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Concentration in Medieval Cultures

(undergraduate major)

 

Overview

The Concentration in Medieval Cultures focuses on the eighth through the fifteenth centuries, combining interdisciplinary perspectives on this period with depth of study in one or two disciplines. One traditional area of study is Western Europe, but students are encouraged to work in other cultural areas such as Byzantine, Islamic, Judaic and Slavic. It is also recommended that prospective concentrators take the introductory course, Medieval Perspectives, during their freshman or sophomore year. Other course offerings in Medieval Studies are listed on the Courses page.

Requirements

Requirements for the concentration consist of the following: ten courses approved by the Program in Medieval Studies, including two courses in medieval history and one 100 or 200 level course that uses primary texts in a language other than Middle English. Interested students are invited to discuss their plans with an appropriate faculty member of the Program. A concentration proposal should be prepared in consultation with the faculty advisor and submitted to the Program Chair for approval.

Honors

Honors are awarded to those students who complete the required courses of the concentration, present a meritorious Honors thesis, and meet the academic standards for Honors in the department of the thesis advisor. The thesis permits the student to synthesize various disciplines or interests, or to pursue a new interest in greater depth. Students meet with their faculty advisor(s) no later than the spring of their junior year to plan the thesis project. Honors requirements are the same as those for the regular concentration with the addition of one course credit in the department of the faculty advisor for the preparation of the honors thesis.