English Doctoral Candidate Awarded Hudson Fellowship in the Humanities

Bethany Cole, a doctoral candidate with the Graduate Program in English, has received a 2026 James J. Hudson Doctoral Fellowship in the Humanities through the office of the Graduate School and International Education.

The Hudson award is given annually to exceptional doctoral students in comparative literature and cultural studies, English, history or philosophy. The recipients must have finished all requirements for their doctoral programs except for the dissertation project/defense.

Cole will start the fourth year of her English Ph.D. program this coming fall. Her area of specialization is 12th-century Anglo-Latin biblical and devotional literature, especially literature written by a medieval cantor.

The Hudson doctoral award of $1,500 will support Cole's completion of her dissertation project, tentatively titled "Images of Grace: The Sacramental Literary Modes and Styles of Lawrence, Cantor of Durham."

Cole's dissertation will focus on a little-studied poem, the Hypognosticon by Lawrence of Durham, a 12th-century English monk, cantor (a medieval official who directed the sung portions of the Christian liturgy, among many other duties) and author/poet who ultimately led Durham Cathedral in the role of its prior. The Hypognosticon is a Latin hexameter poem that covers salvation history, taking the reader on a literary journey through not only the main events from that history but also theological and devotional digressions which support the main narrative of the text.

Cole specifically aims to identify those aspects of the Hypognosticon that reflect the perspective, formation and ambitions of a 12th-century cantor at Durham. "What is so fascinating about this poem," Cole said, "is that it bears witness to the reciprocal influence between the role of a 12th-century cantor and his literary imagination."

This topic of Cole's dissertation research is relevant and timely due to the fact that medieval cantors and their craft have recently begun to receive more attention, "but recent studies on the subject either have little information on Lawrence or omit him entirely," Cole explained.

"This is because the Hypognosticon lacks both a full critical edition and an English translation. This is a shame, because the Hypognosticon is a rich mine of information for filling out the profile of a 12th-century cantor, one who was well loved in his own time and context."

When she read through the poem the first time, Cole was struck repeatedly by Lawrence's ability to "move the heart with beautifully crafted poetic images and scenes." She hopes that her dissertation project will widely promote "the literary brilliance of Lawrence so that he can receive more of the appreciation he deserves."

The Hudson award funding will offer significant support to Cole's research efforts, helping her to obtain the resources she needs to complete the dissertation project.

"When you are working with a more obscure text, gaining access to undigitized manuscripts and out-of-print sources can add up quickly."

Cole plans to defend her dissertation and graduate in the spring of 2027. Beyond the completion of her dissertation, Cole plans to attempt a full English translation of the Hypognosticon.