academic disciplines dedicated to the Middle Ages, mainly due to questions related to the value of this research area. In order to reflect on the meanings, tensions and challenges of medievalism, this essay begins by examining the popular images of Middle Ages, their causes and the preconceptions they involve. It goes on to consider the changing role of medievalism given the methodological transformations experienced by the discipline and the role played by medieval scholars in our societies. Finally, it contends that the distinction between ‘usefulness’ and ‘relevance’ may be the key to remain Medieval Studies relevant against a political and social discourse trying to discredit the knowledge and responds that the medieval area can offer to contemporary problems.

Keywords

• Middle Ages
• relevance
• popular culture
• academic culture
• medievalism