2000-01 Bulletin Entry for:

Objectives

The Medieval Studies Program provides students with a broad introduction to the Middle Ages. It is founded on the principle that an interdisciplinary perspective is the most profitable way to gain an understanding of this pivotal period in the development of Europe. All students take a core course in history, and they are encouraged to look at the period from a variety of disciplinary perspectives provided by various national literatures, fine arts, and philosophy. The exact balance of these approaches in a student's program depends on a student's interest. The program allows participants to develop a multifaceted picture of the Middle Ages, and it is a good foundation for graduate study.

How to Become a Program Member

The most important requirement for taking part in the program is an interest in the Middle Ages. Students may enter the program at any time in their undergraduate careers, but an early start maximizes a student's range of choice because a number of the courses are only offered every other year. Students should consult with their advisor and head of the program to map out their particular program.

Committee

(Fine Arts)

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

(English and American Literature)

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

(History)

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

(English and American Literature)

(Romance and Comparative Literature)

(Music)

(Romance and Comparative Literature)

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

(Classical Studies)

Requirements for the Program

A. Core Course: HIST 110b (The Civilization of the High and Late Middle Ages). Students are also encouraged, but not required, to take HIST 110a (The Civilization of the Early Middle Ages).

B. Students in the program must complete the University language requirement in one of the following: French, Italian, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, Russian, Arabic, or Hebrew.

C. Four other courses from the program listing. In order to promote an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Middle Ages, two of these courses should be in two different fields other than history.

D. Completion of one semester of independent study (98a or b), under the direction of one or more members of the program faculty, requiring completion of a research paper;

OR

Participation in a program seminar or colloquium, when offered;

OR

A senior thesis in the student's department of concentration, with an emphasis on some aspect of medieval studies and read by at least two faculty members in the program.

Courses of Instruction

(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students

Usually offered every year.

Staff

Usually offered every year.

Staff

Elective Courses

The following courses approved for the program are not all given in any one year, and therefore, the Course Schedule for each semester should be consulted.

Love in the Middle Ages

The Medieval World

Chaucer I

Introduction to Old Norse

Arthurian Literature

Art and the Origins of Europe

The Age of Cathedrals

The Art of Medieval England

The French Middle Ages

The Civilization of the Early Middle Ages

The Civilization of the High and Late Middle Ages

The Crusades and the Expansion of Medieval Europe

English Medieval History

Colloquium in Medieval Studies: From the Anglo-Saxon Invasions to Norman England

Islam: Civilization and Institutions

Dante's Divine Comedy

Medieval Latin

History of Music to 1700

History of the Jews from Maccabees to 1492

The Perception of the Other