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Medieval Studies
Undergraduate
Programs
The Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies offers a major and a minor
in medieval studies.
BA in Medieval Studies
The major in medieval studies is an interdisciplinary BA program in the
liberal arts structured around the cultures of medieval western Europe and
adjoining regions. The undergraduate curriculum is organized in four main
areas of emphasis, or tracks, offering focussed investigation of the history,
art, and mentalities of the period c.300-c.1500 as well as insight into
the development and implications of the notion "the Middle Ages"
itself. Central to all tracks is the achievement of a reading knowledge
of Latin, as the foundational and unifying language of literate culture
in the medieval West. Two semesters of Latin are therefore required; students
with a prior knowledge of the language may substitute the two-course sequence
in medieval Latin literature.
Eleven courses are required for the major, including at least one seminar.
Electives above the 100 level should normally be chosen from the current
list of courses in medieval studies, in accordance with the recommendations
for each track. In addition, certain other courses may be appropriate in
particular tracks for their methodological or theoretical content, or as
background for medieval studies courses. Students may also petition for
courses to be counted toward their degree. The four-track structure is designed
to help each student construct a coherent program of study and make informed
decisions about academic or professional objectives. A major or minor in
medieval studies can be readily combined with a degree in another department
or program, notably women's studies.
Consultation with faculty is crucial. The director of CEMERS is responsible
for general advising, but students undertaking the major are expected to
work with a faculty advisor, who may be the director, through mutual agreement
of the parties concerned. Students are urged to participate in a major annual
conference as well as lectures and other events organized by CEMERS or MRG,
the graduate students' Medieval and Renaissance Group.
Medieval Studies Minor
The minor in medieval studies requires six approved courses from at least
three different departments.
The Medieval Studies Curriculum
Required Courses
There are four core courses, two in medieval history (generally HIST 204,
205) and two in Latin. Beginners take LAT 101 and 102; students entering
with an adequate command of Latin take LAT 321 and 322 (Latin Literature).
LAT 321 covers the period before 1200; the emphasis is on poetry and imaginative
literature; LAT 322 covers literature from 1200, and stresses philosophy
and official texts (administrative, diplomatic, etc.).
Electives: The Four Tracks
The major includes seven approved electives, including one at the 100 level.
Introductory courses in medieval studies are generally offered through associated
departments; students may count as an elective one of the following: ANTH
125, 126; ARTH 101, 103; COLI 110; ENG 112, 114; HIST 101; PHIL 111; WOMN
126 (HIST 126). These do not all give substantial attention to medieval
material, but they are valuable for orientation in theory and methodology,
and often provide a framework for students to pursue particular, including
medieval, interests.
Of the other courses, at least four should be upper level (300-400), and
at least one should be a seminar. Students should select courses to conform
to the areas of emphasis established in the four tracks.
Track A: Foundations of Western Law, Government, and Institutions of
Learning
This track is built around the study of legal history in its historical
and cultural contexts. All students must take HIST 302 (European Law). Highly
recommended are LAT 322 (for students with Latin) and advanced medieval
history courses, as well as courses in the history of early Renaissance
Europe and ancient and especially medieval philosophy.
This track can be combined with programs in philosophy, history, and art
history. Especially recommended is a link with the major in philosophy,
politics, and law.
Track B. England and the North
This track provides the following options:
1. Medieval England-Language, Literature, and Society: the English Department
offers a range of courses in medieval English literature, which can be supplemented
by courses in history, art history, and related literatures (especially
French) for a concentration in the study of medieval England with emphasis
on the construction of national identity in language, political institutions,
and literary and visual culture.
Students interested in this concentration should also have some familiarity
with literary and critical theory; therefore an appropriate course in English
or comparative literature would count as an elective.
2. Cultures of the North-From the Atlantic Fringe to the Great Plain: comparative
study of regions or distinct cultures of northern Europe: e.g., Britain
(English and Celts), the Germanic peoples, Northern France and Flanders,
Scandinavia and Iceland, the Slavs, Jewish communities. The time period
can go back to the process of Christianization and forward to the fragmentation
of the western Church in the Reformation. Students interested in this concentration
are advised to expand from a base in one of the language departments, especially
English and German and Russian, or in comparative literature or Judaic studies.
3. Oral Traditions-Medievalism and the Study of Folklore: largely illiterate,
medieval populations often accommodated pre-Christian practices and beliefs
to the requirements of the Church. Courses including the study of folklore
in the Departments of English, German and Russian, Romance languages, or
comparative literature can be supplemented by courses in history and art
history covering medieval and early modern religion. A grounding in critical
theory and/or historiography is highly desirable.
Track C. Mediterranean Cultures and Literatures
The integrated study of the Mediterranean region is associated with the
French historian Fernand Braudel, for whom a research institute at Binghamton
University is named. Requirements include HIST 206 (Early Renaissance Europe,
which may replace 205) and at least one course in a medieval vernacular
literature (Italian, French, Greek, Spanish, Hebrew, and Arabic). Consider
combinations with programs in history, art history, music, classics, Judaic
studies, or a relevant language department. Students especially interested
in literature should consider courses in ancient law, medieval law, and
ancient mythology and/or literature.
Track D. Visual Culture in Social Context
This track is best combined with a major in art history or history. Students
should take at least three courses in art history with substantial medieval
content; the introductory course should normally be ARTH 101 or 103. Also
recommended are advanced courses in European history as well as courses
on medieval literature, music, and the major literary sources of the images
in medieval art (JUST 263 and 264: The Bible; CLASS 232: Classical Mythology).
Honors
The requirements for honors in medieval studies are:
1. A GPA of 3.5 in the major.
2. An interdisciplinary thesis written under the guidance of two members
of different departments. Students writing a thesis may enroll for up to
eight credits of MDVL 499. These credits will not count toward the major
requirements.
Graduate Programs
The certificate program in medieval studies offers an opportunity for grounding
in interdisciplinary medieval studies. The requirements of the program are
above and beyond those of a specific department, although work in the program
may be used to satisfy a number of departmental requirements. Students with
this certificate in effect have two credentials: the PhD in an established
discipline and a certificate attesting to competence in the interdisciplinary
studies required of the professional medieval scholar. Admission to the
program requires previous admission to a department of study and approval
by the director of the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
Courses
Nine seminar courses are required for the certificate, as is a reading knowledge
of Latin (e.g., through LAT 101/102). The certificate program is designed
to introduce students to a broad array of disciplinary domains and approaches
in the study of medieval societies: this interdisciplinary dimension combines
well with doctoral study in a specific department. Candidates take at least
one course in art history, history, vernacular literature (English, French,
Italian, Spanish; also Romance philology), and philosophy, as well as five
electives, as approved by the director of the Center or designee. With the
director's approval, 400-level courses may be used toward completion of
the certificate program.
Examination
An oral examination is required toward the end of the candidate's residence
at Binghamton University.
Dissertation
The dissertation is written for the department of the candidate's specialization.
The director of the Center may appoint one member of the dissertation committee,
if appropriate.
Graduate Minor in
Medieval Studies
The Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies also offers a graduate minor
in medieval studies to candidates for graduate degrees. The minor consists
of a coherent pattern of three courses outside the department of the degree.
The three courses must be chosen from at least two departments or programs,
and no more than one 400-level course or one independent study may be counted.
All graduate minor programs in medieval studies must be approved by the
director of the center or designee.
As the above descriptions indicate, the major and minor concentrations rely
on the course offerings of departments.
Some courses of particular relevance are cross-listed and appear in course
guides under medieval studies.
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