Medieval and Renaissance Studies - Duke University

Medieval and Renaissance Studies from Duke University is a Campus Bachelor Medieval and Renaissance Studies degree that prepares you for a Science career. Mission Statement Premodern societies and cultures have much to teach the modern world, and the Program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies promotes study of late ancient, medieval, and early modern history, languages, literature, and material culture among the entire undergraduate student body. Our mission is to bring together, from across the University, faculty and students from humanities departments and programs in order to study the premodern world from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives, employing a range of interpretive strategies and methodologies. Students engage in cross-cultural inquiry, and develop the intellectual skills and critical thinking required to understand how the past has shaped us, and how we shape modern perceptions of the past. Students gain a well-rounded understanding of the historical, cultural, and social forces that shaped the Medieval and Renaissance periods; the flexibility of the program ensures that they will develop their own specialized interests. Goals for Undergraduate Education in Medieval and Renaissance Studies Our majors take two required courses, "The Living Middle Ages" and "Aspects of Renaissance Culture." These courses broadly introduce students to medieval and early modern culture, exposing them to sources and theoretical approaches to historical, literary, and art historical materials, with emphasis on the interpretation of written texts, oral traditions, visual culture, and artifacts. In addition, students take eight elective courses distributed across four core study areas (Language and Literature, History, Religion and Philosophy, and Fine Arts). This emphasis on electives leads students to develop and shape a course of study in pursuit of their own special interests. Student Learning Objectives for the Major 1. Students will develop a cross-disciplinary breadth of knowledge by taking our two required, team-taught introductory courses, and by taking further courses in at least three out of four core study areas: (1) fine arts (art and music); (2) history; (3) language and literature (English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, and Spanish); and (4) philosophy and religion. 2. Majors will gain proficiency in writing across disciplines in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, that is, students will demonstrate that they can write in different disciplines and/or combine approaches from different disciplines within one piece of writing. 3. Majors will be able to identify, interpret, and analyze primary and secondary sources relevant to research topics. 4. Majors will apply research skills under faculty direction to produce a coherent written argument supported by their research. 5. Majors will be strongly encouraged to gain first-hand experience of Medieval and Renaissance material culture and sources through any of the following means: (i) Students will be strongly encouraged to attend Study Abroad programs, which enable students to gain first-hand experience of artwork, artifacts, performances, and architecture in European cities and collections. (ii) As part of coursework, students will study materials in Duke University's Special Collections and Nasher Museum of Art, as well as attend musical and dramatic performances. (iii) Students will participate in field trips and other events organized by the student group Universitas Scholarium. This will expose them to works of art, cinematic interpretations of medieval and Renaissance topics, musical and dramatic performances, and historic reenactments. (iv) Students will be strongly encouraged to gain competence in a relevant medieval or modern language. View more details on Duke University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Medieval and Renaissance Studies courses.