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60 seconds with … Constant Mews

6 May 2009

Name: Constant Mews
Org. Unit: Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology
Title: Professor
Dept: School of Historical Studies

How long have you been with Monash University?

Twenty-two years.

Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

I was a research fellow in the history department at the University of Sheffield, UK, editing the writings of Peter Abelard, a controversial medieval thinker. However, the five years I spent in Paris before that really shaped me.

What challenges are ahead in your current role?

In my role as president of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Medieval and Early Modern Studies I am committed to supporting the study of medieval and early modern Europe, which is unusually strong at Monash.

As Director for the Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology, I will be actively promoting critical reflection on religious traditions and the cause of interreligious dialogue, particularly in the lead up to the Parliament of the World's Religions being held in Melbourne in December this year.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

I love the intellectual stimulation of working with both undergraduates and postgraduates in a wide range of fields, from medieval studies to rethinking spirituality in the context of the body and ecological concerns.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

Paris because it has been a place of meeting and developing new ideas from the Middle Ages to the modern day.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

My teacher in Paris, Jean Jolivet, reminded me that we are all amateurs, driven by love of what we do.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

I love to sing in choirs when I get the chance.

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