Scholarly Pursuits

"The sweat of hard work is not to be displayed. It is much more graceful to appear favored by the gods."
--Maxine Hong Kingston

Inauspicious Beginnings

In the third grade, I put off writing my report on "Why Our School is Called Holy Innocents'" until they finally forced me to stay in from recess and finish it. Twenty-one years later, I am still working on legends of martyred children and exhibiting a consistent and pathological aversion to deadlines. I'll leave it to the psychotherapists to explain the connection.

A couple of years after the recess incident, I wrote my first paper on the middle ages (probably turned it in late). Clearly, great things were in store. (Follow the link-- it's pretty damn funny.)

My stunning success in avoiding all history courses throughout high school should bring shame onto the entire educational establishment.

Nevertheless I proceeded, like many other staggeringly ignorant members of my generation, to university, where one day John Boswell happened to announce that he would be showing The Lion in Winter as part of his medieval survey course. It was one of my favorite films; I signed up for the course; and the rest is......(no, I won't say it).

Academic Writing

Contradiction in terms? Maybe so. This small selection will give some idea of my research interests.

Jew or Not a Jew?

When I tell people I study the history of Jewish-Christian relations, the first thing they ask is usually: "Why, are you Jewish?" Which strikes me as odd, since they don't ask sinologists "Are you Chinese?" or marine biologists "Are you a porpoise?" or obstetrics students...well, you get my point. I chose this field because it is interesting and because I had remarkable teachers who transmitted their own love for the subject to me. It seemed a good idea at the time. Besides, the history of European antisemitism is hardly a "Jewish" topic, is it?

ABD

I have recently been informed that the "D" stands for "Dissertation" and not "Dead," which just goes to show that the learning process never ceases. Yes, I will be finished in another year or so. If you are thinking of hiring me, and you aren't located in Missouri, you may follow this link to my CV. (Those wishing to hire me for bartending or waitressing positions may contact me by e-mail for my long and colorful history of marginal service sector employment.)

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Copyright © 1996, 1997 Jo Miller djm8@cornell.edu(NO_SPAM)