Learning Objectives

Students will develop an understanding of the ancient, medieval, and renaissance cultures of Europe (broadly defined), with particular expertise in one of these areas.

Students will work with disciplinary-specific methods of studying the past, and demonstrate their ability to apply such methods in the analysis of evidence (textual, visual, material).

Students will develop an appreciation of inter-disciplinary models for thinking about ancient, medieval and renaissance cultures. They will apply such approaches themselves in their capstone projects.

Students will develop skills in written and oral communication. They should be able to construct a well-structured, analytic essay, use evidence to support their insights, and meet the demands of specific genres. They should use appropriate vocabulary and express themselves clearly.

Students will come to appreciate and be able to articulate how the study of the ancient, medieval and renaissance past enriches human experience, contributing to a person’s ability to understand the world and self in rich ways.

Major Requirements

Students complete the major in one of three tracks: Ancient, Medieval, or Renaissance. Each AMRS major consists of a total of twelve courses: three Foundation courses, six Core courses, and two Elective courses; and AMRS 490 . Foundation and Core courses are listed below. Core courses not taken to satisfy the Core requirement may be taken to satisfy the Electives requirement. Majors may also satisfy the Elective requirement by choosing from upper-level courses (250 and above) listed in any other AMRS track. Independent Studies and Directed Readings are available in appropriate departments. A maximum of four courses taken from any one department may be counted toward completion of any AMRS major.

All majors must complete AMRS 490 - Independent Study , the interdisciplinary capstone project, which is ordinarily undertaken in the senior year. With the assistance of a faculty supervisor, the student should determine the topic of their capstone project and the assessment format, electing either a capstone research paper (minimum fifteen pages) or a capstone examination (covering the student’s list of primary and secondary texts). Depending on the nature of the topic, the supervisor may advise the student to secure the participation of additional faculty members from at least one other department. Under the committee format, the faculty committee will oversee the project and assess the student’s progress. If no committee is established, all oversight and evaluation will be performed by the faculty supervisor.

Majors in Ancient, Medieval & Renaissance Studies who are planning to pursue graduate work are strongly encouraged to take LATI 110   and LATI 111 .

By fulfilling major requirements, Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance majors can satisfy University distribution requirements in Groups I , III , and IV .