Undergraduate
Undergraduate Community
The undergraduate community in Medieval Studies at UVA is a thriving group of students dedicated to studying the pre-modern world in all its forms. We encourage new students with interest in the medieval period to join our community, whether or not they wish to become majors or minors in the program.
Majors
Aidan Drohan is a 4th-year Medieval Studies major completing a thesis on kingship and the economic structures of sub-Roman Visigothic Spain, examining how power and resources shaped early medieval society. His academic interests include philology, with study in Old English and Old Norse, as well as a particular interest in Middle English and the literature of the 14th century, which he has pursued independently outside of coursework.
Sofia Howard is a 4th-year Medieval Studies major with a focus on early medieval history, pursuing minors in business and German. She is interested in historic architecture preservation—creating energy efficient and beautiful buildings and spaces that connect with the history and environment around them. She has long been interested in art, architecture, history and language, and was excited to discover the flexibility and variety of courses allowed by the Medieval Studies major. She loves being able to focus on courses in ancient and medieval history to better understand the foundations of our culture and architectural heritage. She also loves the interdisciplinary nature of the major and being able to combine these with courses in classics, literature, linguistics and architectural preservation. Sofia has loved the professors and courses she has been able to take as part of the Medieval Studies major – the major has allowed her to take the courses and topics she has always wanted to study – and is looking forward to her classes in the year ahead!
Niamh Kierans is a third-year double majoring in English and Medieval Studies. She is particularly interested in how contemporary historical fiction and medievalism give us access to the nature of daily life the past. In high school, Kierans wrote a historical fiction novella about Joan of Valois, sister to King Charles V of France. She is currently serving as co-Editor-in-Chief of the undergraduate Medieval Studies research journal, Quill & Quire.
Molly King is a fourth-year student who is a member of the Distinguished Majors Program in History. Her concentration is in Spanish Medieval History, and she is minoring in both Spanish and Medieval Studies. Coming to UVA, Molly knew she wanted to major in History, but through that, she ended up finding the Medieval Studies department. By combining all her areas of interest through her coursework, she has been able to thoroughly research her thesis topic. The Medieval Studies department has been integral to her academic development, providing her with mentors who have guided her through her research. Additionally, she serves as a board member of Quill and Quire, the undergraduate medieval studies journal, which enables undergraduate students to have their own academic or personal work published.
Katharine Stepanian is a fourth-year student double majoring in Psychology and English, with a concentration in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and minoring in Medieval Studies. She is especially interested in manuscript illumination and the processes behind the creation of medieval manuscripts and books, as well as the writings of medieval female mystics (especially Julian of Norwich). Beyond her coursework, Katharine serves on the editorial board of the Quill & Quire Undergraduate Medieval Review. She hopes to continue her education in Medieval English and Literature after she graduates from UVA.