|
|
DESERT HARVEST—Fall 1990
Vol. 1, No. 1
Division hosts Anti-Clericalism Conference
Attended by over forty
important international scholars of late medieval and early modern
European history, the Division's Anti-Clericalism Conference was held at
the Arizona Inn from September 20-22.
Conference participants, including
all of Professor Oberman's doctoral students, were given the opportunity
to attend daily three or more sessions—where up to four research
papers were presented. A special session open to the general public
was well attended.
Interpretations of the emergence
of modern Europe are numerous and complex. As illustrated by the
diversity of papers read at the conference, one ingredient is salient
to all explanations: anti-clericalism. Clearly, this phenomenon of dissent
touched all aspects of society and acted as an agent of change. Yet
what were its parameters and manifestations? Participants agreed that
under the cloak of the negative term 'anti-clericalism,' a challenging
program for reform is hidden.
Formal scholarly debates were balanced
with relaxed lunches and dinners, providing the Division's students
with a chance to meet and discuss their research projects with this
impressive representation of scholars from North America and Europe.
At the final dinner, hosted by University President Henry Koffler,
conference organizer and doctoral student Peter Dykema was honored
for his hard work, skill and dedication.
Publication of the papers is planned
for next year. The conference volumes will be co-edited by Dykema
and Oberman.
|