September Medieval News with David M. Perry & Thomas Lecaque
Summary
Host Matthew Gabriel and guests Thomas LeCocq and David M. Perry discuss the Bayeux Tapestry’s return to the British Museum, analyzing how its exhibition intersects with modern political narratives and the "Norman Yoke" myth. The trio also reflects on a post-pandemic shift in university culture, noting student fatigue with digital learning and a renewed appreciation for tactile, in-person engagement with history. Finally, they debate the utility and risks of using AI for manuscript transcription, emphasizing the need for human verification and skepticism toward overblown technological claims.
Topics discussed
Introduction and welcome to Medieval in the News
Episode agenda: Bayeux Tapestry, AI, and new films
Campus culture: student engagement and pre-modern studies
Student attitudes toward AI, ebooks, and tactile learning
The Bayeux Tapestry exhibition and its historical context
Political medievalism: Peter Thiel and the Norman Yoke myth
The role of medievalists in countering political appropriation
Patreon promotion and bonus content announcement
AI and manuscripts: transcription tools and scholarly concerns
The value of archival access and paleography skills
Relevance of medieval studies in the post-9/11 era
Popular culture shifts: Game of Thrones and language study
New medieval films: The Uprising and The Death of Robin Hood
Closing remarks and show credits
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