CFP: Defining Otherness in Medieval Maps, International Congress on Medieval Studies, Kalamazoo 2016, deadline 18 September 2015

Medieval maps – from mappaemundi to elaborately decorated nautical charts – provide abundant and rich evidence for the ways in which European cartographers viewed, framed and represented other peoples. This panel seeks papers that bring new materials and new insights to this field of study. We hope for papers exploring depictions of otherness, including foreigners and monsters, on medieval maps that have not been examined from this point of view before, perhaps including depictions of Europeans on Islamic maps. We certainly welcome papers that challenge current views and / or that bring new critical or theoretical perspectives to bear on the medieval mapping of otherness.

Papers are expected to be amply illustrated with high-quality images of the maps discussed. Please send your title and abstract (250 words), together with a short CV focusing on your work in the history of cartography along with the conference Participant Information Form, to chet.van.duzer@gmail.com and LauraWhatley@gmail.com by September 18, 2015.

The Participant Information Form can be found on the Congress website: http://www.wmich.edu/medieval/congress/submissions/index.html