Suzanne LaVere

  
  • Associate Professor
  • Purdue Fort Wayne

I am an associate professor of history; I teach both ancient and medieval European/Western history, but my research is primarily on the intellectual history of medieval Europe. I have worked extensively on biblical interpretation, preaching, and heresy. My current research project is in the area of medievalism (how people have interpreted the medieval period after the Middle Ages). I am looking at the many ways in which Joan of Arc has been used as a symbol in the United States since the 18th century, examining books, newspapers, magazines, films, and a wealth of other cultural products to understand why and how this famous medieval French figure has been so iconic within American culture and society.