Undergraduate Medieval Studies
Medieval Studies Undergraduates picnic at the 34th Annual Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park
The Medieval Studies major explores the legacy of the Middle Ages, a period central to our understanding of both the past and the present. Through interdisciplinary study of medieval art, history, language, literature, music and ways of thought and religion, students develop an integrated understanding of medieval civilization.
Medieval Studies majors and minors have the opportunity to pursue independent research in a variety of ways, including an Honors thesis, a tutorial, or helping a faculty member with his or her research. There are also opportunities to work on one of the Center's digital projects.
For questions about majoring or minoring in Medieval Studies, contact Fr. Chris Cullen, the 2019-2020 undergraduate chair for Medieval Studies.
A Fordham student visits the falconry.
Medieval Studies Student Learning Goals
Upon completion of the major in Medieval Studies, undergraduate students will have acquired
- A multifaceted understanding of the medieval world
- An appreciation of the cultural heritage of the medieval period
- A capacity for critical thinking, including sound argumentation and analysis, expressed in clear written and oral exposition
Required Courses for the Major
Ten courses: one required course, five distribution requirements, and four electives:
- HS 1300: Introduction to Medieval History
- One course in medieval literature
- One course in medieval art or music history
- One course in medieval philosophy
- One course in medieval theology
- One course in a medieval language (Medieval or Classical Latin, Old English, Old French, Old High German, etc.)
- Four electives, chosen from medieval offerings in the participating departments
See current undergraduate course offerings in Medieval Studies.
As a Double Major
Students with a major in another department can also major in Medieval Studies by completing ten courses: one required course, three distribution requirements; six electives. Any two of these courses can also count for their other major.
- HS 1300: Introduction to Medieval History
- One medieval literature or language course (Medieval or Classical Latin, Old English, Old French, Old High German, etc.)
- One medieval philosophy or theology course
- One medieval art or music history course
Six elective courses, chosen from the medieval course offerings of the participating departments (two of these courses can also count towards the student’s other major)
Requirements for the Minor
Six courses: one required course, three distribution requirements, and two electives.
- HS 1300: Introduction to Medieval History
- One course in medieval literature
- One course in medieval philosophy or theology
- One course in medieval art or music history, or a medieval language (Medieval or Classical Latin, Old English, Old French, Old High German, etc.)
- Two elective courses, chosen from medieval offerings in the participating departments