Colish tackles the millenium

Her topic of study might be ancient, but Professor of History Marcia L. Colish is as vibrant as ever. One of Oberlin's finest academics, Colish seeks to share her knowledge of Western medieval history with "general educated reader[s]" in Ohio and beyond.

A success for Colish and the Yale University Press, her Medieval Foundations of the Western Intellectual Tradition, 400-1400 , first printed in November 1997, was reprinted due to overwhelming sales.

Copies will be made available this Sunday when Colish is featured by the Co-op Bookstore for a discussion and signing. It is a chance for her students to converse with herin a non-pressured atmosphere.

Colish, who stated that one of the reasons she has been teaching at Oberlin since 1963 is because "the students are terrifically responsive, eager to learn and give good feedback," is herself fondly regarded.

Michael Dirda, editor of the Washington Post Book World and OC '70, wrote that Colish "taught the richest, most mind-expanding course of [his] entire academic career."

Colish understands the importance of teaching, but praises Oberlin for its emphasis on research and worldly experience. Taking advantage of her time off, she has traveled extensively to explore the history of ancient Western cultures.

In fact, Colish wrote eight chapters of her book while convening with other authors at the Villa at Serbelloni in Bellagio, Italy. Giving praise to Bellagio's inspiring landscape, Colish said the convention of international authors was composed of a "shift of characters" including an architect from Pakistan and a medical doctor from Mexico.

Colish herself is quite a character. This New York City native intends to continue her research during her next year's sabbatical. Instead of exploring an entire millennium, this time Colish plans to focus on writing an edition of a 12th century theological text. She claims it will be a "change of pace, but much less interesting...because it's so mechanical."

This semester she will continue to focus on Medieval Foundations and her History 101 and 203 courses. "You cannot get ahead if you don't teach well," she said.

Marcia Colish will read at the Co-op Bookstore on Sunday at 2 p.m.

A scholar and a teacher: Colish shines in the classroom. (file photo)