B.A. Program
About Our B.A. Program
he B.A. program in medieval studies aims to acquaint students with a broad range of medieval materials from a variety of perspectives (e.g., historical, literary, artistic, theological) as a preparation for writing a B.A. paper on some aspect of medieval civilization. Students investigate the Middle Ages through studies in historical, literary, and adjunct areas.
Students interested in majoring in medieval studies should consult the program coordinator by Autumn Quarter of their third year. Eleven courses are required, including at least three courses basically historical in nature, three courses of linguistic character, and two courses in other disciplines (e.g., art, music, philosophy, theology). Students should determine these courses in consultation with the program coordinator.
Students are also expected to demonstrate competence in reading one language in which a significant body of medieval source material exists. Such competence is demonstrated primarily through the language courses and through the use of source materials in the B.A. paper. Latin is strongly urged for those working in Western materials, but other options (particularly for students interested in Byzantine, Jewish, or Muslim cultures) are available. Students should consult the program coordinator regarding the three-course language requirement, which is to be used for acquiring language skills, if necessary, beyond the College language competency requirement and for reading medieval texts.
The program also requires all students to participate in a one-quarter reading and research course, usually in Autumn Quarter of their fourth year, with a member of the committee who has agreed to advise them in planning and writing the B.A. paper; students should register for a reading course in this committee member's department. Their completed paper will typically be read by at least two members of the committee representing different academic departments.
