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Medieval and Early Modern Studies

A minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies furthers our liberal arts mission of shaping students to be informed, active citizens of the world. This interdisciplinary, multi-period minor cultivates students’ deeper understanding of the past, dispelling old myths as they examine the rich diversity of cultures in Europe, northern Africa, Asia, and Latin America from the fifth century to the eighteenth. Given the profound interconnectedness of multiple modes of artistic production and cultural expression across the medieval and early modern worlds, this minor offers a valuable opportunity to further contextualize their studies in majors such as Art History, English, French Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, History, Humanities, Math, Music, Philosophy and Religion, and Theatre.

Medieval and Early Modern Studies Minor Courses Spring 2024


ART 310.  Art & Nature in Medieval and Early Modern Europe  (Tilghman)

TTh 11:30-12:45

Fulfills Fine Arts Distribution
ENG 217/PHL 237. Global Wisdom and Literature (Song & Rydel)

TTh 10:00-11:15

Fulfills Humanities Distribution
ENG 301.  Chaucer (Rydel) TTh 11:30-12:45
PHL 214.  History of Modern Philosophy (Song) TTh 11:30-12:45

Academic Requirements

The minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies would be six courses (24 credits) chosen from the list below. Special topics courses can be approved by the director.

Please note: Many courses which apply toward the minor may have additional prerequisites. Students are encouraged to discuss their program with their academic advisor and the MEMS Minor Director.

  • One course must be a 100-200 level course in the Medieval or Early Modern periods, which will serve as students’ gateway course into the minor. These courses also count for the College’s general education distribution
  • No more than two courses at the 100/200 level total may count towards the minor.
  • Courses must be taken in at least three different departments.
  • At least one course must be in each time period, broadly construed (medieval versus early modern); some courses will contain content for each.
  • Short-term study abroad courses led by faculty affiliated with the Medieval and Early Modern Studies can potentially count towards the minor as well, subject to the approval of the faculty member leading it and the Director of the minor.
  • Applicable courses taken in study abroad programs approved by Washington College may be counted towards the minor at the discretion of the Director of the minor.
  • The MEMS minor places no restrictions on double-counting courses with a student’s major