The Scholars program helps us build a scholastic community that promotes research and writing within the Barony and Kingdom. Although the Scholars’ Assembly is a Barony of Dragon’s Laire event, the program is open to anyone in the Kingdom of AnTir, or indeed in the Society.
The scholarly point of contact is HL Rycheza z Polska : email link here
About the Scholars Program
The Barony of Dragon’s Laire Scholars’ Assembly was created in 2011. Conducting, writing, and presenting research is a foundational skill set that underlies medieval recreation. The Scholars program was designed to encourage and support SCA members who want to develop their research skills. In addition, we wanted to build a community of researchers that supported each other and helped new researchers improve their skills, while creating an atmosphere where research could be shared.
To see a list of our past Scholars, please follow this link. You can also see the list on the An Tir Order of Precedence (link to award).
When will the Scholar’s Assembly be held?
The Scholars’ Assembly is usually held as part of a larger event with other Arts & Sciences activities, such as Candlemas or Harvest Feast. The next Scholar’s Assembly will be held at Harvest Feast 2025 (link to event info)
What is the Scholars Program?
The Scholars program is designed to recognize and promote scholarly research. (And give you an outlet for your geek!) Participation consists of two parts: a written paper and, after that paper is accepted, an oral presentation of that paper at the Scholar’s Assembly. Every person that meets the standard and presents their paper orally will be recognized as a Scholar of Dragon’s Laire.
Who can participate?
Any gentle within the Barony or the wider SCA community can strive to become a Scholar. And everyone at the event is invited to attend the scholarly presentations during the Assembly (especially helpful if you are thinking of participating in the future).
What are appropriate topics?
You can study any aspect of pre-seventeenth century culture, either material (objects) or non-material (movements, history, or other). You can also study SCA cultural topics (for example, the history of missile combat in the SCA).
Some examples of successful scholarly papers are included in the 2021 Candlemas Gallery of Works.
Is it a competition?
No! Since it is our intent to build a community of scholars within the Barony, every writer/scholar who is accepted to present their paper at the annual Assembly (and does so) will be named a Scholar of Dragon’s Laire.
How will my entry be assessed?
Your paper is vetted against standard criteria (see the Guidelines, below). If your paper is accepted, you will be scheduled for a formal, in-person, oral presentation of the topic at the Scholar’s Assembly. If your paper is declined because it does not meet the criteria, you can try again! If the deadline permits, you may amend the paper and resubmit it for the current cycle (guidance can be provided) — or you can refine your work for another time.
After you present your paper, you will be named a Scholar of Dragon’s Laire.
Who vets the papers?
The existing Scholars of Dragon’s Laire.
Do you have to create an object for the project?
No, although you may do so to enhance your presentation. The Scholar program lends itself to topics for which creation of an object is unsuitable, or overly onerous — such as one which would employ dangerous or illegal processes, or you merely do not possess the means to do so. You may, of course, write about an object you are creating.
Does your research have to be original?
No. This is not a doctoral thesis, it is a research paper. We are independent (hobbyist) scholars, not PhD candidates.
Can I participate in the program more than once?
Yes! There is no limit to the number of times you can participate — submit a paper every year, if you wish!
Content Guidelines
Research papers for the annual Assembly should demonstrate both breadth and depth of knowledge about the chosen topic.
Breadth of knowledge is accomplished by locating your topic firmly in a specific time and place and comparing that local knowledge to what happened elsewhere, both before and after the chosen time-frame.
Depth of knowledge is demonstrated by presenting the range of what is known about your topic in your chosen time and place, including: conflicting interpretations of the experts, identification of the limits of what is known, and the speculations of the experts.
You, too, may wish to speculate about unresolved controversies about your topic, but it is not required. If you choose to do, so be sure to explain why you have come to the conclusions you present.
Specific Submission Information for 2025
Guidelines for the upcoming Assembly are below. The Scholars’ Assembly will be held at Harvest Feast 2025.
Deadlines:
- Submit a paper by September 15, 2025
- You will be notified if you have a slot for presentation by October 1, 2025.
- Presentations will be held at Harvest Feast on October 11, 2015.
Scholars’ Paper Format Specifics:
- Length: Minimum 2000 words, around 4-5 pages of text, not including dedications, acknowledgements, illustrations, charts, appendices, bibliography.
- Font and spacing: 12-point font and either 1.5 or double-spaced.
- Margins: 1-inch top, bottom and sides.
- Include a title page with the title, your SCA and modern name, and date.
- Number all pages except the title page.
- Bibliography: A list of everything you read, including the references you have cited. This list should include primary source material.
- Citation style: There are many to pick from. Choose one and stick to it!
- Illustrations: Illustrations, tables, and figures should be numbered consecutively (illustration 1, table 1, figure 1) and referred to in the text the same way.