Section Policies

Editorial and Commentary

Includes editors’ reflections on a topic or introduction to the current issue. Commentary from readers is also welcome. Submissions should not exceed 2,000 words, including notes and references.

Research Articles

Original findings resulting from quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods research should be submitted for this section. Articles which do not employ an explicitly defined research methodology should be submitted as an “Essay” contribution.  Submissions should not exceed 9,000 words, including notes and references.

All research articles must include a structured abstract of no more than 250 words.

Essays

Submissions to this section should reflect the continuing development of medieval studies through explorations of issues relevant to the aims and scope of this publication. Submissions should not exceed 6,000 words, including notes and references.

All essays must include a structured abstract of no more than 250 words.

Book Review Articles

This section provides a forum for description and critical evaluation of the quality, effectiveness and value of recent books within the scope of the journal. Submissions should not exceed 3,000 words.

Media Review Articles

This section provides a forum for description and critical evaluation of the quality, effectiveness and value of recent piece of media (i.e. film, video game) within the scope of the journal. Submissions should not exceed 3,000 words.

Creative Translations

This section allows for creative translation of medieval writings into modern English. Submissions should preserve the integrity of the original source material while demonstrating creativity and a firm grasp of the target language. A brief translator’s note (250-500 words) explaining the work, its source manuscript, and any interpretive choices should accompany the translation. Translations should not exceed 3,000 words, including notes.

Cataloging Projects

Contributions that document, describe, or interpret medieval objects held in UVA’s Special Collections Library. Entries should follow professional standards of object description and include high-quality images where possible. Submissions may take the form of object catalogues, provenance research, or curatorial reflections. Cataloging projects should not exceed 4,000 words, including notes and references.