Early modern society
What are we about?
We are a trans-disciplinary society whose members are interested in life during the early modern period, which we define as starting during the Renaissance and finishing with the French Revolution.
The Birkbeck Early Modern Society was made student society of the year at the Birkbeck Student Union Awards of 2010.
We are interested in all facets of life at this time, and the ideas that were in circulation. Areas of particular interest are:
- art and images
- consumption
- gender roles
- literature
- magic
- politics
- religion and belief
- science
- sexuality
- travel and exploration.
Who is it for?
This is a thriving society and we welcome new members, be they students, alumni, staff, or friends.
Our aims are to:
- organise educational activities, such as lectures and visits
- provide a forum for students and staff to present papers on work in progress
- throw the best parties!
Events 2011-12
Thursday 20 October 2011: Dr Jenny Wormald, ‘Godly myth, ungodly reality: the Scottish Reformation’, 43 Gordon Sq, room G03.
Friday 16 December: The Barry Coward Memorial Lecture. Prof. John Morrill, ‘What do we really know about Oliver Cromwell?’, Malet St B35, followed by Xmas party in G15.
Friday 20 January 2012: Dr Emma Smith, ‘Reading Shakespeare’s First Folio (1623)’, Malet Street, room B02.
Friday 24 February: Dr Matthew Shaw, ‘Early modern time: the case of the French Republican Calendar’, Malet Street, room B02.
Friday 23 March: Dr Laura Jacobs, 'Writing about Blindness in Early Modern England: the case of John Milton (1608-1674)', room tbc.
Friday 27 April: Dr Helen Smith, 'Materialising the book: print and practice in Moxon's Mechanick Exercises’, Malet Street, room B02.
Friday 25 May: Dr Alice Hunt, ‘Oliver Cromwell and the rituals of the Republic’, Malet Street, room B30.
Friday 22 June: Prof. Diana Purkiss, 'Are Shakespeare's Witches Really Domestic?', room tbc, followed by our end of year party.
Officers and committee members
President: Stephen Brogan
Treasurer: Becky Tomlin
Secretary: Laura Jacobs
Committee members: Timothy Alves, Karen Baston, Alistair Brown, Nigel Carter, Karen Chester, Sue Dale, Robin Rowles, Simon Smith
How to join us
Membership can be obtained in person at any of our events.
Membership for the academic year is £5 and you will be provided with a membership card. Once a member, there is no charge to attend our academic events, and we will not charge for as many other events as is possible. We may be able to offer special rates to members for our other events and conferences. Alternatively, non-members can attend all of our academic events at a cost of £3 each.
We organise other events such as guided walks, trips to galleries and museums, and we hold a regular film night: the details of these events are e-mailed to members.
So turn up, pay and become part of this exciting society! By the way, you do not have to be a Birkbeck student to join the EMS.
Get in touch
For information about the society please email us at bbkems@gmail.com
To visit our blog please go to www.emintelligencer.org.uk
