Comitatus was formed in 1999 by Purdue students interested in medieval studies who desired to encourage fellowship and to foster dialogue on a range of topics (literature, history, art, cooking, etc.) beyond the classroom. It has since blossomed into a flourishing group of students—both graduate and undergraduate—that sponsors reading groups, an annual conference, a fall picnic, and other activities. We also maintain a mailing list that keeps students abreast of information concerning campus activities, national conferences, and other academic opportunities that are of interest to medievalists.

There are two Comitatus mailing lists:

ComitatusAnnouncements - this list is for posting of announcements of Comitatus and other medieval studies events of interest to members (includes students and professors)

ComitatusDiscussion - for discussion among members for coordination of events such as the reading groups (includes students only)
You should be able to sign up for the lists directly through the links above, but if you have any questions or need any help, please contact Erin Kissick.

Reading Groups - Chad Judkins will be organizing the reading groups for the Fall semester. For more information, email him here.

Silent Auction - To raise money for the conference, we will hold a silent auction in the Fall semester. Thank you to everyone who donated items and/or placed bids in the auction last year; if you have donations for the 2009 auction, contact J. Case Tompkins.

Conference - In early 2010, we will host our eighth annual conference. The theme for last year's conference was "Saints and Sinners of the Middle Ages" and our plenary speaker was Ann W. Astell. You can read more about last year's conference on the Conference page.

"The Medieval Area is flourishing within the Department of English. Whereas most English Departments have at best three specialists in the Middle Ages, Purdue's English Department has five professors who regularly teach and publish in that area. Their strengths are complemented by faculty members in related areas within English (historical linguistics, early modern drama and romance, and nineteenth-century medievalism) as well as by Medieval Studies faculty members in other Departments within the University."