Program in Medieval Studies
Director
Sara S. Poor
Executive Committee
Marina S. Brownlee, Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Cultures, Comparative Literature
Daniel Heller-Roazen, Comparative Literature
William C. Jordan, History
Sarah Kay, French and Italian
Sara S. Poor, German
Gideon A. Rosen, Philosophy, ex officio
D. Vance Smith, English
Associated Faculty
Mark R. Cohen, Near Eastern Studies
Andrew Cole, English
Michael A. Cook, Near Eastern Studies
Pietro Frassica, French and Italian
John F. Haldon, History, Hellenic Studies
Andras P. Hamori, Near Eastern Studies
Thomas F. Leisten, Art and Archaeology
Simone Marchesi, French and Italian
Helmut Reimitz, History
Peter Schäfer, Religion
Ronald E. Surtz, Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Cultures
Rob C. Wegman, Music
Nino Zchomelidse, Art and Archaeology
Sits with Committee
Colum P. Hourihane, Index of Christian Art
Donald C. Skemer, Firestone Library
Alan Stahl, Firestone Library
The Program in Medieval Studies encourages the interdisciplinary study of the European Middle Ages: its art, literature (Latin and vernacular), music, religion, science, philosophy, politics, and economic and social structures. Supported by the vast resources for medieval studies at Princeton (including an outstanding medieval manuscript collection and the photographic archive known as the Index of Christian Art), the program sponsors three courses: an introductory course, an upper-level seminar, and a (noncredit) thesis writers' colloquium for seniors. Approximately another 40 courses directly relevant to medieval studies are listed following this description.
Admission to the Program
During the freshman or sophomore year each student who wishes to enroll in the program should take MED 227 The World of the Middle Ages or discuss with the director what other kinds of preparation might be acceptable instead. At the time of the selection of a major in a department, a student wishing to obtain a certificate in medieval studies at graduation should also seek admission to the program from the director.
Program of Study
MED 227 (or some equivalent) is required, as is, in the senior year, the thesis writers' colloquium. In addition, the student should take and pass four courses listed in the roster of courses following this description. (They should not all be from the same department.) It is also highly recommended that a student take MED 412 Topics in Medieval Studies, a seminar whose subject and faculty change yearly. The senior thesis and at least one junior paper must deal directly with the European Middle Ages. The student's course of study must receive the prior approval of the departmental representative (in the major) and the director of the Program in Medieval Studies.
Languages
Most students, especially those interested in pursuing medieval studies at the graduate level, are urged to take Latin, including medieval Latin, or Greek. But many students will be interested in the vernacular traditions; in the absence of competency in Latin or Greek (or as a supplement to competency), students will need to demonstrate appropriate proficiency in another medieval language (for example, Old English) or in one of the major modern European languages to the 207 level: Russian, German, French, Spanish, Italian. In no case will a student be eligible for a certificate without fulfilling the language requirements as described here.
Certificate of Proficiency
Students who fulfill all requirements of the program will receive a certificate of proficiency in medieval studies upon graduation.
Senior Thesis Colloquium. Separate from any other departmental requirements, this noncredit colloquium will regularly bring together all seniors in the program in order to discuss mutual problems of data, research strategies, organization, and writing. In consultation with the director of the colloquium, students will choose a date to report to and discuss with the other members of the colloquium their work in progress.
Courses
MED 227 The World of the Middle Ages (also HUM 227) Fall LA
An introduction to medieval Europe from late Antiquity to 1400. The course focuses on themes such as collective mentalities and dominant social practices, and addresses major forms of cultural expression in various media. Two 90-minute lectures. S. Poor
MED 303 Dante's Inferno (see ITA 303)
MED 304 Dante's "Purgatorio" and "Paradiso" (see ITA 304)
MED 329 Sex and Gender in the Ancient World (see CLA 329)
MED 403 Forms of Literature (see ENG 401)
MED 412 Topics in Medieval Studies Spring LA
An intensive seminar devoted to a particular aspect of European medieval life and culture. Topics change yearly. One three-hour seminar. Staff
MED 430 Seminar. Medieval Art (see ART 430)