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Undergraduate Program
 The Medieval Institute is one of Notre Dame’s oldest and most renowned centers of learning. Begun in 1946, it was envisaged from the beginning to be a premier locus for the study of the European Middle Ages. Over the decades its scope has broadened to where it now covers Islamic, Jewish, Eastern and Western Christian studies in an interdisciplinary scheme. The academic strength and stature of the Institute are due not only to its faculty, students, and library, but also to its fidelity to the original liberal arts ideal.
Medieval Studies prepares students to enter graduate school, law school, medical school, or various careers including business, government, education, publishing, ministry, curatorship, and research. With an emphasis on close reading, precise textual analysis, careful writing, and vigorous discussion, the program is designed to foster critical thinking, communication skills, historical awareness, and multicultural appreciation.
Far from being the “dark ages,” medieval civilization witnessed the dawn of many of today’s institutions including universities, hospitals, legal and economic systems, religious communities and doctrine, architecture, engineering, science, art and literature. Modern society is indebted to the Middle Ages not only for its inheritance, but also for its relevance.
Medieval Studies offers four tracks, draws from eleven disciplines, and is tailored to each student’s personal and professional goals. Anthropology; Art, Art History, and Design; Classics; English; German and Russian; History; Music; Philosophy; Political Science, Romance Language and Literature; and Theology are the contributing departments. From these, students are encouraged to build a unique program of study, in consultation with a faculty advisor, around an area of concentration that captures an interest, prepares for a field, or contributes to an academic pursuit.
Students interested in Medieval Studies may elect one of the following four options:
1. Major in Medieval Studies
2. Honors
Major in Medieval Studies
3. Supplementary
Major in Medieval Studies
4. Minor in Medieval Studies
All three Major tracks include two common components. Each student’s curriculum is built around a concentration chosen by the individual (from the eleven participating departments), in conjunction with a faculty advisor. The concentration requires a minimum of four interrelated courses which reflect an intellectual and curricular coherence. A Medieval Studies’ seminar (3 credits) is the second common element in each of the Major tracks. Students in the seminars are expected to read widely and discuss vigorously a set of sources which present a particular issue from several points of view. In addition they are also expected to write a substantial research paper. The goal of the seminar is to engage students in thinking critically and knowledgeably across the boundaries of traditional disciplines while maintaining a focus on a particular time, place, or issue.
The three Major tracks and the Minor track also have an introductory required course (3 credits), MI 20001, The World of the Middle Ages.
Following are brief outlines of the basic requirements for the three Major tracks and the Minor track. Further details can be obtained from the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Medieval Institute.
Medieval Studies Major (30 credits)
MI 20001, The World of the Middle Ages
Four courses drawn from two of more departments representing a concentration
Four electives in Medieval Studies drawn from at least two departments
One advanced seminar (4000-level or above) in Medieval Studies
Medieval Studies Honor Major (36 credits)
Same requirements as Major in Medieval Studies (see above)
EXCEPT one Intermediate Latin course and one Advanced Latin course are required in lieu of two Medieval electives
PLUS an Honors Thesis for 6 credits
Medieval Studies Supplementary Major (24 credits)
MI 20001, The World of the Middle Ages
Four courses drawn from two or more departments representing a concentration
Two or three elective in Medieval Studies
One advanced seminar (4000-level or above) in Medieval Studies on a space-available basis and in conjunction with the Medieval Studies elective option
Medieval Studies Interdisciplinary Minor (15 credits)
MI 20001, The World of the Middle Ages,
Three or four elective in Medieval Studies drawn from at least two departments
One advanced seminar (4000-level or above) in Medieval Studies on a space-available basis and in conjunction with the Medieval Studies elective option
Students have access to the resources of the
collection and staff of the library that forms the core of the
Medieval Institute, they are also encouraged to participate in
the intellectual life of the Medieval Institute.
Undergraduates in the Institute compete for the Michel Prize,
awarded to an outstanding paper written by an undergraduate on
a medieval topic, and participate in the unique graduation ceremony
sponsored by the Institute.
If you are interested in a major or minor in Medieval Studies,
please contact:
Linda Major
Director of Undergraduate Studies
715-N Hesburgh Library
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Tel: (574) 631-8645
Email: lmajor@nd.edu
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