An Overview of the Medieval Studies Program

The medieval period, ca. 450-1500, was a dynamic period of interaction, mutual influence, and interdependence as well as famous clashes between three great civilizations in the Mediterranean world: Latin Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic caliphates.  Each grew out of Greco-Roman civilization as influenced by local conditions, specific historical circumstances, and new religious developments.  In the West, the central thread from the fading of the Roman Empire to the rise of modern national states in the seventeenth century is the culture of Latinity and a common version of Christianity associated with Rome.  In the East, from the fourth century, development centered on the Eastern Roman or Byzantine empire-- a vast, diverse Greek-speaking Christian civilization which lasted until 1453.  In the south-east a new religion, Islam, arose in Arabia in the seventh century and soon spread along with the Arabic language of its sacred book as far as India, Syria, and Spain, while receiving influences from every country it touched.  

The aim of Medieval Studies is to apply interdisciplinary approaches to the rich history and culture of this long historical period.  Opportunities for studies in this area are intended
1) to make students aware of the great range of disciplines and fields that are involved in the study of the medieval world;
2) to introduce students to the many scholars and specialists in areas of medieval study who are active on the faculty of the UW-Madison;
3) to provide opportunities for students and faculty to pool their interests and knowledge and explore the interrelationships among the medieval disciplines in ways usually not feasible within conventional academic compartmentalization;
4) to give undergraduate students an academic structure of study not available within any one department;
and 5) to help interested undergraduates to develop skills necessary to prepare them for graduate studies in medieval areas.

Courses: The Program's purposes are embodied most obviously in the interdisciplinary courses offered under the auspices of Medieval Studies. Medieval Studies 215, "Life in the Middle Ages," provides a survey of civilization and culture in medieval times, with lectures given by various medievalists on the faculty in the area(s) of their particular specialty. Medieval Studies 550, "Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies in Medieval Culture and Civilization," and 551, "Advanced Studies in Medieval Literature," present closer study on a more advanced level of a specific theme or topic in the medieval area. Other interdisciplinary Medieval Studies courses include 309 "The Medieval Crusade"; 366, "The Religious Community: The Roots of Christian Monasticism"; and 368, "The Bible in the Middle Ages."

The Program also cross-lists a number of specialized courses in particular medieval subject matters that are offered by participating departments, and each semester helps to publicize additional medieval course offerings that are not permanently cross-listed.

Opportunities are provided, finally, for individualized study with one or more faculty members.

Certificate Programs: The Program offers both a regular certificate and an Honors certificate in Medieval Studies. Click on this link for further information about the certificate programs.

It is possible to major in Medieval Studies under the provisions of the Individual Major Program. For further information, contact the current Medieval Studies Chair or the appropriate academic dean in the College of Letters and Science.