Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Overview
Medieval and Renaissance studies programs focus on life in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Europe.In this program students learn about medieval and Renaissance culture through the study of art, music, and literature. They also learn how modern civilization emerged from these eras.
Medieval and renaissance studies programs includes topics such as:
- European and Mediterranean history
- Art history
- Foreign language
- Archeology
- Religion
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in medieval and renaissance studies. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in medieval and renaissance studies. More schools offer a minor or concentration at the undergraduate level. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degree programs in medieval and renaissance studies. In many cases, medieval and Renaissance studies is offered as a concentration in other graduate programs and may be in the art history, philosophy, or English department. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Art History
- Central and Eastern European Studies
- English Language and Literature
- History
- Humanities
- Music History
- Public History
- Religious Studies
- Second Language, General
- Social Sciences, General
- Western European Studies
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced English Composition courses
- Advanced Literature courses
- Advanced World History courses
- Philosophy
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Art History
- History of Medieval Europe
- Medieval Culture
- Medieval Philosophy
- Medieval Romance and Epic Literature
- Music of the Middle Ages
- Religions of the Middle Ages
- Renaissance Culture
- Shakespeare's Plays
In addition, students take different courses depending on their interests. Some examples of courses are:
- Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales"
- Composers of the Renaissance
- Dante's "The Inferno"
- Gothic Art
- History of the Crusades
- History of the Protestant Reformation
- Italian Sculpture
- Islamic Religion
- Jews in Medieval Spain and Italy
- Women in Medieval Europe
Graduate Program Courses
Although some schools offer graduate degrees in medieval and Renaissance studies, most offer certificates that you combine with graduate study in another area.
Graduate certificates in medieval and Renaissance studies typically include:
- Required courses
- Completion of a paper about a topic related to medieval and Renaissance studies
Graduate study in medieval and Renaissance studies typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
A degree in medieval and Renaissance studies is a good starting point for further study in art history, English, philosophy, theology, and history.
Schools
No information available.