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Medieval Studies http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/classics/ Director, 2000-01: Anne H. Groton, Classics Founded by the Department of Classics in 1971, Medieval Studies is one of St. Olaf's oldest interdisciplinary programs. In scope it spans the more than ten centuries between the fall of the Roman Empire and the flowering of the Renaissance. Combining art, history, language, literature, philosophy, and religion, it encourages students to take a broad look at medieval European culture, examining it from multiple perspectives. The Medieval Studies Program has no courses of its own; instead it relies on courses offered by individual departments. Students who major in Medieval Studies choose electives from among the various departmental courses that deal primarily or entirely with the Middle Ages. Many of these courses also satisfy General Education requirements. It is common for St. Olaf students to combine a Medieval Studies major with a major like art history, English, history, music, philosophy, or religion. Even mathematics or natural science majors often complete a second major in Medieval Studies. The major provides a useful background in the humanities for students interested in virtually any career. OVERVIEW OF THE MAJOR The objectives of the major are competence in a medieval language at the intermediate level, broad knowledge about medieval European civilization, and in-depth knowledge of one subject area within the major. Any student interested in a Medieval Studies major should draw up a contract with the program's director. The contract may be changed at any time up to second semester of the senior year. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR Every student majoring in Medieval Studies takes a medieval history course, a medieval literature course, a medieval language course, four electives chosen from various departments, and an independent research. The required courses are History 212 (Medieval History) or a comparable course in medieval history; English 221 (Literatures in English to 1650) or a comparable course in medieval literature; Latin 235 (Medieval Latin); prerequisite: Latin 231 or equivalent. Independent study in a different medieval language may be used as an alternative to Latin provided that the student has completed three semesters (or the equivalent) of modern French (for Old French), German (for Old English, Middle High German, or Old Norse), Norwegian (for Old Norse), or Spanish (for Medieval Spanish). Students choose five electives, one of which must be an independent research, from the following: Art 150, 263, 264, Communication and Theater 270, English 230, 238, 290, 330, 382, 391, 399, French 273, 372, 373, German 350, Great Conversation 116, History 105, 190, 234, Interdisciplinary 250, Music 345, Norwegian 233, 399, Philosophy 235, Religion 241, 246, 392, 396, 399, Independent Study, Independent Research. Interim courses such as Art 269, Classics 130, History 231, Religion 140, 259, 262, and other courses offered occasionally or only once (including courses at Carleton College) may also be used as electives. DISTINCTION To attain distinction in Medieval Studies, a student must demonstrate talent with medieval language and literature, skill in conducting research on a medieval topic, and broad knowledge of medieval European civilization. Specific guidelines are available from the director of Medieval Studies. Medieval Studies majors who wish to pursue distinction should notify the director of the program no later than January 1 of their senior year. |