Jane Chance is Professor of English at Rice University in Texas, where she has taught since 1973. Her research interests center on mythology and myth-making, the reception of classical mythology and medieval Latin literature in the Middle Ages, particularly in England (especially in relation to Chaucer and Gower); medieval women writers (Christine de Pizan in particular) and the study of gender; and modern medievalism (Tolkien in particular): see Jane Chance's books , articles , and the two series she edits, The Library of Medieval Women and Greenwood Guides to Historic Events in the Medieval World . See also a listing of her Invited, Plenary, and Keynote Lectures , her Honors and Awards and her Editorial Positions, Offices, and Appointments .

In summer of 1997 she directed an NEH Institute for College and University Teachers on " The Literary Traditions of Medieval Women " at Rice University; from 1996-1998 she chaired the Rice University English Department Speakers Committee. In summer of 2000 she participated in the CEU/CARA/Medieval Academy Institute on " Issues and Resources in Central Europe for research on the Middle Ages " held in Budapest. For Tolkien at Kalamazoo in 2003, see the five sessions on " J.R.R. Tolkien and The Discourses of Myth ".

Professor Jane Chance will participate in the following panels at the Gathering: Teaching Tolkien at the University Level, The Lord of the Rings - The Film vs. The Books , The Women in Middle-earth , What is Tolkien's Mythology?