Interested in a paid position in History and Medieval Studies? Want to gain experience in research in these fields?
Prof. Courtney Booker is hiring a student research intern (undergraduate or graduate) for the project, “Early Medieval Concepts of Twinship” for Summer 2026.
Start date: May 01
15 hrs/week for 12 weeks Total of 180hrs @$25-$30/hr, depending on experience
Description:
This project examines early medieval Western attitudes toward twins, particularly during the Carolingian period (750–900 CE). Competing traditions created interpretive challenges: classical sources showed ambivalence through myths like Castor and Pollux; medical texts ranged from viewing twins as ideal (Hippocratic) to monstrous (Aristotelian); and biblical exegesis focused on the conflicting twins Esau and Jacob. I wish to explore how ninth century people navigated these frameworks when confronting actual twins, using as a point of departure the case of Charlemagne’s twin sons Lothar (778–779) and Louis (778–840) to investigate questions about nature, divine will, succession, and election central to early medieval thought. The student intern will help survey Carolingian Latin texts and artwork for evidence of twins and their interpretation. We will use digital databases to locate passages, and then focus on the textual context and meaning of each instance to see how twinship was discussed and understood. The student should have a good understanding of Latin. Knowledge of premodern western history – especially medical history – is desirable, but not required.
Apply by March 16, 2026!
For more information on the position and to apply, please see this page.