Medieval Studies
Undergraduate Programs
The Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CEMERS) offers a major and a minor in medieval studies.
BA in Medieval Studies
The major in medieval studies is an interdisciplinary BA program in the liberal arts structured around the cultures of medieval western Europe and adjoining regions. The undergraduate curriculum is organized in four main areas of emphasis, or tracks, offering focused investigation of the history, art and mentalities of the period c.300-c.1500, as well as insight into the development and implications of the notion “the Middle Ages” itself. Central to most tracks is the achievement of a reading knowledge of Latin, as the foundational and unifying language of literate culture in the medieval West. Two semesters of Latin are therefore required; students with a prior knowledge of the language may substitute the two-course sequence in medieval Latin literature. In the Mediterranean Studies Track, Greek or Arabic may be substituted by students choosing the appropriate options.
Eleven courses are required for the major, including at least one seminar. Electives above the 100 level should normally be chosen from the current list of courses in medieval studies, in accordance with the recommendations for each track. In addition, certain other courses may be appropriate in particular tracks for their methodological or theoretical content, or as background for medieval studies courses. Students may also petition for courses to be counted toward their degree. The four-track structure is designed to help each student construct a coherent program of study and make informed decisions about academic or professional objectives. A major or minor in medieval studies may be readily combined with a degree in another department or program, notably women’s studies.
Consultation with faculty is crucial. The director of CEMERS is responsible for general advising, but students undertaking the major are expected to work with a faculty adviser, who may be the director, through mutual agreement of the parties concerned. Students are urged to participate in a major annual conference, as well as lectures and other events organized by CEMERS or MRG, the graduate students’ Medieval and Renaissance Group.
Medieval Studies Minor
The minor in medieval studies requires six approved courses from at least three different departments.
The Medieval Studies Curriculum
Required Courses
There are four core courses, two in medieval history (generally HIST 204, 205) and two in Latin. Beginners take LAT 101 and 102; students entering with an adequate command of Latin take LAT 321 (Early Medieval Latin Literature). Qualified students may appeal to substitute an advanced course in a vernacular language, if this is germane to their studies in a particular track. In Track C, Arabic or Greek (Ancient or Modern) may be substituted for Latin.
Electives: The Four Tracks
The major includes seven approved electives, including one at the 100 level. Introductory courses in medieval studies are generally offered through associated departments; students may count as an elective one of the following: ANTH 125, 126; ARTH 101, 103; COLI 110; ENG 112, 114; HIST 101; PHIL 111; WOMN 126 (HIST 126). These do not all give substantial attention to medieval material, but they are valuable for orientation in theory and methodology, and often provide a framework for students to pursue particular, including medieval, interests.
Of the other courses, at least four should be upper level (300-400), and at least one should be a seminar. Students should select courses to conform to the areas of emphasis established in the four tracks.
Track A: Foundations of Western Law and Government
This track is built around the study of legal history in its historical and cultural contexts. All students must take HIST 302 (European Law). Highly recommended are LAT 322 (for students with Latin) and advanced medieval history courses, as well as courses in the history of early Renaissance Europe and ancient — and, especially, medieval — philosophy.
This track may be combined with programs in philosophy, history and art history. Especially recommended is a link with the “Foundations” track in philosophy, politics and law.
Track B: England and the North
This track provides the following options:
Medieval England: Language, literature and society. The English, General Literature and Rhetoric Department offers a range of courses in medieval English literature, which may be supplemented by courses in history, art history and related literatures (especially French) for a concentration in the study of medieval England with emphasis on the construction of national identity in language, political institutions and literary and visual culture.
Students interested in this concentration should also have some familiarity with literary and critical theory; therefore, an appropriate course in English or comparative literature counts as an elective.
Cultures of the North: From the Atlantic Fringe to the Great Plain. Comparative study of regions or distinct cultures of northern Europe: e.g. Britain (English and Celts), the Germanic peoples, Northern France and Flanders, Scandinavia and Iceland,
the Slavs, Jewish communities. The time period may go back to the process of Christianization and forward to the fragmentation of the Western Church in the Reformation. Students interested in this concentration are advised to expand from a base in one of the language departments, especially English and German and Russian, or in comparative literature or Judaic studies.
Oral Tradition: Medievalism and the study of folklore. Largely illiterate, medieval populations often accommodated pre-Christian practices and beliefs to the requirements of the Church. Courses including the study of folklore in the departments of English, General Literature and Rhetoric; German, Russian and East Asian Languages; Romance Languages and Literatures; or Comparative Literature may be supplemented by courses in history and art history covering medieval and early modern religion. A grounding in critical theory and/or historiography is highly desirable.
Track C: Mediterranean Cultures and Literatures
The integrated study of the Mediterranean region is associated with the French historian Fernand Braudel, for whom a research institute at Binghamton University is named (the Fernand Braudel Center for the Study of Economies, Historical Systems, and civilizations). There are three options in this track:
1. Latin Mediterranean societies and cultures, requiring Latin as well as a Romance language (French, Italian, Spanish). Students taking this track may substitute HIST 206, Early Renaissance Europe, for HIST 205.
2. The Islamic Mediterranean world (requiring Arabic)
3. The Byzantine/Orthodox world (requiring Greek)
Note: Latin is recommended, but not required, for options 2 and 3.
Track D: Visual Culture in Social Context
This track is best combined with a major in art history or history. Students should take at least three courses in art history with substantial medieval content; the introductory course should normally be ARTH 101 or 103. Also recommended are advanced courses in European history, as well as courses on medieval literature, music and the major literary sources of the images in medieval art (such as CLASS 232: Classical Mythology).
Honors
The requirements for honors in medieval studies are:
• a GPA of 3.5 in the major;
• an interdisciplinary thesis written under the guidance of two members of different departments. Students writing a thesis may enroll for up to eight credits of MDVL 499. These credits do not count toward the major requirements.