Overview of the Undergraduate Major
Every period in history is better illuminated and understood by using evidence from research in different fields rather than by studying it solely from the point of view of a single discipline. People of the past, after all, did not live their lives according to the departmental divisions of a modern university. Medieval studies, particularly in the last half century, have benefited enormously from this interdisciplinary approach. Work in family history, genealogy, archeology, folklore, iconography, textual criticism, linguistic analysis, and statistical research has advanced and deepened our knowledge of the highways and byways of the period.
The study of the Middle Ages has been strong and active at the University of Virginia for many years. A diverse community of scholars routinely offers dozens of courses on medieval topics in the departments of History, Classics, Religious Studies, Philosophy, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern Studies, Art History, Architecture, Music, and Government. Research and teaching on the medieval period are supported by extensive holdings in the University Library, including Special Collections.
For the interested and able student, the major provides a way to pursue Medieval Studies without additional departmental requirements, to embark upon a program of language study within the field, to receive sound preparation for graduate work, and a chance to share knowledge and opinions with other scholars on a critical period of western civilization. By its comprehensive structure, it promotes cordiality, collegiality, and an exchange of views across departmental lines. Work in Medieval Studies helps to develop and refine powers of criticism and imagination, and encourages, through practice, the ability to think and write with clarity and precision. It thus furnishes skills useful in a wide variety of vocational fields.
Requirements for the Major
The major is open to all qualified students in the College of Arts and Sciences who have demonstrated competence in a foreign language appropriate to their work in the program through the 2000 level, or its equivalent. Students are required to take 30 hours of credit in courses approved by the student’s advisor with passing grades, and at least a 2.0 average, distributed over the following fields of study: · MSP 3501 Exploring the Middle Ages (3 hours) by the spring of the junior year, or the equivalent.
Of the remaining 27 hours of coursework, at least 15 hours (or five classes) must be at the 3000 or above level (of which at least one must be at the 4000 level or above). Course selection must reflect a multidisciplinary approach to Medieval Studies. Student coursework must thus include representation of at least four of the ten departments of the College of Arts & Sciences that include MSP affiliated faculty.
These departments are:
- Art
- Classics
- English
- East Asian Language, Literatures and Cultures
- French Language and Literature
- German Language and Literature
- History
- Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures
- Religious Studies
- Spanish, Italian and Portuguese
Courses on medieval topics from departments not listed can count as a substitute with the director’s approval (e.g. Philosophy, Politics).
The major may be combined with another departmental program as a double major
Requirements for a Minor
Students may complete a minor in Medieval Studies by taking at least 18 credits in medieval courses approved by the program director. At least three of the courses (9 credits) for the minor must be at the 3000 level or above. Coursework must reflect a multidisciplinary approach to Medieval Studies. Student coursework must thus include representation of at least three of the ten departments of the College of Arts & Sciences that include MSP affiliated faculty.
These departments are:
- Art
- Classics
- English
- East Asian Language, Literatures and Cultures
- French Language and Literature
- German Language and Literature
- History
- Middle Eastern and South Asian Languages and Cultures
- Religious Studies
- Spanish, Italian and Portuguese
Courses on medieval topics from departments not listed can count as a substitute with the director’s approval (e.g. Philosophy, Politics).
Additional Information
For more information, please contact Deborah McGrady, Department of French Languages & Literature, 359 New Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, PO Box 400130, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4130.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies in English
Note: there is a concentration in Medieval and Renaissance Studies within the undergraduate English major. It can be combined with our program in a double major or major + minor arrangement. You can find out about the English concentration here: UVA Medieval and Renaissance English Program.
Becoming a Medieval Studies Major/Minor
To discuss becoming a Medieval Studies Major or Minor or to ask questions about the undergraduate program more generally, please contact Prof. Deborah McGrady at dlm4z@virginia.edu