Carolin Gluchowski writes: I am pleased to announce that my poster, “Female Spaces of Learning: A Glimpse Behind Medieval Convent Walls,” was awarded first place at the conference “Women and Worlds of Learning in Europe: From the Medieval to the Modern Day,” held in Oxford on April 12th-13th, 2024.
Background of the Study
The poster presented research focused on the Benedicine convent of Ebstorf, part of the Lüneburg convents, which served as a significant center for female education during the medieval period. These convents were not merely spiritual sanctuaries but were also vital educational institutions where women engaged in both learning and teaching. Ebstorf is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including the famous 13th-century Ebstorf world map.
Research and Design Methodology
The creation of the poster involved comprehensive research into the educational practices at the Ebstorf convent. This included examining historical documents, artifacts, and architectural studies to accurately represent how these educational activities were integrated into daily life within the convent. The design of the poster aimed to visually synthesize complex historical data into an accessible and informative format for the audience at the conference.
Conference Experience and Reception
Presenting the poster at the conference provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss the nuances of medieval educational practices in female monastic spaces with a wide audience. The interactions and discussions that emerged were insightful, contributing to a deeper understanding of the subject.
Conclusion and Future Directions
Receiving the first-place award for this poster is an encouraging affirmation of the importance of exploring and recognizing historical educational environments, especially those managed by and for women. This recognition motivates further research into similar topics, which I hope to continue exploring in future work.
I extend my thanks to all participants and attendees of the conference who engaged with the research presented in the poster. Their perspectives and questions enriched the dialogue and underscored the relevance of historical educational practices to current scholarly discussions.