University Bulletin 2002-03: Medieval and Renaissance Studies

University Bulletin 2002-03

An interdepartmental program
Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Courses of Study:
Minor

Program website: http://www.brandeis.edu/programs/mevl/

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program provides students with a broad introduction to the development of western civilization from the end of antiquity to the 17th century. It is founded on the principle that an interdisciplinary perspective is the most profitable way to gain an understanding of the formation of early modern Europe. In order to develop a multifaceted picture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, all students select one of two core courses in history, and they are encouraged to explore a variety of disciplinary perspectives provided by various national literatures, fine arts, and philosophy. The exact balance of these approaches depends on a student's interest. The program offers a useful complement to many majors, and it is a good foundation to graduate study in a variety of fields.

How to Become a Program Member (Minor)

The most important requirement for taking part in the program is an interest in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. 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 courses are offered at different intervals. Students should consult with their advisor and the chair of the program to map out their particular plan of study.

Committee

Dian Fox, Chair (Fall 2002)
(Romance and Comparative Literature)

Charles McClendon, Chair (Spring 2003)
(Fine Arts)

Bernadette Brooten
(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Mary Campbell
(English and American Literature)

William Flesch
(English and American Literature)

William Kapelle
(History)

Richard Lansing
(Romance and Comparative Literature)

Avigdor Levy
(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Joan Maling
(Linguistics and Psychology)

Michael McGrade
(Music)

Sarah Mead-Ramsey
(Music)

Jessie Ann Owens
(Music)

Michael Randall
(Romance and Comparative Literature)

Benjamin Ravid
(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Eric Rice
(Music)

Govind Sreenivasan
(History)

Ramie Targoff
(English and American Literature)

Jonathan Unglaub
(Fine Arts)

Cheryl Walker
(Classical Studies)

Requirements for the Minor

A. Core Course: HIST 110b (The Civilization of the High and Late Middle Ages) or HIST 123a (The Renaissance).

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 and the Renaissance, two of these courses should be in two different fields other than history.

D. In addition, 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;

Participation in a program seminar or colloquium, when offered;

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

Special Notes

Please note that MUS 10a and 10b yield half-course credit each, therefore two semesters of MUS 10 are required to equal one full semester course, i.e., one elective course.

Courses of Instruction

(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students

MEVL 98a Independent Study
Signature of the instructor required.
Usually offered every year.
Staff

MEVL 98b Independent Study
Signature of the instructor required.
Usually offered every year.
Staff

Elective Courses

The following courses are approved for the minor. Not all are given in any one year. Please consult the Course Schedule each semester.

CLAS 115b
Topics in Greek and Roman History

COML 102a
Love in the Middle Ages

COML 103b
Madness and Folly in Renaissance Literature

ENG 33a
Shakespeare

ENG 43a
Major English Authors, Chaucer to Milton

ENG 63a
Renaissance Poetry