Medieval Studies at UGA

Medieval Studies Program

Regardless of their major, students of the medieval period have discovered that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to achieve understanding and expertise in their area of study. Through the University of Georgia Medieval Studies Program, undergraduates may establish an interdisciplinary concentration leading to the Certificate in Medieval Studies while completing their degree in one of the established departments. Founded in 1972, Medieval Studies is the first and oldest of UGA's interdisciplinary studies programs. Directed currently by Dr. Jonathan Evans of the Department of English, the program hosts a lecture series twice yearly. Organized each semester by Dr. Elissa Henken, English Department, the lecture series offers faculty and students the opportunity to share their current projects and the fruits of their ongoing research in a collegial, colloquial setting for feedback, discussion, and friendly social interaction.

For undergraduates who wish to specialize in Medieval Studies, the program requires completion of 8 courses in medieval studies. At least three of the 8 courses submitted for the Certificate must be taken outside the candidate's home department. The individual student program is developed in consultation with the student's Major Professor and approved by the Steering Committee of the Medieval Studies Program.

Although not formally required at this time, it is strongly recommended that students in the Program develop proficiency in at least one medieval language (e.g., Old English, Latin, Old Norse, Old French, Middle English, Middle High German, Medieval Welsh), with Latin as an especially important choice for any student who wishes to engage seriously with the linguistic and literary aspects of Medieval culture.

Upon completion of requirements, the student must request certification from the Director. The Steering Committee approves all such requests, which are forwarded to the Dean of the Franklin College.

Courses which may apply towards the undergraduate Certificate are as follows:

• ARHI 4100 Early Medieval Art
• ARHI 4110 Romanesque Art
• ARHI 4120 Gothic Art
• ARHI 4130 Late Gothic Art in Italy
• ARHI 4900 Topics in Ancient and Medieval Art
• CMLT 4110 Medieval European Literature
• ENGL 4060 Old English
• ENGL 4210 Old English Literature
• ENGL 4220 Beowulf
• ENGL 4230 Medieval Literature
• ENGL 4240 Chaucer
• ENGL 4290 Topics in Medieval Literature
• FREN 4050 French Literature and Culture to 1700
• FREN 4080 Studies in French Literature and Culture (when taught by Med. Studies faculty)
• GRMN 3600 Heroic Literature (Honors)
• HIST 2301 History of Western Society to 1500
• HIST 2311 History of Western Society to 1500 (Honors)
• HIST 3332 Wenches, Witches, Damsels and Nuns: Women in Medieval Europe
• HIST 3421 History of Western Science to the Scientific Revolution
• HIST 3330 The Medieval World
• HIST 3601 Premodern Japan: Foundations of Culture and State
• HIST 3661 History of China I: Traditional China
• HIST 3751 War and Society to 1600
• HIST 4250 Institutions of the Medieval West
• HIST 4290 The Medieval Mind
• ITAL 4050 Italian Literature in Context from its Origins to 1400
• ITAL 4120 Topics in Italiam Culture, Language and Literature (when taught by M.S. faculty)
• LATN 4090 Latin of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages
• MUSI 4200 Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance Music
• MUSI 4830 Collegium Musicum
• PHIL 4020 Medieval Philosophy
• RELI 4160 History of Christian Theology (Ancient-Medieval)
• RELI 4303 The Sufi Way
• RELI 4300 Islam and its World
• RELI 4310 Islamic Thought in the Caliphal Age
• SPAN 4040 Spanish Literature and Culture from the Middle Ages through the Baroque
• SPAN 4080 Studies in Spanish Literature and Culture (when taught by Med. Studies faculty)

Other courses with substantial medieval content, if accepted by the Steering Committee, could count towards the Certificate. Students should consult with their advisor and/or with the Director of the Program to initiate a request .

Medieval Studies Faculty
UGA Courses in Medieval Studies
By-laws of the Program
Other Items of Interest

For further details about information on this site, contact:

Jonathan Evans
Park Hall 306 / Department of English
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602

Tel. (706) 542-1261