Medieval and Renaissance Studies

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The Medieval and Renaissance studies (MARS) minor enables students to explore the richness and variety of civilizations from the late Roman and medieval eras through the European Renaissance and Reformation. Across time and place, it advances the study of cross-cultural and comparative influence in the period both within and beyond Europe’s geographical borders. Broadly interdisciplinary, it is intended as a supplement to traditional majors. Spanning the arts and humanities and social sciences, MARS engages history, art, literature, music, philosophy, science, and religion from the 4th to the 17th centuries.

A thorough, interdisciplinary examination of the medieval, renaissance, and early modern periods enables students to discover local and regional connections across the cultures in the discipline. Through a deep engagement with the program’s courses and programming, students develop an appreciation for and understanding of how the distant past shapes and informs who we are today.

The emphasis in MARS is on creating interdisciplinary bridges across the curriculum, and the program is structured in a way that encourages students to explore a cross section of traditional fields. To this end, MARS courses can center on a topic area proposed by the student and agreed upon in consultation with a faculty adviser. However, courses in the minor should complement each other.

Students may elect to minor in either the medieval or Renaissance period or in a combination of both. In order to declare a minor, prospective students must meet with the program director to discuss their choice of courses and how those courses will coalesce. This should normally take place by the spring term of the junior year. In order to take full advantage of course offerings and advising, students are urged to enroll in the program as early as possible in their undergraduate career.

Award

Award for Excellence in Medieval and Renaissance Studies — awarded by the program for excellence in medieval and Renaissance studies.

Courses

Use the minor link below to find courses that count toward the MARS requirements. 

Majors and Minors

• Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minor

Return to: Division of University Studies