This fall I’ve begun my PhD in History at the University of Toronto, where I specialize in Medieval history.
I learned so much during my master’s, and I’m excited to continue and extend that as I advance my study of nonnormative genders in western Medieval Europe. I’m particularly interested in humoural theory and the medicalization of gendered characteristics and how this translated to popular understanding of gendered behaviour and the roles appropriate to women and men. Those who violated these roles were rarely understood on their own terms and the tension between their presentation and social expectations is something I find fascinating and want to better understand.
I’ve just begun my coursework, so it’s a long haul, but I’m weirdly optimistic in these troubled times.
Wish me luck.
Image source: The City of Toronto
