Astrolabes and Interdisciplinary Challenges

Growing out of a course-based research paper, Olivia’s project focused on the cross-cultural transmission of the medieval astrolabe. Examining specific examples from the Islamic and Christian spheres in the later medieval centuries, she came up against a larger interpretive problem: how does one account for an object that is once scientific tool, fine-art specimen, and index of cultural attainment? What method or methods are best suited to an organic description of such things? With the unique perspective of her dual major, Olivia is well situated to pursue this particularly thorny epistemological problem. Meanwhile, as her advisor, Alexa has had to learn quickly about a field entirely novel to her (astronomy and mathematics), and to support Olivia as she has come to terms with the rather intractable nature of her undertaking. Our collective experience provides an illuminating example of how the struggle and the process of research and interpretation lie at the heart of the mentor/protegee relationship, and also how a fairly novice researcher (Olivia is a rising Junior) can, with support, tackle a project that might equally serve for a master’s thesis.