Please tell us about your research project.
I’m working on John of Salisbury (1118/20-1180), an english disciple of the schools of Paris who was the secretary of Thomas Becket at the time of the martyrdom of the latter. It’s a period of conflict between Church and kingdoms, as the Papacy is trying to etablish itself as the sole universal authority of western (and eastern) Europe. John’s Policraticus was one of the most influential political works of the Middle Ages. In my thesis (supervisor: Christophe Grellard) I’m exploring John of Salisbury’s conception of the Church and how much of ecclesiology is implied in his political theory.
Could you please tell us a bit more about this scholarship/exchange programme.
I’m here thanks to the hosting program organised by the École Pratique des Hautes Études, the institution where I’m making my DPhil. This program, founded on an agreement of cooperation between universities, sends a DPhil student for one term at the Maison Française d’Oxford. The links are established through the aid of a scientific reference, in my case Professor Lesley Smith (Harris Manchester College, Faculty of History).
First impressions of Oxford / the University?
Oxford is small and lovely, perfect in size for a passionate walker as I am. Ten minutes to rejoin the city center, ten minutes to be among trees, birds and squirrels. For a Middle Ages scholar, there’s almost a public event by day during the term, from seminar lectures to reading groups. The opportunity to drink something together at the beginning or at the end of the event allows a profitable exchange between the participants and the pursuit of the ongoing discussions.