Program in Medieval Studies
Director
Sara S. Poor
Executive Committee
Charles E. Barber, Art and Archaeology
Marina S. Brownlee, Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Cultures, Comparative Literature
Andrew Cole, English
Denis Feeney, Classics, ex officio
Daniel Heller-Roazen, Comparative Literature
Simone Marchesi, French and Italian
Sara S. Poor, German
Helmut Reimitz, History
Associated Faculty
Emmanuel Bourbouhakis, Classics
Michael A. Cook, Near Eastern Studies
Pietro Frassica, French and Italian
John F. Haldon, History, Hellenic Studies
Thomas W. Hare, Comparative Literature
Russell J. Leo III, English
AnneMarie Luijendijk, Religion
Teresa Shawcross, History
D. Vance Smith, English
Ronald E. Surtz, Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Cultures
Jack B. Tannous, History
Rob C. Wegman, Music
Sits with Committee
Sarah M. Anderson, English
Donald C. Skemer, Firestone Library
Alan Stahl, Firestone Library
The Program in Medieval Studies encourages the interdisciplinary study of the 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 one course: an introductory seminar, and a (non-credit) 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. At this time, an on-line application (accessible from the Program website) to the program should be filled out and submitted.
Program of Study
MED 227 (or the equivalent such as HUM 216 and HUM 217) is required, as is, in the senior year, the thesis writers' colloquium. In addition, the student should take and pass four courses either that are cross-listed in Medieval Studies (for example, those listed in the following roster) or that are not cross-listed but cover a medieval topic. At least one of the four additional courses should be at the 400 level or above and not all can be from the same department. The senior thesis and at least one junior paper must deal directly with the 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 (Old or Middle English, Old French or Provencal, Middle High German, Old Norse, medieval Italian, medieval Spanish, Hebrew or Arabic) 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 220 Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the Middle Ages (see NES 220)
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 230 Music in the Middle Ages (see MUS 230)
MED 245 The Islamic World from its Emergence to the Beginnings of Westernization (see NES 245)
MED 303 Dante's Inferno (see ITA 303)
MED 309 The Medieval Period (see ENG 311)
MED 310 The Old English Period (see ENG 310)
MED 320 Topics in Medieval Greek Literature (see CLA 320)
MED 321 Topics in German Medieval Literature (see GER 321)
MED 329 Sex and Gender in the Ancient World (see CLA 329)
MED 335 Studies in the Classical Tradition (see CLA 335)
MED 412 Topics in Medieval Studies Not offered this year 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)