Jill Clements

Jill Clements is an Associate Professor of English and co-director of the Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Studies (AMRS) minor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her work focuses on medieval literature, death studies, and cultural history, particularly exploring Norse folklore, Icelandic sagas, and the intersection of myth with historical practices. She delivered a notable lecture, "The Walking Dead: Revenants & Vampires in Medieval Iceland," analyzing the Eyrbyggja Saga and its portrayal of undead draugr figures. Clements emphasizes how medieval societies used stories to understand death, exemplified by architectural practices like 'corpse doors' to prevent haunting. Her research bridges literature and anthropology, aiming to make abstract concepts like mortality accessible through historical narratives.

• Education: Ph.D. in English (specific program details not provided).
• Key Roles: Co-director of AMRS minor, instructor in monster literature courses, public lecturer.
• Research Themes: Medieval Scandinavia, supernatural narratives, cultural death practices, and interdisciplinary approaches to historical texts.

Clements advocates for interdisciplinary learning through AMRS, encouraging students to explore medieval themes in literature, history, and anthropology. Her work highlights the relevance of past cultural practices to modern understandings of humanity and belief systems.