Heather Mitchell-Buck

Biography

My primary teaching specialties are medieval and early modern British literature, and I encourage my students to explore both the foreignness and familiarity of the past. I also enjoy teaching the theories and practices of popular culture. Whether it’s medieval street theatre, vampire films or Harry Potter, I’m always ready to talk about what “the masses” enjoy and why certain genres are able to attract a large audience at a given cultural moment. In all of my work, I’m fascinated by the ways that our language has changed across time and continues to develop today.

Before coming to Hood, I taught at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. When asked about my research, I often reply that I work on bad kings who speak in Middle English. To get a bit more specific, my dissertation explored the symbiotic relationship between theatre and tyranny in one of history's most socially transgressive genres: early English vernacular drama. My current research focuses on the changing conceptions of kingship in the city of Chester, England, and its cycle of Biblical plays throughout the sixteenth century.

On the occasions when I find some spare time (usually under the sofa cushions), I enjoy playing taiko (big Japanese drums), "studying" fans and their reading practices, drinking tea, and spending time with family and friends.