Medieval and Byzantine Studies - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
This interdisciplinary major is offered through the Center for Medieval and Byzantine Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences.
Students are encouraged to develop a focus on one of the following three major fields of Medieval and Byzantine Studies: History and Social Structures (any aspect of western or non-western medieval history e.g., social, political, institutional, economic, legal, cultural, gender studies, etc.); Thought and Worship (medieval religions, theology, philosophy, or liturgy, also including non-Christian traditions); or Cultural and Artistic Expressions (medieval literatures, languages, art, architecture, music, or material culture). In addition to the two courses in the field as specified by the course distribution requirements, students are encouraged to use their approved elective courses to develop a deeper understanding of their area of interest and to prepare for a senior thesis project. Please note that specializations need not correspond to traditional disciplines (e.g., theology, philosophy, English, etc.). Interdisciplinary and comparative approaches are encouraged.
Language studies in general fall outside the major, as part of the School's foreign language distribution requirement. For MBS majors, the language requirement should preferably be fulfilled by Latin or Greek, but students may, with permission, substitute other languages according to their chosen focus of studies and area of specialization. (Latin is strongly encouraged for students who wish to pursue an emphasis on medieval Europe and the Western tradition; Greek is recommended for those who are primarily interested in Byzantium; Arabic is advised for those focusing on Islamic Studies. Students building a specialization in medieval vernacular languages and literary traditions are advised to take courses in modern languages.) Further studies of relevant languages (i.e., beyond the School's foreign language requirement) can be accommodated under Approved Electives with the advisor's approval.
Core Courses - Take Two
| ENG 351 | Chaucer and His Age I | 3 |
| ENG 352 | Chaucer and His Age II | 3 |
| HIST 235 | Medieval World | 3 |
| HSHU 102 | Charlemagne to Chaucer: Christian Life in the Middle Ages | 3 |
| TRS 220 | Church Through the Ages: Paul to Luther | 3 |
Note: Students may use either ENG 351 or ENG 352 towards the above requirement but not both.
Specialized Courses - Take Nine
MBS compiles a list of approved courses every semester. The list contains both courses offered directly through the Center (labelled MDST) and courses offered by other schools and departments that are relevant for the study of the Middle Ages. Only courses from the approved lists can be considered for MBS credit and students are required to consult their advisors to approve their individual choices.
For a list of current offerings, visit https://arts-sciences.catholic.edu/academics/interdisciplinary/mbs/courses.html
History and Social Structures - Take Two
Two courses (6 credits) in any aspect of western or non-western medieval history (e.g., social, political, institutional, economic, legal, cultural, gender studies, etc.).
Thought and Worship - Take Two
Two courses (6 credits) in medieval religions, theology, philosophy, or liturgy (also including non-Christian traditions).
Cultural and Artistic Expressions - Take Two
Two courses (6 credits) in medieval literatures, languages, art, architecture, music, or material culture.
Elective Courses - Take Three
Three additional courses from the three categories of Specialized Courses listed above. Electives may also include relevant language courses above and beyond the School's foreign language distribution requirement.
Senior Seminar
A 25-30-page scholarly essay (plus bibliography and apparatus) will be submitted in the spring semester of senior year as part of MDST 496.