Beowulf: Academic Retreat Led by Dr. Nicholas Babich
This retreat will consider the Old English epic poem Beowulf. Surviving only in one manuscript, this tale of a warrior and his trials depicts the perennial human quest for community in an uncertain world. While chronicling the rise and fall of a monster-slaying king, Beowulf ushers modern readers into a world not dissimilar to our own, where unchecked ambition can undo even the mightiest man.
Led by scholar of Anglo-Saxon literature Dr. Nicholas Babich, participants will encounter the text through seminars and lectures. The retreat will nurture an appreciation for the beauty and depth of Beowulf’s verse as well as its insight into human nature, especially its vivid articulation of our most deeply felt hopes, fears, and longings.
Retreat Details
Our multi-day academic retreats are small gatherings focused on great texts, thoughtful conversations, and intellectual friendship. Each retreat is led by a professor and centers on a specific thinker, theme, topic, or text.
The heart of the retreat is a robust academic program of twelve one-hour sessions—typically nine seminars and three lectures. Seminars are limited to 15 or fewer participants and emphasize close reading, intellectual humility, and the shared pursuit of truth. The professor's lectures synthesize themes and situate the readings within a broader whole.
The atmosphere is intentionally contemplative and relational—free from digital distraction and grounded in attentiveness, presence, and receptivity.
Location
Our academic retreats are held at our Kingfisher Center, which is located on the southwest side of Austin, Texas.
Cost
For accepted participants, the Valor Institute will cover the cost of the program fee, texts, lodging, and meals. We ask for participants to pay for their own travel to and from the retreat — though we do offer travel scholarships for those in need. We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone desiring to participate in our programs.
Schedule
A typical retreat day runs from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. including time for lunch, dinner, and breaks.
Preparation
Participants are expected to carefully read and annotate all texts before arriving at the retreat. Because of academic retreats involve a significant amount of time in seminar, preparation is essential.
Registration & Questions
Space in our retreats is limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. For any questions, please contact us.
About the Leader
Dr. Nicholas Babich is an Assistant Professor of Communications and Literature at Ave Maria University. After receiving his BA in English from Penn State University, earned MAs in English and Classics from the University of Notre Dame as well as a PhD in English from the same institution. His ongoing book project, Failure in Early Medieval England: Poetics and Prayer, examines the poetic and spiritual responses to failure in Old and early Middle English texts. He has written articles for Religion & Literature, Anglia, Neophilologus, and Church Life Journal, and his poetry has appeared in both The Harper Review and The Lamp.
In his current academic post, Dr. Babich teaches courses on Old and Middle English, Classical and Medieval Rhetoric, and the History of the English Language. Aside from his writings on allegory theory and medieval marginalia, he pursues ongoing projects on medieval riddles, courtly love, and early fantasy literature, including the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and Robert Hugh Benson.