Suzanne Conklin Akbari
Professor
School of Historical Studies
Medieval Studies
Suzanne Conklin Akbari has expanded the range and methods of exploring texts from the Middle Ages, pushing the boundaries of traditional readings and exploring shared histories. Her research has traced the evolving relationship between sight and knowledge as manifested in a range of poetic texts, explored the relationship between Islam and Christianity, challenged the notion of medieval European literature’s insularity, and highlighted the influence of Arabic poetry, music, and philosophy. She is currently working on a survey of metaphor and metamorphosis as they were understood in England and France circa 1400, and an examination of how premodern people saw themselves situated in history.
Dates at IAS
Faculty
School of Historical Studies
Degrees
Columbia University
Ph.D.
1995
Columbia University
M.Phil.
1991
Johns Hopkins University
B.A.
1984
Honors
2019–21
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Grant for "The Book and the Silk Roads"
2012–18
Insight Grant, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
2006–07
Chancellor Jackman Research Fellowship in the Humanities
2013
Faculty Award, University of Toronto
2001
Faculty of Arts and Science Outstanding Teaching Award (Humanities), University of Toronto
Appointments
University of Toronto, Department of English
Professor 2009–19; Associate Professor 2001–09; Assistant Professor 1995–2001
University of Toronto, Centre for Medieval Studies
Director 2013–19; Placement Coordinator 2009–11; Ph.D. Coordinator 2003–08
University of Toronto, School of Graduate Studies
2015–2016
Special Advisor to the Dean, Graduate Program Innovation. Cross-appointed to Centre for Comparative Literature; Centre for Jewish Studies; Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies; Institute for Islamic Studies; University College
