Dr. Carol Symes

Biography

Carol Symes is a Professor of History and Director of the Program in Medieval Studies at the University of Illinois. Her research explores premodern documentary cultures, varieties of literacy, and the accessibility of writing and communication media across diverse contexts including civic, legal, and entertainment forms. She has extensively published on the material and performative processes involved in textual creation, transmission, and preservation of dramatic texts, while also examining medievalism's influence on modern cultural trends and political projects. Her contributions to the field include the award-winning book, Common Stage: Theater Public Life Medieval Arras, which catalyzed interest in premodern media studies. Symes is the founding executive editor of Medieval Globe, a journal that promotes global approaches in medieval studies and offers new perspectives on performance practices and documentation practices of the medieval period. Her teaching and research have earned her various accolades, such as the University Scholar title and the Dean's Professorial Scholar award. Additionally, Carol's work involves mentoring faculty and postdoctoral fellows in grant writing and research design, significantly impacting the medieval studies community.

Research Interests

Experience