The Limits of Academia? Gender, Religion and the Production of Knowledge in the Early Modern Period

The Limits of Academia? Gender, Religion and the Production of Knowledge in the Early Modern Period

Production of Knowledge

This LECTIO Junior Initiative explores the production of knowledge in the early modern era, critically examining what defined knowledge as “academic” and why certain forms of inquiry were excluded from universities. It will investigate how processes of inclusion and exclusion shaped knowledge and whether these mechanisms were influenced by factors such as gender, religion, or social status. Additionally, the workshop will foster discussion on whether historiographical categories of “academic” knowledge should be reconsidered.

The goal of this workshop is to introduce LECTIO junior researchers and MA-students to the methodological tools of the history of knowledge through hands-on engagement with primary sources. Participants will explore how the transmission of ideas can be integrated into the history of knowledge, focusing on two key themes: religion and gender. These themes will be examined through three analytical lenses central to the history of knowledge—knowledge actors, circulation, and institutions—providing a structured approach to understanding the complex dynamics of intellectual authority and scholarly traditions.

Organising Committee

  • Linde Van den Eede (PhD Researcher, History of Church and Theology, Faculty of Theology, KU Leuven – linde.vandeneede@kuleuven.be)
  • Claire Morrison (PhD Researcher, Early Modern History, Faculty of Arts, KU Leuven – claire.morrison@kuleuven.be)
  • Jarrik Van Der Biest (Postdoctoral Researcher, Early Modern History, Faculty of Arts, KU Leuven – jarrik.vanderbiest@kuleuven.be)

Program and More

Go here to read more about the LECTIO Junior Initiative.


Member

KU Leuven
More information
Information
19
Dec'25
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19
Dec'25
Maria-Theresiacollege (MTC1 00.03), Sint-Michielsstraat 6, 3000 Leuven