Medieval and Renaissance Studies (AB)

Program Code: U-MDVL-AB
Degree Designation: Bachelor of Arts
Department: Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program
Website: cmrs.trinity.duke.edu/undergraduate/major-and-minor 

Program Summary

The Program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies is designed to provide the student with a well-rounded understanding of the historical, cultural, and social forces that shaped the medieval and Renaissance periods. The program is divided into four areas of study: fine arts (art and music); history; language and literature (English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, and Spanish); and philosophy and religion.

The major requires ten courses, two requirements and eight elective distribution courses taken in the following four areas of study: history; fine arts (art and music); language and literature (English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, and Spanish); philosophy and religion.

Go to Programs by Department to view all related programs.

Academic Requirements

At least 10 units total to complete the major. At least 34 units total to earn a degree.

• Required Courses (2 units)

  • Participate in the Medieval and Renaissance Focus Program

  • Complete 2 courses that satisfy the Medieval and Renaissance Cultures requirement

• Electives (8 units)

  • Must be distributed across the following four areas of study (Fine Arts, History, Language and Literature, Religion and Philosophy) in either of the following ways:

    • 3-3-2-0, or three courses in two of the four areas of study and two courses in a third area

    • 3-3-1-1, or three courses in two of the four areas of study and one course in each of the other two areas

Graduation with Distinction

Majors are encouraged to pursue honors work in an area of special interest.

Procedure for Selection of Students. The student should apply to the director of undergraduate studies or program coordinator during the junior year and must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the Medieval and Renaissance Studies major. 

Expected Product. A written thesis based on at least one independent study (MEDREN 491, 493) with a Medieval and Renaissance studies faculty member who directs the thesis.

Evaluation Procedure. Evaluation by a committee of three Medieval and Renaissance Studies faculty members appointed by the director of undergraduate studies, one of whom must be the thesis director.

Levels of Distinction. Recommendation from the review committee for distinction, high distinction, and highest distinction based on the quality of the thesis and on performance in the major program.

Special Courses. The Medieval and Renaissance Studies independent study courses (MEDREN 491, 493) may count toward the major. The thesis may be written in conjunction with independent study work in either the junior or senior year.