Research at CMS

The Centre is associated with several major research projects (especially the Dictionary of Old English), six publication series (Toronto Medieval Latin Texts, Toronto Medieval Bibliographies, Toronto Texts and Translations, Toronto Old English Series, Publications of the Dictionary of Old English), in addition to seven publication series and a prestigious journal published by the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (PIMS), a medieval drama group, and a medieval music group. The result is a large interactive community of professionals working in many areas of medieval studies. Individual research projects have all thrived in this environment.

Dictionary of Old English

The Dictionary of Old English (DOE) defines the vocabulary of the first centuries (AD 600–1150) of the English language, using today’s most advanced technology. The DOE is based on a computerized Corpus comprising at least one copy of each text surviving in Old English. The total size is about six times the collected works of Shakespeare. The body of surviving Old English texts encompasses a rich diversity of records written on parchment, carved in stone and inscribed in jewellery.

CMS Convivium

The Conferences, Lectures, and Visitors Committee recently introduced the CMS Convivium, a series of lectures that aims to foster scholarly exchanges and the intellectual community within CMS and associated bodies. It offers a space to learn about in-progress research and works, showcase faculty, alumni, and community accomplishments, provide an arena for advanced PhD students to present their research topics, and host joint events and lectures by visiting scholars. The name “convivium,” or banquet, echoes the long-lasting analogy between physical and spiritual nourishment and the rituals traditionally interweaving the two.

A bi-weekly hybrid event, the Convivium takes place Fridays in person and via Zoom, October through December and January to April. A light lunch precedes all meetings, which students and faculty are warmly invited to attend. Please visit our events page for a list of upcoming events, and complete the online Conivivum form to provide your availability, propose a title, or nominate a participant.